Be A Character!

It's an interactive short story contest! Well, it's not a contest as much as a fun project where you can get involved.

It looks like I'll be moving soon, and since I write my novels on the computer and it'll have to be turned off and shipped to the new location (yes, the idea is disconcerting but I'll have my backups on my trusty jump drive), I think I'll use the time to work on a new short story, going back to my old tradition of paper and pencil.

About what? I don't know yet. That's where you come in.

Are you interested in being a character or helping to build a plot? Simple ... answer the following questions and post them on my message board (the password to get in is raucous at the moment) with your first name only (or nickname) and I'll choose whatever most strikes my muse to develop a story around. If I use your character or setting, I'll mail you a copy of the finished story, signed with a thank you. And you'll get bragging rights when I add it to my site as a free read.

Please note: all rights to the story remain with the author, with the right to publish granted and no financial compensation given, so if you're a writer, do not use your characters or plot info! I'm looking for readers interested in being an interactive part of writing.

Also note: I do not do horror, sci fi, or suspense and will delete any post rated over PG-13.

Post comments here, but answers to the questions ONLY on my message board: http://www.voy.com/198742/

No deadline as of now since I have no actual moving date yet. I'll update.

Have fun!
~~ ~~ ~~

What one song most describes who you are?

If you could go anywhere on earth, where would you go and why?

If you were interviewing someone for a potential date and had only one question to ask, what would it be?

What one event in your life most affected your personality or future actions?

Do you have a nickname? How did you get it? If not, what would you choose as a nickname and why?

If you were a car, what kind would you be?

Do you have any odd hobbies?

What theme would you use for your bedroom if money was no object? Describe it.

If you were in a story, which role would you play (lead, supporting, best friend, nemesis...)?

BONUS for those who have read my work: Which of my characters are you most like or would you most want to be?

**Not all questions must be answered to participate, but give me enough to go on.**

100 Things About Duncan O'Neil

Surveys are passed around online constantly. They can be great fun, but for authors, they can also be an incredible tool. I'm a writer who believes an author should know main characters inside and out. In that vein, here is one of my main characters:




Duncan O’Neil
(from the novel Rehearsal: A Different Drummer by LK Hunsaker)
**as of March 1974

1. WHERE IS ONE OF YOUR SCARS AND HOW DID YOU GET IT?

I ‘ave a couple on my legs from playin’ rugby in younger days.

2. WHAT IS ON THE WALLS IN YOUR ROOM?

I do no’ put anything on walls where I stay, as I would only have t’ take them down again when I leave.

3. IF YOU COULD BE AN ANIMAL, WHICH WOULD IT BE?

Likely a lion or tiger.

4. WHAT TYPE OF MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO?

Rock mostly: Clapton, Zeppelin, Eagles, Skynyrd, and anything done well.

5. DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME YOU WERE BORN?

Nah, only the day. I am sure mum could say off the top o’ her head.

6. WHAT DO YOU WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING RIGHT NOW?

a reason no’ to keep moving

7. WHO DO YOU MISS?

I do no’ let myself think of it.

8. WHAT IS (ARE) YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION(S)?

My guitar -- a ’65 Fender Mustang I picked up second-hand years ago, the leather vest that gives some warmth as I need, Mum’s ring that hangs on a chain under my shirt

9. HOW TALL ARE YOU?

5’9”

10. DO YOU GET CLAUSTROPHOBIC?

Nah, bu’ I like open spaces as I can find them. Tops of mountains are good.

11. DO YOU GET SCARED IN THE DARK?

Only if there is something particular in the dark t’ be worried about.

12. THE LAST PERSON TO MAKE YOU CRY?

I would ‘ave been too young t’ remember.

14. WHAT KIND OF HAIR/EYE COLOR DO YOU LIKE ON THE OPPOSITE SEX?

Doesnae matter, as long as she looks no’ too fake.

15. HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE PROPOSED TO?

I would nae expect t’ be proposed to, unless y’ mean other than marriage. Subtle propositions are more likely t’ appeal t’ me for anything else y’ have in mind.

