Finished the final draft, sent out the files, and ordered copies of the hardcover and paperback. Release date is set for May 25, aka #GeekPrideDay (appropriate for a #superhero#novel launch, I think). The pre-order links to pretty much every major retailer are up and linked on my site, https://JeffreyHarlan.com
Now to play my favorite video games for the first time in 3 months.
There's this thing some writers like to say. It goes something like this:
"A true writer will write no matter what, whether or not they're making money, whether or not anyone is reading them. The test for whether you're a writer is: if you can stop writing, you're not a writer."
This is utter and complete bullshit.
A poet said this at a workshop for young writers when I was a teenager. He was leading the workshop. (He got exposed as a plagiarist later but that's another story).
I trusted him and took it as the literal truth, and it discouraged me so thoroughly that I stopped writing.
It took me to my mid thirties to realise that you should not listen to writing advice by anyone who uses the phrase "a real writer".
Since I started writing again I've written 10 books and writing has been one of the central joys of my life.
Any writing advice that makes you want to stop writing is bad advice for you
Short story collections. Strong theme, or just the best stories? Can a collection include nightmares and light-hearted stuff? (An experienced author says a good collection does not vary wildly in tone. But my stuff does).
what do you think as a reader, and what do you do yourself?
Been awhile, but I guess I could do a #3GoodThings today.
Unravelled a knot that had me stuck in a chapter of #Rosemirror
Listening to The National all morning while working on my Oral Literacy lecture.
Enjoying teaching (and in so doing learning more )about Literacy. Fascinating field, many intersections with my focus in Popular Culture, Literature and Philosophy.
I like to keep my stories grounded in real life….for the most part. My books can be considered “plausible reality.” The stories are certainly fiction, but I hope you as a reader can go “hmph, yea I could see that happening.” #writingcommunity#writinglife#author#authorsofmastodon@bookstodon#amwriting
Give me your poor, your tired, your book quotes yearning to be free... February 29th edition 😁
I'd prefer quotes from your own work, but it can be from any author or book you'd like to share...
Here's my example:
“Philosophers can be both imaginative in their ignorance and ignorant of their ability to imagine.”
-Attercap Skvosip, survivor
From The Last Philosopher
I rejoined Codex Writer's Group and didn't realise how much I'd missed about being a Codexian
I can't get over the offer to contribute to a potential special issue at one of my top 5 bucket list journals. I feel a bit weird saying this because I know it might all just fall flat; I've been disappointed before. But I'm hoping for the best. It was a good reminder of why I'm in academia, so I will be content with that.