I had an intriguing suggestion from a reader.
His proposal was that since I don't publish any fiction on the weekend, that I offer to post guest authors in that time-slot.
He also submit a story.
What do you, the readers, think?
It is dystopian fiction in a post-Ebola world. He would retain the copyright to the material.
The fly-in-the-ointment is that I HATE editing. So what shows up in the email is pretty much what you are going to see on the page.
Newly hatched chicks are delicate. New writers are figuring out how to juggle a lot of balls at the same time.
If I post the stories, will you focus on the ideas the authors are presenting?
There is a steep learning curve in the first few stories an author writes. Characters need to find their sea-legs, the universe needs to be sketched out. The balance between dialog and narrative can be tough.
The technical issues tend to sort themselves out if the author keeps writing. They don't sort themselves out if the author is buried beneath a mountain of well-meaning criticism.
Fresh meat! I'll play nice. Promise.
ReplyDeleteShow us what they've got.
I like the idea. I don't think anyone here would be too critical of a new author's first efforts. Any criticism would be constructive in nature, with a generous helping of encouragement. Right, guys?
ReplyDeleteOne of the things that makes your own fiction so entertaining, Joe, is that you obviously know a lot about the subjects of which you write. I would encourage your new writer to do likewise - incorporate things into his writing that he knows a lot about.
Sounds intriguing. I'd like to see you give it a try at least.
ReplyDeleteOK. I understand where you are coming from, I will try to keep on open mind, and offer positive comments.
ReplyDeleteI like it the way it is now. When you make a great pizza adding more toppings doesn't always make it better. But having a short story blog for other aspiring writers to submit stories to would be an interesting idea for you to have.---ken
ReplyDeleteBring it, it will make a good blog better.
ReplyDeleteI know that I was the guilty party. Sorry. After I saw the sudden apparent sex change of Boll, I was genuinely confused hence the question. Sorry. I will control myself in the future.BTW, I am starting Seven Cows today. Cheers !
ReplyDeleteI'm a contrarian on this. Unless you want this to become a group blog, it's a representation of you-your thoughts and views. If this person wants to publish their story, let them get their own blog (heck, it's free) and do it there. If it's good, link to it.
ReplyDeleteI still work full time, so am pretty stingy with how long I spend on reading new stuff. If the new writer is able to capture my imagination so that I enter the simulation it will work. Joe your story telling is just like you are there describing what interests me, hence I always look forward to tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteI'm interested in seeing what the other authors come up with.
ReplyDeleteI'm open to whoever you are willing to have on your blog.
ReplyDeleteTend to agree with The Freeholder above ... however, a work around might be for you to link to those short stories & efforts that you feel are worthwhile?
ReplyDeleteShort story fiction is my favorite. Joe nearly every installment of yours could be read as a stand alone story. Adding in familiar characters only makes it better. Pleased that you would allow another story to develop here. Thanks
ReplyDeleteI promise not to draw blood.
ReplyDelete