The version with repeats reminds me of modern YA literature (I write in this category, or I should say that's what the business of publishing says I need to market myself as....) I suppose repeats reads to me as immature thought processes. It sounds like there should be a lot of "likes" inserted into this repeat version, imitating teens from California LOL
Thanks, Renee. you mean as in "I was like OMG I've just banged my head", and Elaine was like "OMG you'd better go to hospital" and I was like "No, I'm fine", and she was like... etc? LOL I hadn't thought of the repetition one like that, but now I can see the similarities :-)
Two other things:
1. Where is your YA writing?
2. Thank you so much for your 'blurb'. I only noticed it for the first time a few days ago. Really kind of you.
Yes! LOL The repetition immediately made my inner voice read it just like you wrote above, like OMG it like really did.
My YA writing is in the form of two novels, one of which is being edited to the best of my ability. I've written the query (about 150 times!) and believe I've finally gotten it "right". And the stupid, like OMG stupid, hideous, like awful synopsis is now complete.
I just wrote a fable for my substack. I painted a watercolor to accompany it. The reason I'm telling you is because I applied word limit, inspired by you. I failed...went over, but not by too many words. It's still under 850, which is good for me. You are correct about boundaries in writing as it forces clarity of vision. It's like the laser eyes of an osprey.
Your most welcome about the blurb. I love Substack, but with all the new features I'm feeling overwhelmed to keep up. I probably have missed quite a number of things associated with my publication!
Yes, they seem to be on a bit of a roll, to say the least. Good luck with your fiction. I'm sure your synopsis is better than you fear. I'm always embarrassed when I find out I've influenced someone, but thank you. I've been meaning to read your latest post for a few days now. Will do so forthwith. "It's like the laser eyes of an osprey.": brilliant.
I do hope you are correct about the synopsis. Truthfully it may be the worst type of writing for me and it shows. I am putting trust in the first ten pages and the query to wow the elusive agent enough to give my novel a chance.
I understand the embarrassment factor, but know learning from you is truly helping my skills. Even if it's only my dear husband who reads my stories, at least he is spared a little bit from exhausting reading or listening. :)
I'm behind reading the Substacks I follow also. When I miss one day, it quickly spirals out of control.
This is hilarious: “Social distancing means not quite touching you.” The repetition piece reminds me of Holden in The Cather in the Rye. It has been a while since I’ve read it. I think that’s how narrated. The definitional one reminded me of a book whose name is unremembered that I threw across a room after seven pages.
Catcher in the Rye is also on my TBR list. This is getting embarrassing. You sound like Dorothy Parker: “This is not a novel to be thrown aside lightly. It should be thrown with great force.”
No way! The thought of unsubscribing never entered my mind. If anything, I would drop one of the five I impulsively subscribed to that have little literary value. I'm not upset you are cranking out words. I'm jealous.
I’m getting all misty-eyed. Blushing. Many people have been so generous to me lately, and I am not used to it. So if my words don't express my gratitude appropriately, it’s because I am unused to the words. So I May sound generic. I plan on discussing this abundance of generosity and my recent good fortunes in my next post.
Oh, well thanks again. I worry that I have the written equivalent of verbal diarrhea. As for being jealous: perhaps I should write about this one of these days, but I have recently been released (I can think of no other way of putting it) from intense and continual caring duties. Consequently I can actually think, I have more time to write, and I'm being (I think) more creative. So all the bottled up wanting to write is coming out in a huge splurge!
I would be interested in learning more about your “release”. You mentioned something in one of your recent letters that, I am guessing, alludes to it. When the words flow incessantly, it’s best to keep typing before the magic dissipates. I'm happy for you.
I haven't read this article yet because I can't keep up with how quickly you’re putting out words. I love your words, Terry, but you're drowning me in a puddle of valuable information. I can feel my cheek scrape the pavement. My head hurts.
Seriously, though, keep it up. I love reading your work.
Oh, thank you for the compliment, Corey, but this is what I was afraid of. I love writing, so I just write! But I was wondering if it might be too much. I suppose people can always save stuff for later, but is it putting you off being a subscriber?
I think his work resists a binge. His style works for one reading then you need a twenty- or thirty-novel break to return to him! And I have to admit that I've only read his first three books, all of which I recommend. So I don't know how his aesthetic might have changed. But I think Mezzanine is his best.
Greetings, Sherman! I picked up Mezzanine from the library today, and took it out on the train home. My intention was to read the first paragraph or two and then put it away and draft a pitch to an editor. However, I was hooked straight away, and polished off the first chapter as I reached my destination! Absolutely loving it. I find it very humorous, and I think it's really interesting how there are footnotes, given that it's a novel. I think David Foster Wallace does the same in Infinite Jest (I'll check later, but right now I am comfortably ensconced under a cat). I half expected there to be an index at the back. Thanks again for the recommendation -- Corey too.