16. COFFEE OR TEA?

Coffee, black and strong.

17. FAVORITE PIZZA TOPPING?

Sausage and anything else y’ want to put on. I am no’ particular.

18. IF YOU COULD EAT ANYTHING RIGHT NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Steak, medium rare, and potatoes, any way.

20. DO YOU HAVE A CRUSH RIGHT NOW?

Nah, I donae have crushes. I am interested for a time or I am not. If she is no’ interested, I donae bother worryin’ about it.

21. WHAT WAS THE FIRST MEANINGFUL GIFT YOU EVER RECEIVED?

My sis saved up wha’ever money she could from helping with neighbor’s kids or chores one year and gave it t’ me to help buy the Mustang t’ replace the cheap acoustic I ‘ad been using. She ‘ad been wanting t’ get a good camera bu’ gave it up for the guitar. I am hopin’ to be able t’ get her any camera her heart is set on when I see her again.

22. WHAT WAS THE LAST ALBUM YOU BOUGHT?

Eric Clapton

23. NAME SOMETHING YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH.

To play with a band with a lo’ of skill and heart, and t’ write something that was worth writing.

24. FAVORITE CLOTHING?

Comfortable and well-fit.

26. DO YOU HAVE A PET?

Nah, I ‘ave enough of a time feeding myself dependin’ on the day.

27. NAME SOMETHING YOU REGRET.

Leavin’.

28. WOULD YOU FALL IN LOVE KNOWING THE PERSON IS ALREADY TAKEN?

Fallin’ in love is not something I need a’ the present, taken or not. If I started to go for someone taken, I would likely pick up and ge’ away from it.

29. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO TELL SOMEONE HOW MUCH THEY MEAN TO YOU?

If they mean something t’ you, it should no’ be hard t’ say it.

30. SAY A NUMBER FROM ONE TO A HUNDRED:

Why?

31. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THAT NUMBER?



32 WHAT IS THE NUMBER YOU CALL MOST OFTEN?

Ev’s, bu’ I am more likely t’ write him.

34. HAVE YOU BEEN OUT OF THE USA?

All my life until a few years ago, since I was born in the UK.

35. YOUR WEAKNESSES?

Living with guilt of wha’ I ‘ave done wrong. I would guess it is true of everyone.

36. MET ANYONE FAMOUS?

No’ that I know of. I ‘ave met many people from everywhere and ‘ave no’ bothered to ask if they are famous or if they are not. It doesnae matter t’ me if they are.

37. FIRST JOB?

Worked my father’s farm from the time I was small.

38. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO RELAX?

Playin’ guitar. Running early mornings while the sun is still tryin’ to come up.

41. WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE YOU FILLED THIS OUT?

Takin’ a shower to ge’ rid of the smoke from the bar I am workin’ at.

40. HAVE YOU EVER HAD SURGERY?

No, bu’ I have helped with two or three.

42. WHAT DO YOU GET COMPLIMENTED ABOUT MOST?

The guitar. Wha’ else would there be? Mostly girls lookin’ for a fling.

44. WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY?

I donae acknowledge my birthday.

45. HOW MANY KIDS DO YOU WANT?

I donae know that I do. If it was the right circumstance, maybe two or four. I cannae see a girl wanting that with me.

46. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?

No’ that I know of. I ‘ave not bothered t’ ask.

49. WHAT KIND OF SHAMPOO DO YOU USE?

Wha’ever is cheapest. Soap, most often.

50. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?

I can read it.

51. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?

Hamburger, bu’ anything will work

52. ANY BAD HABITS?

I would guess I ‘ave several, bu’ since I live alone, it doesnae matter much.

53. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?

Not likely. I would no’ have the patience t’ deal with someone like myself. Ev has the patience of Job.

56. DO LOOKS MATTER?

Yeah, bu’ not as much as attitude.

57. HOW DO YOU RELEASE ANGER?

I go running or I walk in the rain at night.

60. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TOY AS A CHILD?

We didnae have toys. Mum took us ou’ to walk or play in the sand if we had time work didnae need t’ be done.

