tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015329098122035196.post7403986587787407932..comments2023-09-30T10:31:07.390-04:00Comments on Short Fiction. Write it. Sell it. : Appearing in issue #6, February 9, 2015Jody E. Lebelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08777207515123248962noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015329098122035196.post-3783213408500174162015-03-02T14:45:40.124-05:002015-03-02T14:45:40.124-05:00@ Anony
RE: her eyesight.
This was in the cap...@ Anony <br /><br />RE: her eyesight. <br /><br />This was in the capsulated version above... maybe you missed it:<br /><br />"Isabelle squinted and walked closer, asking, “Which one is it?” Jody E. Lebelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08777207515123248962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015329098122035196.post-58474843705046897132015-03-02T12:42:52.067-05:002015-03-02T12:42:52.067-05:00I only read the story here, so I didn't know a...I only read the story here, so I didn't know about her poor eyesight. My only clue was that she described the man's face despite only seeing the back of him.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015329098122035196.post-12534238873611365512015-02-17T20:05:57.285-05:002015-02-17T20:05:57.285-05:00@ Mary Ann. I'm smiling too. Good discussion....@ Mary Ann. I'm smiling too. Good discussion. Jody E. Lebelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08777207515123248962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015329098122035196.post-42166751968937566812015-02-17T19:55:22.006-05:002015-02-17T19:55:22.006-05:00@ Julia. I'm done. Carry on. :)@ Julia. I'm done. Carry on. :)Jody E. Lebelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08777207515123248962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015329098122035196.post-27986161706548934362015-02-17T19:32:26.434-05:002015-02-17T19:32:26.434-05:00I really didn't mean to come across as angry. ...I really didn't mean to come across as angry. :) See, i'm smiling. So sorry about that. I don't even know Ryan. But I think we all need to show some goodwill toward other writers trying to make it. Criticize their work, give them advice, tell them where they might have gone wrong with the police work part, but jeez, let's leave his size and his job or whatever dreams he might have about writing alone. Like I said, Karma. I mean this for us all. It was a good "debate." Now, Peace, Jody. :)Mary Annnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015329098122035196.post-39590147079263703382015-02-17T19:10:55.079-05:002015-02-17T19:10:55.079-05:00Jody - you're "a tad" sarcastic &quo...Jody - you're "a tad" sarcastic "at times" the same way Paris Hilton is a "tad" self-promoting.<br /><br />Ladies, are we done here? Can we get on with other things now? I've got a science fair to go to and a grandson's home-made water purifier to pretend I can understand . . . Julianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015329098122035196.post-69018907679122440672015-02-17T19:06:07.152-05:002015-02-17T19:06:07.152-05:00Mary Ann - Your sensitivity to the feelings of oth...Mary Ann - Your sensitivity to the feelings of others is a special gift you bring to this blog. I bet you bring it to all the other activities in your life too. As I said above, I believe that Ryan's energy and ambition will take him far; it's gonna be fun to watch him develop his career. (I'm one of those "motherly" types, can't help it.) It's hard to communicate without being face-to-face and hearing each other's voices. I didn't think Jody was being a bully, but you obviously did. And you said you weren't angry, but I thought you were. We need SKYPE!Julianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015329098122035196.post-88973522214028142432015-02-17T18:56:30.678-05:002015-02-17T18:56:30.678-05:00@ Julia.