Hello again. I just reserved his book from the library. I shall add it to the already-toppling tbr list. By the way, his name is, apparently, Nicholson. Not heard that as a first name before. Thanks again for the recommendation.
I know what you mean about his style. Mezzanine is a book I normally would read in a sitting or two, and I had to stretch it out over a week. I just couldn’t read it for long periods.
Terry, both of these variations are absolutely extraordinary - I've really been enjoying the posts in your 'Experiments in Style' series, and this is my favourite to date!
Your constant repetition example sounds exactly like me in conversation with (very patient) friends and family - which is a bit of a wake-up call, frankly. I do talk very like this!
The definitional literature piece, though, has really made me think. It's really interesting that you've put these particular styles together in the same post, because I find a lot of my style of talking (as in constant repetition) is BECAUSE I want to make absolutely certain that the person I'm talking to is aware of absolutely all the context behind what I'm saying - yes, I'm a mansplainer in women's clothing - which is, I would say, a highly 'definitional' approach.
So although your two variations are very different, I feel they're closely related. So, thanks for a fascinating post! I might need a lie-down...
Thanks Rebecca. I hadn't thought of them as being related, but now that you point that out it's almost obvious. Glad you're enjoying the series. Just out of interest, why?
I'm enjoying the series because I'd never actually considered the prospect of telling the same story in a variety of such very, very different styles - I've learned a great deal. Some of them have been bonkers (this is a compliment, by the way!). 😃
LOL. Thanks, Rebecca. I've been learning a great deal from doing them too, because I've found you really have to think. I'm thinking about making the 'experiments' a regular Thursday slot.
The version with repeats reminds me of modern YA literature (I write in this category, or I should say that's what the business of publishing says I need to market myself as....) I suppose repeats reads to me as immature thought processes. It sounds like there should be a lot of "likes" inserted into this repeat version, imitating teens from California LOL
Thanks, Renee. you mean as in "I was like OMG I've just banged my head", and Elaine was like "OMG you'd better go to hospital" and I was like "No, I'm fine", and she was like... etc? LOL I hadn't thought of the repetition one like that, but now I can see the similarities :-)
Two other things:
1. Where is your YA writing?
2. Thank you so much for your 'blurb'. I only noticed it for the first time a few days ago. Really kind of you.
Yes! LOL The repetition immediately made my inner voice read it just like you wrote above, like OMG it like really did.
My YA writing is in the form of two novels, one of which is being edited to the best of my ability. I've written the query (about 150 times!) and believe I've finally gotten it "right". And the stupid, like OMG stupid, hideous, like awful synopsis is now complete.
I just wrote a fable for my substack. I painted a watercolor to accompany it. The reason I'm telling you is because I applied word limit, inspired by you. I failed...went over, but not by too many words. It's still under 850, which is good for me. You are correct about boundaries in writing as it forces clarity of vision. It's like the laser eyes of an osprey.
Your most welcome about the blurb. I love Substack, but with all the new features I'm feeling overwhelmed to keep up. I probably have missed quite a number of things associated with my publication!
Yes, they seem to be on a bit of a roll, to say the least. Good luck with your fiction. I'm sure your synopsis is better than you fear. I'm always embarrassed when I find out I've influenced someone, but thank you. I've been meaning to read your latest post for a few days now. Will do so forthwith. "It's like the laser eyes of an osprey.": brilliant.
I do hope you are correct about the synopsis. Truthfully it may be the worst type of writing for me and it shows. I am putting trust in the first ten pages and the query to wow the elusive agent enough to give my novel a chance.
I understand the embarrassment factor, but know learning from you is truly helping my skills. Even if it's only my dear husband who reads my stories, at least he is spared a little bit from exhausting reading or listening. :)
I'm behind reading the Substacks I follow also. When I miss one day, it quickly spirals out of control.
This is hilarious: “Social distancing means not quite touching you.” The repetition piece reminds me of Holden in The Cather in the Rye. It has been a while since I’ve read it. I think that’s how narrated. The definitional one reminded me of a book whose name is unremembered that I threw across a room after seven pages.
Very informative letter. Thank you.
Catcher in the Rye is also on my TBR list. This is getting embarrassing. You sound like Dorothy Parker: “This is not a novel to be thrown aside lightly. It should be thrown with great force.”
No way! The thought of unsubscribing never entered my mind. If anything, I would drop one of the five I impulsively subscribed to that have little literary value. I'm not upset you are cranking out words. I'm jealous.