61. HOW MANY BIRTHDAYS DO YOU KNOW OFF-HAND?

Mum’s, Laura’s, Danny’s, Ev’s.

62. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE HALLOWEEN COSTUME OF ALL TIME?

We didnae have Halloween. The ones I have enjoyed seeing in the States are the homemade ones tha’ look like the kids thought them up on their own.

63. BATHS OR SHOWERS?

Showers, with hot water when I can ge’ it.

64. MASHED POTATOES OR MACARONI AND CHEESE?

potatoes

65. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A PARTNER?

genuineness and honesty – hard to find in the places I ‘ave been

66. WHAT ARE YOUR NICKNAMES?

At home they called me DJ but I donae go by that here.

68. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW?

I donae usually have a TV available and I donae usually miss having it.

70. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?

Vanilla – it goes best with pecan pie

71. HAVE YOU BEEN ARRESTED?

No’ yet.

73. PLANS FOR TONIGHT?

Sleep – it’s past night already and into morning

74. WHAT KIND OF CAR DO YOU HAVE?

I donae have a car.

75. WHAT KIND WOULD YOU HAVE IF MONEY WAS NO OBJECT?

Harley Davidson Sportster

76. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RECENTLY?

Whatever the band I play with wants t’ do or whatever is on the box when the band is no’ playing.

77. LAST THING YOU DRANK?

a beer at Sam’s

78. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?

Ev

79. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE IN THE OPPOSITE SEX?

How she holds herself – the attitude she carries.

81. FAVORITE SMELL?

The trace of shampoo in the hair of a girl just out of the shower.

82. FAVORITE MONTH OF THE YEAR?

Anytime it is no’ too hot. September is good weather here.

85. WHAT IS YOUR HAIR COLOR?

brown

86. EYE COLOR?

blue

87. FAVORITE BOOK?

I donae read books much, but Dr. Jekyll was good.

88. FAVORITE COLOR?

red

89. FAVORITE RESTAURANT?

I donae have one.

90. DO YOU LIKE SUSHI?

I can eat it bu’ I donae have much interest.

91. LAST THING YOU WATCHED?

Last interesting thing? Mel throwing two young asses ou’ of the bar for breakin’ up her chairs.

92. WHEN YOU HAVE GOOD NEWS, WHO IS THE FIRST PERSON YOU WANT TO TELL?

Laura

93. PLAY ANY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS?

Guitar.

94. REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT?

Maybe I will be someday.

95. KISSES OR HUGS?

Depends who they are from. A girl who is good at kissing is nice t’ find.

96. RELATIONSHIPS OR ONE NIGHT STANDS?

Which d’ I have or which d’ I want? Are y’ offering?

97. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU BOUGHT?

A hamburger and greasy chips, or fries as they are called here.

100. DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE.

I donae have one t’ talk about in the last few weeks. It is up and down, bu’ I am no’ sure I would call it a “love” life, more a companionship search.

June Jubilee Author/Reader Mix

It's been a very hectic month around here, but still, I'm enjoying the time I can find to participate in Coffee Time Romance's June Jubilee celebration in their forums. Romance writers of several sub-genres are mingling with readers, giving away prizes, and talking about their hobbies.

I'm there, giving away another music and dance soaps gift set as a raffle for anyone who replies to my post. ;-) I'm also involved in the hobbies discussion under music, art, collecting, sewing, and movies (so far).

Drop in if you get the chance and tell them LKHunsaker sent you (the reference will help get your membership approved faster -- they are careful to avoid spammers).

http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/board/forumdisplay.php?f=15

Pirates at the World's End: a pre-review with no spoilers

I'm going to be careful. How I can review this movie without throwing spoilers, I'm not sure, so I think I'll do a better one later after everyone interested has had the chance to see it.
And if you're not interested, you should be.

I have to say I was shocked to find such a horrid review of it on msn last night. It left me wondering if the critic and I saw the same movie! I put it down to one reality of media: many critics think they have to be overly-critical for people to think they are doing their jobs right, or to make themselves sound more intelligent than they are. One of his objections was that we all KNEW Captain Jack didn't actually perish in the last one and would be back again. Forgive the vulgarness of the following comment, but ... DUH!

