Thursday, September 3, 2009

In Which I Share the Writer Love

Thanks Cate and BT for tipping me off to the post over at Nathan Bransford's blog about Writer Appreciation Week.

Man, where to start?

Okay, I wouldn't still be doing this writer thing if it wasn't for a number of talented, honest, and scrappy people. The blogosphere has gifted me with a new brand of internet-ready friendships that offer both encouragement and a kick in the seat of the pants when either is needed.

There's the aforementioned Cate Gardner with her ability to spin a surreal tale and approach success with humility and grace.

Mercedes M. Yardley is just inspiring. Read her blog and fiction to understand why.

Jamie Eyberg cobbles words together like one of his many handyman projects and manages to put a fine finish on both.

Natalie Sin amuses with her off-kilter sense of humor and mind altering ability to make me watch videos of Korean boy bands.


Brenton Tomlinson (BT) stays honest with his struggles and triumphs, sharing the rocky road of writing and family life. His link salads are delicious.


Carrie Harris proves a ninja can indeed be a zombie. It's true.


KV Taylor forces me to worry about my closet again, for the first time since I was five. She also fires off great spec fic recommendations (almost) every month.

KC Shaw shows me that fantasy isn't all dark. Her story, "The Sand Skinned Man", cheered me at a very dark hour last January. Read her newest book, Jack of All Trades.

There's a host of others that help chase away the lonely shadows haunting every writer: Barry Napier, Jodi Lee, Jeremy Brooks (thanks for coining the phrase "literary busker"), Robert Swartwood, Jeremy Kelly, Alan W. Davidson, Danielle Ferries, Michael Stone, Jameson T. Caine, Elana Johnson, Rebecca Nazar, so many more I'm sure I've forgotten but feel the pressure of the award show music coming on...whew. You all rock. Hard.

And thanks to H.G. Wells, one of the founders of modern speculative fiction. You scared me with blood-draining Martians and lemur-like underground descendants, inspiring me to write weird fiction. I tip my hat, sir.

14 comments:

Rebecca Nazar said...

Like I commented to Catherine too, I appreciate that you pop by my blog from time to time, even though I'm shying away from the horror genre and I'm often a goofball with my posts.

I get a kick--kinda like a freshman does--keeping up with the sharp-focused writers found here and there. I'm not ready to matriculate yet, so to speak. Dabbling writer am I.

Katey said...

Lonely shadows-- that says it all brilliantly. Bransford is a dear for reminding us all how many writers on which we depend to help us maintain what little sanity the voices leave to us. You're a rock star, man. (Wait 'til all the students find out...)

Fox Lee said...

And I'm certainly NOT lacing those videos with subliminal messages.

Cate Gardner said...

Ha! Grace! You wouldn't say that if you'd seen me walking into doors and furniture several times a day. I have no spacial awareness at all.

Elana Johnson said...

Aaron, you rock!

Jamie Eyberg said...

Aaron, I couldn't say it any better. Everyone on here is a show of force in and of themselves. amazing, all of them.

Aaron Polson said...

Rebecca - I am genre-less and play no favorites. Goofball is gud.

Katey - Sanity? What's sanity?

Natalie - ...must go buy Super Junior CD...

Cate - all right, a different kind of grace

Elana - we all rock

Cheers, Jamie

K.C. Shaw said...

You made me feel all warm and fuzzy. :) In a good way, of course. I don't know how I got along with my internet friends--it makes me feel connected with other writers in a way I never did before.

Danielle Birch said...

Awww, thanks for the mention, Aaron.

Jodi Lee (Morrighan) said...

You and Cate and BT sure know how to make someone get all big-headed. :)

Thanks, Aaron.

I'm going to go fngrl into the pillows in the corner where no one can hear me. ;)

Alan W. Davidson said...

I think that Rebacca's comment is closest to my sentiment. I, too, am a freshman in this long endeavour and am pleased you visit my blog and comment. I haven't done much to prove myself...hmm, may have to remedy that! Thank you for those kind words.

Aaron Polson said...

You all deserve it. Period. Keep fighting the good fight (I know that's soooo cliche, but true).

Michael Stone said...

K C Shaw has already said it -- I don't know what I'd do without my internet friends. Thanks for the mention, Aaron.

Anonymous said...

I missed out on Writer's Appreciate Week, but I would be in a world of hurt without this group of Internet writers. The support is palpable. Thanks for the mention; it made me happy. :)

-Mercedes