And I felt like joking around.
just gave you a shout-out in Substack oiffice hours
I’m getting all misty-eyed. Blushing. Many people have been so generous to me lately, and I am not used to it. So if my words don't express my gratitude appropriately, it’s because I am unused to the words. So I May sound generic. I plan on discussing this abundance of generosity and my recent good fortunes in my next post.
Thanks again, Terry.
I think people are very generous on substack
Oh, well thanks again. I worry that I have the written equivalent of verbal diarrhea. As for being jealous: perhaps I should write about this one of these days, but I have recently been released (I can think of no other way of putting it) from intense and continual caring duties. Consequently I can actually think, I have more time to write, and I'm being (I think) more creative. So all the bottled up wanting to write is coming out in a huge splurge!
I would be interested in learning more about your “release”. You mentioned something in one of your recent letters that, I am guessing, alludes to it. When the words flow incessantly, it’s best to keep typing before the magic dissipates. I'm happy for you.
Did I? Perhaps I should write about it then. It might be useful for people, even if they don't find it interesting.
I could always schedule posts I suppose, instead of just hitting 'Publish' straight away.
Thanks for all your support and kind words.
I haven't read this article yet because I can't keep up with how quickly you’re putting out words. I love your words, Terry, but you're drowning me in a puddle of valuable information. I can feel my cheek scrape the pavement. My head hurts.
Seriously, though, keep it up. I love reading your work.
Oh, thank you for the compliment, Corey, but this is what I was afraid of. I love writing, so I just write! But I was wondering if it might be too much. I suppose people can always save stuff for later, but is it putting you off being a subscriber?
The repetitious version reminds me of Nicolas Baker's novels. Have you read him?
Thanks, Sherman. No. I'd not actually heard of him. Is there one you would especially recommend?
Mezzanine, I think, a minute study of a...mezzanine. And I originally misspelled his name. It's Nicholas Baker.
I read Mezzanine a few months ago. I’d never heard of Baker at the time. It was a great read. Would you recommend his other works, Sherman?
I think his work resists a binge. His style works for one reading then you need a twenty- or thirty-novel break to return to him! And I have to admit that I've only read his first three books, all of which I recommend. So I don't know how his aesthetic might have changed. But I think Mezzanine is his best.
Greetings, Sherman! I picked up Mezzanine from the library today, and took it out on the train home. My intention was to read the first paragraph or two and then put it away and draft a pitch to an editor. However, I was hooked straight away, and polished off the first chapter as I reached my destination! Absolutely loving it. I find it very humorous, and I think it's really interesting how there are footnotes, given that it's a novel. I think David Foster Wallace does the same in Infinite Jest (I'll check later, but right now I am comfortably ensconced under a cat). I half expected there to be an index at the back. Thanks again for the recommendation -- Corey too.
Hey! Cool! I'm so happy you're into it!
Hello again. I just reserved his book from the library. I shall add it to the already-toppling tbr list. By the way, his name is, apparently, Nicholson. Not heard that as a first name before. Thanks again for the recommendation.
I know what you mean about his style. Mezzanine is a book I normally would read in a sitting or two, and I had to stretch it out over a week. I just couldn’t read it for long periods.
I hadn't heard of him whichever spelling is used! Thanks, I shall investigate that.
Terry, both of these variations are absolutely extraordinary - I've really been enjoying the posts in your 'Experiments in Style' series, and this is my favourite to date!
Your constant repetition example sounds exactly like me in conversation with (very patient) friends and family - which is a bit of a wake-up call, frankly. I do talk very like this!
The definitional literature piece, though, has really made me think. It's really interesting that you've put these particular styles together in the same post, because I find a lot of my style of talking (as in constant repetition) is BECAUSE I want to make absolutely certain that the person I'm talking to is aware of absolutely all the context behind what I'm saying - yes, I'm a mansplainer in women's clothing - which is, I would say, a highly 'definitional' approach.
So although your two variations are very different, I feel they're closely related. So, thanks for a fascinating post! I might need a lie-down...
Thanks Rebecca. I hadn't thought of them as being related, but now that you point that out it's almost obvious. Glad you're enjoying the series. Just out of interest, why?
I'm enjoying the series because I'd never actually considered the prospect of telling the same story in a variety of such very, very different styles - I've learned a great deal. Some of them have been bonkers (this is a compliment, by the way!). 😃
LOL. Thanks, Rebecca. I've been learning a great deal from doing them too, because I've found you really have to think. I'm thinking about making the 'experiments' a regular Thursday slot.
Cool!