Pirates of the Caribbean is fantasy action/adventure ... fiction. We know this going in. We know we are not going to see a documentary or a drama that has to make more sense than real life. Of course Captain Jack returns. Who would go see it if he didn't??? The question was ... how does he return and what happens when he does?

The movie's opening tells us, "Hey, we're making a point about history in this film. Pay attention!" There were so many comments about the second of the series not being as good as the first. Why? Because the first was pure fun, with a few one-liners signifying they were trying to make a statement, as well. The second drew more meaning into the plot: things like the East Indie Trading Company and what it was actually doing to the world and to the working people. Things such as what happens when honor and morality break down and who is really on the "wrong" side and IS there actually a "wrong" side or simply an "other" side. Who is more villainous, really? The third adds another question, a very important question, but I won't say it here because it would be a spoiler for some.

The series is full of philosophy and psychology and history and the third one brings that out further. At World's End is nearly 3 hours long, but I found myself not ready for it to end. It's an incredible journey into so many facets of human life that one viewing is only the start. It will take several viewings of this movie to really "get" it all. It also takes a bit of brain power, and in so saying, some will not like it because of that; because it forces us to think if we're really paying attention to it. There are such incredible single lines scattered at the appropriate points that I'm in awe of the writers. It's a work of brilliance, which I'm sure will be largely overlooked. Just as literary fiction, only a handful of the population will sincerely appreciate what it offers.

Pirates of the Caribbean is not only fantasy action-adventure. It is literary fantasy action-adventure.

After three hours of the movie, combined with an hour of waiting in line first to be sure we had good seats, I was ready to buy tickets for the 10:45 show and go right back in. My kids, however, were not willing. Kids. I'll have to fight myself not to go back today. And the next day. And the day after. But I will be going back to see it and taking anyone willing to go with me.

And I'll be at the store the day it comes out on DVD.

The following quote is from a different movie, but it's really appropriate for Pirates, also:

"If we stop breathing, we die.
If we stop fighting our enemies, the world would die."
from Casablanca

Win a Custom Candle&Soaps Gift Basket!

LKHunsaker.com is joining forces with SchoolCornerCrafts.com!

Rehearsal-themed candles and soaps are being created especially for this drawing. Included will be a pillar music notes candle, a treble clef soap, and 3 precious ballerina soaps. The music items will have a rain scent while the soaps will smell of rose (anyone who has read the novel understands the significance of these scents).

All you have to do to enter is to subscribe to the Newsletter:www.lkhunsaker.com/newsletter.htm

The drawing will take place June 3rd and will use writing.com's virtual dice to select a random number. That number will be used to count from the top of the email list of everyone who is subscribed on that date. (Family members of LKHunsaker.com and SchoolCornerCrafts.com are not eligible. A second number will be chosen if it lands on a family member.)

The newsletter is brand new, with the first issue coming out in a few days, and will highlight the arts, mainly the indie arts, and keep you up-to-date with the writings and appearances of LK Hunsaker. It will be sporadic, as needed for updates, and not likely to exceed once a month. It will also never share email addresses with anyone. Go to the link above to subscribe and to unsubscribe.

Photos of the gift package will be posted when available. In the meantime, go to www.schoolcornercrafts.com to view examples of the custom-made candles and soaps.

Stay tuned for further contests and drawings! Some may only be announced within the newsletter.

Good luck!
LK Hunsaker

Who Are You?

"Attaining inner simplicity is learning to live happily in the present moment. Keep in mind that life is a continuous succession of present moments."
Elaine St. James

As I watch the views for my blog grow, I find myself wondering who is reading my words. This entry isn't about me or my thoughts or my work. It's about you. We all have stories. Share a piece of yours, if you will.

I used to get a newspaper that had short clips of life moments featured for local readers. I loved that more than anything else in the paper. They contained the most truth. I would love to do a version of it here. Write one or two sentences that reflects something about who you are. Many of us are parents, grandparents, writers, managers, laborers, etc. but that doesn't give us a clue about "who" is behind the roles we play.