"--tad sarcastic (as Jody, I admi...@ Julia. <br /><br />"--tad sarcastic (as Jody, I admit) can be."<br /><br />A tad? hmmmmph. I'll have to work on that. <br /><br />:)Jody E. Lebelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08777207515123248962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015329098122035196.post-80724556859901017912015-02-17T18:53:25.263-05:002015-02-17T18:53:25.263-05:00@ Chris. You're so diplomatic and kind I thi...@ Chris. You're so diplomatic and kind I think you should run for office. I'm serious. You're the voice of calm in a plane dropping alarmingly fast.<br /><br />You and I have a different picture of what gushing is. Kate is sweet and kind and nice and hates to write bad things about the stories because she knows it's somebody's baby and she doesn't want to hurt anybody's feelings. I'd like to put her up for sainthood. I took her classes. She got me started writing for WW. I sold because of her. But reading cutesy, kind, adorable comments makes me want to nod off. I'll be no one has ever dozed off reading my blog. It's more like they want to stab somebody after. :) (Note smiley face.)Jody E. Lebelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08777207515123248962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015329098122035196.post-38095968606486676552015-02-17T18:42:47.332-05:002015-02-17T18:42:47.332-05:00@ Mary Ann. I think we've beat this dead hors...@ Mary Ann. I think we've beat this dead horse enough. I see your point. I understand why you think that way. I don't see it as bullying. It's my sense of humor. I wrote it with smiley faces. I agree that we disagree. <br /><br />I think we've covered it. I know I'm done. <br /><br />You say you're not all fired up but once again you're coming right at me with a direct hit. "And you are doing a bit of back-pedaling here, too, or throwing some of the others here under the bus, mentioning how someone called him a "would be writer". That "someone" was the critic from the theater who was doing the review for his detective tap dance routine. She called him some other things too that weren't all that sweet. I just focused on her comment on the writing aspect as that's what this discussion was supposed to be about until it got lost in the woods. <br /><br />How about we put this to bed? It's getting old now. Jody E. Lebelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08777207515123248962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015329098122035196.post-89189364109858879642015-02-17T18:36:34.979-05:002015-02-17T18:36:34.979-05:00Chris-Our kind British friend. Once again, you hav...Chris-Our kind British friend. Once again, you have weighed in with admirable good will and restraint. Thank you for that. Julianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015329098122035196.post-86686455674605810702015-02-17T18:34:42.578-05:002015-02-17T18:34:42.578-05:00Dear Anonymous,
You asked why I would hire Jody to...Dear Anonymous,<br />You asked why I would hire Jody to help me work on a mystery I wanted to submit and you pointed out that she has not yet sold a mystery to WW. I know she hasn't. But I don't think the reason she hasn't made a sale yet is because of her expertise in police procedure, and, since I lack that myself, that is precisely what I'd be wanting to get from her. I don't think I'd take "kindly" to other sorts of advice, but, as I told Mary Ann, I have to admit that, the harsher the words I got from my editors in the past, the better my writing became. And if I were hoping to earn my bread and butter by writing fiction, I'd want all the advice I could get, even if it was a tad sarcastic (as Jody, I admit) can be. Julianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015329098122035196.post-67656099278735581512015-02-17T17:34:10.240-05:002015-02-17T17:34:10.240-05:00The purpose of critiques is to highlight areas of ...The purpose of critiques is to highlight areas of a story (yes, even an already published one) that might benefit from a bit more work. Whether it's ease of reading, clarity, characterisation, etc., we can still learn from mistakes and hopefully make the next one even better. When Jody highlights errors in police procedure, or a legal point, it's because she knows her stuff, can't argue with that. That said, I think the criticism often ignores the fact that WW's m-m's aren't meant to mirror real-life crimes. They're light, five minute distractions from the reader's busy day. I've said so often, albeit in a tongue-in-cheek way, but I do see why she does it. It's the main purpose of this blog, after all, and her area of expertise.<br /><br />Personally, I'm not a fan of sarcasm, which I think can be mean and hurtful, even when it's not meant to be. That's one of the problems of the written, rather than the spoken, word. You can't see the expression that softens the comment and it's a matter of interpretation as to how it's taken. <br /><br />What I'm very much NOT a fan of is personal attack. We don't know the authors of these stories, and I'll often Google a name out of interest to see what comes up. More often than not there's very little background but on this occasion the writer's website was full of interesting detail, some of which I shared with the group. So, yes, I was uncomfortable seeing such positive achievements given that rather negative slant. It jarred. People do all sorts of different things, it's what makes life interesting. Write, dance, play the piano, paint, fly planes - do whatever the hell you want to. There are no limits.<br /><br />Kate's blog is very different to yours, Jody, but not 'gushing'. She gets her point across in a gentler way, it's true, but she is just as honest about what works for her and what doesn't. I've found her dissections of the progress of a story, its rises and falls and the devices used to move it along, very insightful and an excellent way of analysing why it worked. Or didn't.<br /><br />You both provide a valuable service and long may you do so. Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015329098122035196.post-13076161388329846552015-02-17T17:26:55.465-05:002015-02-17T17:26:55.465-05:00And you are doing a bit of back-pedaling here, too...And you are doing a bit of back-pedaling here, too, or throwing some of the others here under the bus, mentioning how someone called him a "would be writer", but wasn't it you who said: <br /><br /> "Well, I hope he's got this writing career thing out of his system and he moves on to other things." <br /><br />I know it was just kidding around. You ARE funny, a lot of the time. But I truly felt a sort of bad karma started up on here. We're all trying to improve our writing, using the tools we see necessary, the time we commit to it, the help we get from writing partners, etc. Let's just remember that a person is attached to the stories. You don't have to like all of them and can rip them apart how you see fit, but with your own blog you should realize it's the "story" we're after.Mary Annnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015329098122035196.post-34364526154669220232015-02-17T16:57:15.690-05:002015-02-17T16:57:15.690-05:00@Jody, See my above comment where I mention that a...@Jody, See my above comment where I mention that anyone can use help and a critique group or an editor? I knew that you'd mention the fact that people who edit don't always write, etc. and that you could help someone with police procedure, etc. I agree with that. However, you must admit you became a bit of a bully when you talked about things not related to his story. Attack the story, not the person. And I still think he has one up on many writers still trying to get into WW. Good for him. That's all. I'm not angry, just didn't like the way the conversations turned after awhile.Mary Annnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015329098122035196.post-70762733385215017152015-02-17T16:15:10.852-05:002015-02-17T16:15:10.852-05:00@ Mary Ann. RE: "why would Ryan hire Jody?&...@ Mary Ann. RE: "why would Ryan hire Jody?"<br /><br />Do you think all editors are published themselves? Do you think all agents are published? Or maybe they just know the how of things, and the right way to present, and the right people. A new writer needs lots of help and advice. I don't think Stephen King is giving any out this year. <br /><br />My accountant was audited by the IRS. Should I not use him anymore? <br /><br />The lady that cleans my house has a really messy house herself. Doesn't mean she doesn't know what to do. <br /><br />You hire people to help you hone your craft and better your writing. He admitted that he knows nothing... let me repeat that... NOTHING about police work. If he wanted to write more accurate detective dance numbers, or cop stories, why wouldn't he hire me? Jody E. Lebelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08777207515123248962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015329098122035196.post-8076989776044193092015-02-17T16:05:43.326-05:002015-02-17T16:05:43.326-05:00@ Anony. I may not be a police officer, but I can...@ Anony. I may not be a police officer, but I can tell you how they act and think and work. I may not be a doctor, but I can tell you how to deliver a baby. I may not be a student, but I can tell you how to study and outline a chapter. Don't write me off as useless because I've only sold romances to WW and have yet to get a mystery contract. It will happen. I know the 'how'. It's just a matter of tickling Johnene's fancy. The publishing industry is a fickle bi*ch. One day she loves silliness. One day she wants it hard. Just my luck to show up on the day she wants it light with a serious story. Other magazines have bought my mysteries. I've sold two of them to anthologies. So ease up. <br /><br />As far as me going too far... see comments above. I wasn't trying to prove anything in particular of a personal nature. I was commenting on his lack of ability to stick with one project or career. I'm not the first critic to point that out. Someone even called him a 'would-be' writer which I don't think they can say anymore now that he's got WW under his belt. He's young. He's dabbling. This is the age to do that. He'll find his passion. But right now he's all over the map. When you put yourself out in the public eye, you must be prepared to take some hard looks at you, your work, your life, and your ideas. I think he took the criticism like a man. He's got class. That a few of you are offended for him, means you have hearts. Melts my icy heart a bit. But only a little. There's another story due for Friday's blog post. Jody E. Lebelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08777207515123248962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015329098122035196.post-43720564045920472422015-02-17T15:40:58.377-05:002015-02-17T15:40:58.377-05:00@ Julia. Thanks for chiming in, but I understand ...@ Julia. Thanks for chiming in, but I understand that Mary Ann thinks I got too personal. She spoke up when she perceived a bit of what she thought was bully-like behavior. You gotta respect that. It doesn't change my review, but the exchange of ideals was interesting. I don't hold any grudges for anyone who doesn't agree with me. In fact, I like to be challenged once in a while. Keeps my knife edge sharp. :) <br /><br />I swear, I need to invent a sarcasm font. Jody E. Lebelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08777207515123248962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015329098122035196.post-77294692137789009582015-02-17T15:40:44.552-05:002015-02-17T15:40:44.552-05:00@Julia, why do you think Jody can help you do some...@Julia, why do you think Jody can help you do something she hasn't managed to do herself? And I have to agree with Mary Ann, this so-called "critique" got way too personal and mean-spirited. Where's the humor? What's the point? Book and movie reviewers are helping consumers make choices about what to buy, but this blog "reviews" a product that's no longer for sale. The story may be good or bad, which is a very subjective thing, but the author doesn't need a critique.