Friday, October 1, 2010

Stephen King, My Miniview, and a Thank You

Thanks to Cate Gardner for leading me to The Wasteline Counter. Yes, I tried it out on my own writing, but even more effectively, used it with my writing students. Wow, did those "heart attacks" open some eyes...

You can take a peek inside my dusty cranium at Red Penny Papers. C'mon, it's only three questions.

I've sent out my first story for #10bythen today. 30 more days to send out 9 stories...maybe I can do it.

Finally, some words from the master (Stephen King) about my favorite form in fiction (the short story).

16 comments:

Barry Napier said...

so it IS okay to write a 15,000 - 20,000 word short story. Hey if King says it, I believe it!

Aaron Polson said...

Sure it's okay. Have fun finding a market. ;)

Tyhitia Green said...

Wow. Thanks for sharing, Aaron. I love Stephen King. Now I'm off to read the rest of your links as well.

BTW, you're awesome with the short story. ;-)

Anthony Rapino said...

I'll have to try that wasteline thingy. Should be interesting. Good luck with #10bythen this month!

brady said...

I'd happily swap my Wasteline Test results with my actual belly.

Aaron Polson said...

Tyhitia - I like how King shoots straight, he tells it "like it is". (and thanks)

Tony - Good luck yourself (if you're doing it again, that is...if not, good luck with whatever you're doing).

Brady - *raises hand* (me too)

Cate Gardner said...

I'm convinced the Wasteline Test is broke - it keeps saying I'm lean or fit and trim. Maybe I can persuade it to have a talk with my mirror.

Kara McElhinny said...

Thanks for all the sweet-ass links, and the three questions were well answered, if I do say so myself. However, I'd have to say that while I'm not so proper I'd probably flinch if someone threw some raw meat my way too. Of course, that could just be me.

Who knows right? :)

Kara McElhinny said...

Oh, yeah... and that Waistline Counter thing is wicked!! Thanks to both you and Cate!!

K.C. Shaw said...

I'd do 10bythen with y'all, but I don't have anything written to send out. And I'm afraid to try the Wasteline Counter. Then again, I undoubtedly need it!

Anonymous said...

Cool interview and great clip of the King. Noob question about Belfire and Virtual Tales: Are these POD publishers? Obviously no agent needed, right? Just sorting out my options...

Anonymous said...

You can SO do it. I have the utmost faith in you! #10bythen

-Mercedes

Aaron Polson said...

Cate = HA! ;)

Kara - It's fun.

K.C. - But look at your novel progress.

Milo - Yes, they all use POD services (most micro presses do, anymore). The benefit, from my perspective, is the editorial insight. I know the process I went through with Virtual Tales for The House Eaters really cleaned things--the book is better for it. I wouldn't have made some of the changes without input. Jodi Lee and Louise Bohmer of Belfire are top notch editors, too. I didn't even query agents for Loathsome because I knew it was a niche book. Every author has to walk his/her own path.

Mercedes - I feel like a prize fighter. It's only ten rounds, right?

Alan W. Davidson said...

Thanks for the link to the waistline counter...I shall try to get 'leaner'. Great miniview, BTW, at Red Penny Papers. I left a comment there.

Katey said...

Well, I can think of ONE market that likes 15-20k stories... *cough*

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Stephen King is freaking awesome.

Danielle Birch said...

He's a wise man is Stephen King.