Who are you?

Post anonymously if you prefer (please keep it PG rated), but give me some idea about the inner soul of those reading these words. I am fascinated by people. You never know if something I read will wind up in a story in some way.

live creatively free

To live creatively free, do what you know how to do now then 'act as if' you know how to do the rest."
Sark

How closely should art force itself to follow reality?

In many ways, art has to be more real than reality. Fiction has to make sense to readers. Life doesn't have to make sense. In fiction, each story has a beginning, a climax, and an ending where everything comes together in some kind of tidy manner. Life isn't so tidy. Things don't make that much sense in our real worlds. The problem comes when the two mix and mingle, such as in historical novels and movies.

300, the film starring Gerard Butler, an actor who is finally getting mainstream recognition after many years of being largely and unfairly ignored, is getting incredible reviews. The story of the few trying to overcome the many has echoes of so many situations we see on a daily basis that it has become irresistable to audiences. Let me say first that I have yet to see it. I will. It's actually one I would wait for the video since, although I love history, I don't watch many war movies of any kind. I do have plans to see it in the theater, though, simply to help support this actor and help push him further into mainstream view. I like that it doesn't have a bunch of huge names in it, also. The focus here seems to be the story line and acting ability instead of name-dropping. I have to appreciate that.

I did read one review of a history buff whose son (also a history buff) went to see it and came back complaining that it was historically inaccurate. I found myself on both sides of the issue. I also love history. I feel it's very important to understand history if we are to understand the present and future. However, I'm also a fiction writer and understand the basic elements stories have to have in order to pull and mesmerize audiences. The intended audience for such a film expects action and splendor and scenery (which kind of scenery may depend on gender) and without it, regardless of how historically accurate it might be, the reviews won't move it past the preview weekend.

The point of a movie, its main theme, is what an audience will remember if it's done well. Does the director's vision for what s/he wants the audience take home allow the right to artistically recreate history? Maybe. What is the point of knowing history? Remembering each detail or learning from its message? I tend to think it's the message that's important. Memorizing each date of each event in high school and college history classes seemed insane to me. They weren't going to be remembered past the test date. However, what I got from the story of it, I kept.

Movies are fiction, unless they are specifically labelled as documentaries. If they make us stop and think, then maybe we'll go do the research ourselves. If we don't research, then we at least get the main point of the story. There is not one historical novel, including those hailed as classics, that does not play with historical fact to make it work within the story. Does it invalidate the history? Of course not. Will it lead readers to do more research on the time period to get more actual facts? Not very often. Most readers and viewers want entertainment. If they can learn a fact or two along with it, that's great, but those who want non-fiction read non-fiction or watch documentaries instead.

By the way, it's hard to tell how much of what we learn in our history books is actual history, as well. It's all slanted by whoever is telling the tale and by the individual teachers injecting their personal opinions. History always has been. Are the facts actual facts? Were they fictionalized in the first place to make them more interesting? Possibly.

Nothing written or spoken is ever done without the viewpoint of the writer or speaker involved. Nothing heard is ever taken in without the viewpoint of the one doing the hearing mixing it with personal opinion. At least in fiction, we are saying outright, "This is not fact. This is a story of my own creation in which I mixed real things with non-real things with imagination with personal opinion with belief with wants with needs...." Will the reader still get something worthwhile out of it? Of course.

A Walk In The Garden

"I try to live what I consider a poetic existence. That means I take responsibility for the air I breathe and the space I take up. I try to be immediate, to be totally present for all my work."
Maya Angelou

As any gardener knows, a simple walk in the garden is never simple. The beauty others see upon viewing the results of her work cannot compare to the thoughts of the gardener while walking along her flowers. She sees not only the hours of work already put in, but also the hours yet to come and the details she is not quite happy with that she wonders how to improve.

In a way, her garden is more beautiful to her than to anyone viewing it in passing. In another way, it can never be quite as beautiful as others see.

