Sorry to once again interrupt Willy week, but I am totally stoked… (that’s Californian for very excited)…
I told you I am taking a writers workshop, just to get some ideas for getting my sci-fi novel published. One of the things we do is read some of our work in class every week When I read or speak in public, I tend to pace and be very animated. I also laugh when I read parts of my novel, even though I have read it all a lot of times, because it is that funny… just sayin’…
The first week, I read chapter 3 to the class. When I was done, the teacher paused for a moment, and then said, “You are sort of crazy, aren’t you?”
Now some people might take that the wrong way. But not me. That is exactly the response I am going for. I am going to put that as a quote on the back cover of the novel.
This week I read another chapter, and the teacher said, “You might be a genius… I like the way your mind works.” Okay, not as good as crazy, but still a nice thing to say. And the class loves it.
But that isn’t what has me so ecstatic.
Jessica, my older daughter, is going to read my novel. I know she has promised to before, and has started, like when I began posting it on the blog, but she is busy and… whatever.
My teacher told me the best way to get your work proofread is to use a college student. Because they work cheap and still know all the grammar rules. And Jessica just graduated college as you recall.
So she said she would read it. Because I put it forth as a business proposition. She is going to charge me 10% of all profits from the book. But she is going to read it.
Things are looking up.
Pouring My Art Out 
I really can’t wait to see your book published – your attitude, humour and determination are all very inspiring, I really can see you getting a traditional deal if anybody has any sense at all. I’m about to embark on the journey of writing a novel too, if I can get the synopsis decided upon at some point this week. Isn’t it amazing how terrifying yet somehow comforting it all is, knowing you’re working towards something great? Sounds like you’re on to a really good idea there with your daughter, might as well keep it in the family!
Thank you. And she held out for 10 percent. I didn’t raise no fools.
You could have fooled me! Just kidding 🙂 – you’re not going to miss 10 percent, it’s only like a finger or a toe, you’ve got nine of ’em left, that is still plenty!
I will be like Frodo.
Indeed – don’t forget to wear the waistcoat too then you can moonlight as a snooker champion. Not enough people wear waistcoats in my opinion, it should be the law. One waistcoat to rule them all!
I wore one of those when I was a teenager, without a shirt under it. Does that count?
It does, although if you had been female you would have scored maximum bonus points and earned the right to send me your picture, phone number and a suitable neutral location where we could discuss the matter further.
Always the bridesmaid, never the bride… sigh…
That would suit me fine, whilst all eyes are on the bride that leaves me free to hunt out the best sandwiches. Every cloud has a silver lining, usually the tin foil around a nice gammon and mustard jobber, now that’s good eating.
You crack me up.
that teacher’s no fool is she….and the people in that class will still be asked in decades to come, “oh pappy, tell us again the story of when you heard president browne read from his first novel!”
Not a job I want, but Rufus doesn’t want to be an admiral in charge of the combined allied fleet protecting the universe from an invasion from another dimension either…
it’s the ones that want that job who should be automatically banned from ever having it…..and i’ve really missed your novel; i must get back there soon
I always say that politicians shouldn’t be allowed to run for office.
they should only be allowed to run for the bus
Or from angry mobs.
it’s all about the chase sometimes
Or not getting caught.
oh i definitely want the politicians to get caught
And tarred and feathered?
of course, and lynched and pinned
Drawn and quartered?
and jack and dannied
Most writers suck so having the teacher pay you any positive attention is a great thing. You certainly have a very original idea with the book and it means a lot to you which I would say 50% of people who want to write can’t say is true. Keep working at it and polish it up the best you can.
10% of the profits to do proofreading? She’ll be laughing in your face when you’re handing her over $10 million dollar checks.
True, but I would rather have 90% of something than 100% of nothing. I might get free tech advice, and marketing. Maybe I will make her wear a cardboard picture of the book cover when she goes out.
Good one Dad! Yeh and keep the profits in the family…you crazy genius!
Sweet! Do we get to hear her opinion on your blog?
Not if she doesn’t like it…
She negotiates a mean rate.
I hope to get free technical computer advice, help with marketing, and time with her, but yes she does.
10% is cheap if you are getting all that. Hope it ends up making you both very wealthy…but you’d better find some way to cut Miss Moll in for 10% too just to keep things on on even steven keel.
Mollie is young enough that she gets way more than 10% of anything I make.
Awesome! I wrote a short subject screen play for a contest a few years ago, and had my kids read it. My youngest printed a copy for all of his friends, and they read it too! It’s a great feeling to have the younger set think you’re cool. Congrats and if I were you, I’d gladly cough up the 10 percent. For what it’s worth, I think you’re crazy AND a genius.
Your opinion of my mental state means a lot to me…
I know what you mean. Our story wrangler friend Michelle just called me “more than a little insane” to all of her Twitter followers. I hope that’s a good thing. All I did was send her an idea for a daily prompt challenge. ??????
It is all in your perspective.. and wether or not the person saying it has a doctorate is psychlogy… I guess.
Ooooh…..I don’t know if she does, but I usually take “insane” in any context as a compliment.
That is a good atitude.
I’m so bored. What’s the fun # game today? I haven’t seen one yet.
Start one. Right after you look at the freaky new pictures of Willy.
There’s more? I already saw 19 and 20. Start one…..hmmmmm okay.
There will be a few more today… it’s his last day…
i never said you could cut in…
I want to dance with your husband… don’t be rude.
say what?
Oh I think you heard me…
dance?
Yeah… nothing wierd…
no…not weird at all…
That’s what I said.
sarcasim
organism.