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015329098122035196.post-38817744600819824922015-02-17T15:35:08.792-05:002015-02-17T15:35:08.792-05:00Mary Ann... let me correct something. I've sol...Mary Ann... let me correct something. I've sold two romance stories to WW. I've yet to hit on a mystery. Though God knows why cuz they're freakin' brilliant. hahaha Jody E. Lebelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08777207515123248962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015329098122035196.post-80947273321180268922015-02-17T15:33:29.035-05:002015-02-17T15:33:29.035-05:00@ Mary Ann. A couple of people on here looked him...@ Mary Ann. A couple of people on here looked him up and posted about all the other stuff he does, and that prompted more comments from me. You think I crossed the line? Okay, fair enough. We all have our limits. I welcome your comments (about me, the blog, and the stories on here) any time, no matter what the tone. Debate is good and lessons can be learned from the reactions and comments of others. Ryan is very young, talented, ambitious, and has lots of energy. We'll be seeing his name again in some artistic arena somewhere. Jody E. Lebelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08777207515123248962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015329098122035196.post-42242529332664421902015-02-17T15:30:50.563-05:002015-02-17T15:30:50.563-05:00@Jody - I read your blog all the time and I usuall...@Jody - I read your blog all the time and I usually like your sense of humor. I am quite similar probably. But, like I said, I think this time it was a little off. Not really about the "writing" after awhile.<br /> And sorry if I got the information wrong. I thought you never sold a mini-mystery to WW. Sorry about that.Mary Annnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015329098122035196.post-51166879945929179572015-02-17T15:16:46.102-05:002015-02-17T15:16:46.102-05:00@Julia Train wrecks can be really interesting. I&#...@Julia Train wrecks can be really interesting. I'm not saying that. I've been reading this blog for awhile. It's just that the blog seemed to go "off the tracks" a bit when the review of the writer's words turned into a review of his life. You think we needed to hear how this guy jumps around from job to job? How he's "7 feet tall." What does that have to do with his story? I say, critique the story, not the person. And also, really, why would Ryan hire Jody, when he's had a story picked to be published and she hasn't? I'm not saying she can't help him, but would you pay someone to help you if you did something they're still trying to accomplish? Everyone can use help, from reviewers, a writer's circle, an editor, an expert in the field. But c'mon,he did something the editors at WW already liked. Of course, he will get better with practice. Just like I did when Kate gave my first story a blah review. It was an okay story, but looking back, I tried again and again and I think I got better at writing what WW was looking for, and my reviews did get better. But if she said something like, "it was the work of a midget with bad hair who shouldn't write anymore," (because she checked me out on a site or something) I don't think I'd respect that.Mary Annnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015329098122035196.post-46633799237090445022015-02-17T15:05:46.105-05:002015-02-17T15:05:46.105-05:00@ Mary Ann. Well, girl, I can't control how y...@ Mary Ann. Well, girl, I can't control how you interpret things. I poke fun at everyone. And when it gets done to me, I take it right back. Not everyone can handle it, I know. I do have a sharp tongue and I am sarcastic, but just for the record I did make the team... twice. I don't hold back on a poorly written story because the author is new or young or sensitive. Don't want bad reviews? Write a good story that can't be torn apart. <br /><br />You said you can take hits... well, maybe he can also. He has been on some very competitive dance shows. His response on this blog didn't sound to me like he was wounded. He admitted to not doing any research. One of the reviewers for his tap dance detective show said the same thing, that the cops were off. Maybe he'll put more realism in his next work because of this. Or -- maybe not since WW likes the foolishness of these types of stories. <br /><br />The only thing I take exception to is your challenge for others to chime in and agree with you unless they're afraid I'll be vindictive and skewer them. Not my style. A good story is a good story is a good story. Period. Ask Herschel Cozine. I hated one of this stories and loved one. And he gave me tons of shit, argued vehemently with me, and called me names. I still gave him 5 stars when his story merited it. If anything, I'm a bit less snarky with people I know. Jody E. Lebelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08777207515123248962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5015329098122035196.post-33082226571258164592015-02-17T14:57:06.827-05:002015-02-17T14:57:06.827-05:00Dear Mary Ann,
I am retired but wrote non-fiction ...Dear Mary Ann,<br />I am retired but wrote non-fiction for a living for a long time and I can honestly say that, the tougher the editor was, the better my writing became. Recently, I have sent in a couple of mystery stories to WW and have not heard back yet. I'm torn between really wanting to sell them and fear of reading what Jody will say about them. I like her blog and I think I'd like her if I met her. Being over 70, retired, busy with family and living on a limited income, I am not hiring Jody to pre-review my work. I can't afford it for one thing, and, for another, I write fiction for mental exercise and fun. But if I were younger and just starting out (like Ryan) I believe I would hire Jody. I think it would be a wise investment. She is sharp and doesn't waste words. BTW, I stopped reading kate's blog a while back because, although she sounds like a darling person, she is really a bit too nice to be helpful. She does not elucidate. Jody does. I don't think she's a "mean girl." Just honest and direct and businesslike. Another BTW - What train wreck are you talking about? This blog is interesting, informative and educational. Nobody got wrecked.Julianoreply@blogger.com