Other artists understand her. Painters visit an art gallery and see the work lying behind each piece. They listen to compliments of their own work and burke the thoughts of knowing what could have been done better. Dancers feel the pulling of muscles and strains and fatigue while watching other dancers while the audience sees only the grace and beauty.

Writing is the same. We hold our books in our hands and read reviews, thrilled to see when a reader 'gets' what we are trying to say behind the words, humbled at the request for a signature, and thankful for each sale. At the same time, we don't see only a pretty (or scary or mysterious) cover and many pages full of a story. We see hours upon end of writing and rewriting, editing and pondering, deleting and redoing; and we especially relive the questions that plague us through the whole process. Are we accomplishing the beauty that is in our minds well enough? Will we affect readers enough to make some difference in their worlds?

Our walks through our books are filled with these questions as well as with thoughts of what we want to do better the next time, what weeds we would like to pluck off the printed page to replace with a rose or sunflower or carnation.

In the meantime, we focus on marketing, on finding readers who may enjoy our stories and our characters.

Much of my winter has been spent focusing on marketing. My website now offers a press kit for bookstores, a special offer for reading groups, and a brand new newsletter to offer information on happenings with my writing and in the indie arts. I'm quite glad to announce a new arts feature, as well: An Interview With A Musician. You'll find the first, a chat with Johnny Roxx,renowned guitarist, posted on the indie arts page.

I would also like to publicly say thank you to the two fans who are running Myspace pages for my three main characters from Rehearsal. Liz and Jan, I can't thank you enough for your support and assistance.

You'll find the first three chapters of A Different Drummer in the characters' blogs, one in each blog, beginning here: http://www.myspace.com/duncan_rehearsal
The prologue can be found on my site: http://www.lkhunsaker.com/DifferentDrummer/excerpt.htm

Spring has arrived, and with it, I am not only back to working in my flower garden, but also obsessive about furthering the second book of Rehearsal, entitled The Highest Aim. Does anyone know from which quote the title comes or the author of it?

Also with spring comes spring cleaning. As I'll be changing residences soon, I have been clearing out things I don't want to have to unpack and store in the new house. The fewer things to move the better, in most cases. So I am also going to start offering a "moving sale" on the copies of A Different Drummer I have in stock. I hope to publish The Highest Aim this fall and would like to make room to stock that one next.

Watch either Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/lkhunsaker) or my newsletter (http://www.lkhunsaker.com/newsletter) for details.

Wishing you all a poetic existence,
LK Hunsaker

Abridged Arts

"People had longer attention spans.... The works have been abridged to make it easy, more accessible for the TV generation."
Mikhail Baryshnikov


I clicked on a link tonight that asked how many were planning to watch the Grammy Awards. Welcoming the chance to say, "No, thank you, I have better things to do," I was pleasantly surprised that the majority of voters agreed.

I love music. I used to watch all of the music award shows years ago in order to get a chance to see some of my favorite singers and musicians. And then came the MTV/VH1/CMT generation where we could watch them anytime we decided. I did watch videos for a while. Rarely able to attend concerts, I used them as a substitute, having them on as often as my radio, or nearly. Now they are all over the internet. Is it any surprise award shows have lost their charm considering the availability of picking and choosing who we want to watch instead of whomever the powers to be decide to invite?

As a curiosity, I did click the link that told me who was nomimated for the top three awards. After wondering if I had the right list, I could see why so few are interested in watching. Has music declined that far? There was not one act I care to listen to on the radio, much less waste 3 hours of precious time seeing who comes out "ahead."

I posted this in my daily journal and another writer replied it's the same in the writing world. "Poets" who so apparently haven't studied the artistry and technique of poetry are publishing their works. Essays are nothing but rants without real thought other than fleeting anger. Journalists who have forgotten or never bothered to learn the concept of integrity of the written word abound in print and online. Where is the artistry in the arts?

I am an advocate of the indie arts. I'm an indie artist. The internet has become an incredible tool for those outside main genre publishing, in both music and writing. Readers and listeners now have many more choices than one of the niches that big companies pick up and put out there. Artists now have a free venue with which to promote themselves. It is a wonderful thing.

