writing

Post by **mccutcheon** » Sat Dec 21, 2002 5:28 pm

Writing not only requires talent but is also work, which is why celebrities are never caught doing it.-Greg Easterbrook

Myke115 · Post by **Myke115** » Sun Jan 12, 2003 2:59 pm

From the literary companion called "Rotten Rejections", here's some rejections that some famous authors once got ...

... 'I think it is only a matter of time before you reach out into more substantial efforts that will be capable of making some real money as books' -- for James Cain's submitted manuscript "The Postman Always Rings Twice"

... 'Good God, I can't publish this. We'd both be in jail.'
... 'If the book had a plot and structure, we might suggest shortening and revisons but it is so diffuse that I don't think this would be any use. My chief objection is that you don't have any story to tell' -- for William Faulkner's "Sanctuary" & "Sartoris"

... 'It does not seem to us that you have been wholly successful in working out an admittedly promising idea' -- for William Golding's "Lord of the Flies"

... 'It is offensive to broadminded people who do not believe that it is wise to criticize any one denomination or religious belief.' -- for Zane Grey's "Riders of the Purple Sage"

... 'It would be extremely rotten taste, to say nothing of being horribly curel, should we want to publish it.' -- for Ernest Hemingway's "The Torrents of Spring"

... 'I'm sorry, Mr. Kipling, but you just don't know how to use the English language.' -- to Rudyard Kipling

... 'This will set publishing back 25 years.' -- for Norman Mailer's "The Deer Park"

... 'All other considerations which this book presents are subsidiary to the problem posed by the profanity and obscenity of its dialogue. In my opinion it is barely publishable." -- for Norman Mailer's "The Naked and the Dead"

... 'It is impossible to sell animal stories in the USA.' -- for George Orwell's "Animal Farm"

... 'Sensational is a mild term for the book and the improbabilities are so glaring that even a boy reader would balk at them. It is fit only for the wastebasket.' -- for Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle"

See ... critics often don't know what the hell they're talking about .. myke

Post by **mccutcheon** » Sun Jan 12, 2003 3:35 pm

not only critics but publishers as well. i mean it's tough, they have to always look out for the next new sensation while wading through lots of shit. they hide behind fear with stren bitter faces. it's like a blind taste test- given a nice bottle of bordeaux or some california rot gut most of these people couldn't tell the difference. I once posted a harsh rejection letter I got from nerve.com, the lady got so pissed off at me for doing it she cut off all contact and my chances of getting in there.

Myke115 · Post by **Myke115** » Sun Jan 12, 2003 4:16 pm

Isn't that the Catch 22 with writers? On the one hand, you want to get your stuff published ... so sometimes you'd think a bit of ass kissing might come in handy. On the other .. you are dealing with just the sort of people you mentioned. You blast them, you blast yourself. Its way big business. I always thought I'd be published by now .. the 'great american novel' so to speak. It just amazes me how the business of money in publishing can turn a promising young writer into an almost hack. For instance, John Grisham's first novel "A Time to Kill" and Stuart Wood's first "Chiefs" are great works. Now they churn out a novel every 6 months to a year and they're near drivel.

BTW mc cutheon ... aren't you up early out west?? Hey, here's a question. You ever been to the Florida Keys? I've just gotten a nice job offer there and am debating between it and another that would be out of Arizona.

Post by **Sloth** » Sun Jan 12, 2003 5:47 pm

Hemmingway lived in the Keys. I visited his house. It's fucking gorgeous down there if you like white sandy beaches and 80 degree year round sunshine.

Myke115 · Post by **Myke115** » Sun Jan 12, 2003 6:16 pm

Sounds like it's for me then ... as I hate cold, rainy weather. The PaxAcidus crowd is more than welcome to come visit if I get all moved down there. I'd be working out of Marathon in between Key Largo & Key West.

MissGuydid · Post by **MissGuydid** » Sun Jan 12, 2003 9:32 pm

never been to the keys but, if whatever this former floridian has to say amounts to anything...
2 words: humidity & humidity

oh. and hurricanes. but those can be fun.

~michelle

Post by **mccutcheon** » Mon Jan 13, 2003 3:27 pm

Myke, why don't you submit something for End Cunt. That way Rabbit can get this party started.

Myke115 · Post by **Myke115** » Mon Jan 13, 2003 6:03 pm

mc ... you'll have to give me the run down on the end cunt. Is it just a free posting of writing area or what? My semi-newbie status has left me a little devoid of knowledge in respect to the glorious end cunt.

Hey .. got the job offer today and think I'll accept it. They want me to start the first of Feb. I hope I can focus on work being so near the ocean in every direction ...

rabbit · Post by **rabbit** » Mon Jan 13, 2003 9:05 pm

End Cunt is a collection of stories from everyone here @ the Pax BB. It is pretty much open to whatever you want to right about. No real rules, just write.

Post by **mccutcheon** » Tue Jan 14, 2003 12:00 am

it's gonna be a book. Rabbit's daddy is big in Texas oli and he is gonna pay for it to get published so his son won't be a loser , and then mr. money bags is gonna throw a wild party after- and pay all our air fares. go End Cunt.

tashasimone · Post by **tashasimone** » Tue Jan 21, 2003 7:17 pm

wow, I am excited for you guys, sounds like a wonderful opportunity. good Luck!

Post by **mccutcheon** » Tue Jan 21, 2003 7:40 pm

and why don't you submit something. you never sent me any writing. how about you send me the pictures from last weekend?

Brett · Post by **Brett** » Wed Jan 22, 2003 8:06 am

I have to agree with Mc on this one.

tashasimone · Post by **tashasimone** » Thu Jan 23, 2003 9:05 pm

i am so so sorry, i never did send you anything! Well, i knwo this sounds like an excuse but ive been super busy- i promise as soon as i get my head out of my ass ill be on it, and where would i send the pictures to anyways? I would be thrilled if you used my story in End Cunt, and will get my shit together, i promise, just a little more patience, dont give up on me yet!