On the other hand, it has also given some a false sense of "art." The number of works being pushed out into public view without being ready is alarming. I receive many, many friend requests from indie bands on Myspace. I don't mind getting them, and I always go give them a listen. Many I add because they do have talent and I like their sound. Most now, I refuse, either because it isn't my style or because I flat-out can't fathom why someone told them they were ready to publish their music.

The same applies to writing. I can go to a writer's site or read their emails on a writing list and know they can't possibly be someone I want to read. Yet, they are promoting books they've published, likely without professional editing. Some writers can get away without professional editing, as long as they have someone else reading their work to find things a writer cannot see in her own work. Some are attuned to grammar and only need an extra eye and suggestions about the plot or characters. Some have incredible stories and a nice way with words and only need grammar assistance. Some have neither, and yet, because they "wrote a book," they decide it needs to be published.

Poetry books are being published without the "poet" realizing it takes more than rhyme and a certain number of lines to be actual poetry. There's an artistry missing that cannot be faked.

There is artistry missing in much of the arts.

In this TV generation, we are full of the glitz and glamour of things without bothering with quality. Our actors don't have to know how to act. They only have to know how to put on a show and flash their smiles. Our politicians don't have to be well-trained in how to command or lead. They have to be charming and look good on our screens. Our singers don't have to know about the intricacies of music. They have to be actors who can make those clueless about music vote for them. Our writers don't have to train themselves on the techniques of plot, characterization, climax, endings, sentence structure, or poetic use of words. They have to know how to create book trailers to catch attention with "book videos."

Of course there are exceptions. There are many indies doing glorious jobs and I love that they have the means to let their work be known. I only wish the artistry would come before the promotion instead of our arts becoming so abridged.

stripped enough

"Dancers are stripped enough onstage. You don't have to know more about them than they've given you already."
Mikhail Baryshnikov

Is imitation really the sincerest form of flattery?

I can see how it is, in a way, but isn't being inspired by someone enough to want to be just as individually unique as that person even better?

I have many favorite authors, such as Marilynne Robinson, Hemingway, John Irving, John Jakes, and so on, but when someone asks who my work resembles, I'm at a loss. Nora Roberts comes to mind, but her characters aren't particularly deep. I appreciate the style of the "Johns" ;-) but mine isn't at all like theirs, other than being literary. Marilynne Robinson is someone I aspire to come close to approaching as far as the gorgeous, flowing, lyrical prose that seemlessly blends with her beautiful, flawed characters, but I don't attempt to imitate her style and never expect to have that nearly unattainable quality. She is a true inspiration, and managed to achieve it with her first novel after focusing so long on non-fiction.

Currently reading The Awakening by Kate Chopin, I can see why it's such a classic. The story is so true for so many and the writing is calm and easy. It doesn't have the depth of character that I insist on having in order to call it a favorite, and it's slow enough that it doesn't keep me pulled in except occasionally. That is, of course, a quirk of my own that I am so easily bored and distracted, and others wouldn't agree.

I do have to say I would be flattered if another writer even wanted to imitate my style, but I would rather they didn't. Is that vain? No, it's art. Learning from others is an incredible way to improve, just as the master painters once copied paintings of their predecessors. The ones who stood out, however, were those who took that training and used it to create their own style.

Many authors worry about "finding" their voice. *shrug* Why search for something already inside? It's there; let it flow naturally and that is your voice. It's unique, and that's your hook.

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I missed last week's entry because I've been furiously working on marketing, to include revamping my website, adding a press kit for bookstores, and coming up with promotional ideas, including a brand new animated banner for fans to use on their myspace pages or elsewhere. There will also soon be freebies on my site.

One thing I am excited about is the addition of "A Conversation With A Musician" that is now up and running. The first interview is posted: Johnny Roxx. Johnny has been featured in several major music magazines. Check out his interview!

The plan is to have a new musician/band each month, all indies (although they may have been signed earlier), and to extend it to other types of indie artists. If you know an indie artist with an established record who would consent to an interview, let me know. I have several in mind, but will take suggestions.

Punxsutawney Phil didn't see his shadow, and I'm quite happy about that. On toward spring....