tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post1871483503209788568..comments2024-03-28T10:41:26.999-06:00Comments on Blood-Red Pencil: Is It Time For My Swan Song?Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14471919576687777886noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-35940584055646871632022-06-02T07:49:17.651-06:002022-06-02T07:49:17.651-06:00Yes, Linda, there is that, especially for those of...Yes, Linda, there is that, especially for those of us who want to shine a light on the villains around us. Giving them their just desserts in a story is definitely rewarding and using real-life people as subject matter frees us in a way that we can't do in real life.Polly Iyerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05729656119287702191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-55718549050593319352022-06-02T06:34:59.502-06:002022-06-02T06:34:59.502-06:00Polly, not much original I can say after all of th...Polly, not much original I can say after all of these terrific comments, but I'm a fan and how you keep writing. It helps the mind stay active and, for me at least, making sure my villains and hypocrits are punished releases some of the toxins that would otherwise fester in my mind. Keep at it!Linda Lovelyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06689184015264104687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-20294277877362023712022-06-01T15:29:51.096-06:002022-06-01T15:29:51.096-06:00You're amazing, and unstoppable, Michele. Tape...You're amazing, and unstoppable, Michele. Tapestry of Tears is on my TBR list, but even reading has been difficult. I think the hiatus everyone mentions is what I need. But first, Diana 5. Thanks for being my friend.Polly Iyerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05729656119287702191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-37426276731367658492022-06-01T15:05:28.985-06:002022-06-01T15:05:28.985-06:00Well, who to respond to first? Kaye who made 30 ce...Well, who to respond to first? Kaye who made 30 cents? Judy Alter who talks about a swan song but always pulls another story, another book out? Or those legions of us who don't seem to know any better and just keep writing?. Like you, Polly, I'm giving up the fantasy call from Hollywood (or Netflix) and just finished my 17th book, eleventh in the Kandesky vampire Chronicles and started on the next, third in the Stained Glass Mysteries.<br />You're a great story-teller and wonderful writer, as well as a dear friend...and I'm pulling for you!<br />Michele DrierMichele Drierhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06944263184981732147noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-70510165551189861862022-06-01T12:10:00.678-06:002022-06-01T12:10:00.678-06:00All the sadness is not just overwhelming, it's...All the sadness is not just overwhelming, it's crushing. In times like these, we realize how much we really need one another. Sending hugs.Linda Lanehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16056682992943171805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-15463652162783784032022-06-01T10:43:59.818-06:002022-06-01T10:43:59.818-06:00Linda, your posts are always so beautifully writte...Linda, your posts are always so beautifully written. I love your advice and love the Dickinson poem. You mention seeing life differently than you did when you were younger. I see life differently, but I still think pretty much the same if a bit more cynically. You mention the writer's sensitivity. This last massacre has had me in tears. I've stopped watching news completely. I didn't want to hear the details and see the grief. It doesn't change that I know it happened, but not hearing about it, especially about the incompetence that allowed it to continue, saves me from dissolving into tears. I feel better not knowing the gory details. I hope we never see this kind of heinous act again. Not in our lifetimes.Polly Iyerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05729656119287702191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-41474738824121490592022-06-01T07:52:38.815-06:002022-06-01T07:52:38.815-06:00At almost 4 years your senior, I know where you...At almost 4 years your senior, I know where you're coming from, Polly. I'm tired. I hurt. Cold weather chills me to the bone. Hot weather makes me feel sick. And the list could go on and on. <br />At almost 4 years your senior, I view life through different eyes than did my younger self. Throughout my lifetime, history has consistently repeated itself, and not to anyone's benefit (except, perhaps, the few perpetrators of that repetition). Discouragement waits at the door every time I open it, but I choose not to let it in for an extended stay. Some days it begs to become my roommate, but so far I've denied it.<br />The problem with being writers is our ability to feel the pain of others, to cry for the abused and murdered children we do not know, to want to change the world one word at a time—but being totally unable to accomplish that mountainous feat. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren are blessings that remind us of our youth, and in the young ones' naïveté, they inspire hope in us. Is that a foolish hope? Not really. I believe that one day, it will be a reality for those who truly want it and are willing to do what it takes to acquire it. <br />In the meantime, I write. Why? My words would not be nearly as eloquent as those of Emily Dickinson, so I quote her here:<br />If I can stop one heart from breaking,<br />I shall not live in vain;<br />If I can ease one life the aching,<br />Or cool one pain,<br />Or help one fainting robin<br />Unto his nest again,<br />I shall not live in vain.<br />Our stories have the ability to do these things for our readers. This is what keeps me writing.<br />You, my dear writing sister, possess a wonderful gift of words. If you choose to retire it, that is okay because it is yours. If you choose to continue sharing it in a limited way that is okay, too, because it is yours. Whatever you choose, just be sure it is the right choice for you.Linda Lanehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16056682992943171805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-33466470954434457082022-06-01T06:24:53.479-06:002022-06-01T06:24:53.479-06:00Hang in there, Polly! I love your books and look f...Hang in there, Polly! I love your books and look forward to more. The future is bleak enough; we need those bright spots.Ellis Vidlernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-25082878909371818632022-06-01T06:07:31.552-06:002022-06-01T06:07:31.552-06:00First, thank you for your response. If anything ha...First, thank you for your response. If anything has helped me in writing this blog, it's to know that others are in the same boat. That doesn't make me feel better for them, because misery loving company is a selfish point of view, but it is a kind of acceptance that writing is an ever-evolving effort, with plenty of ups and downs, successes and disappointments. I refuse to say failures because they aren't. They're just bumps in the road.<br />Second, I accept blame for whatever I said to inspire you. I shall try to find the inspiration for myself somehow.<br />Third, though I've only met Danna once and wish we'd had longer to get to know one another better, I know Michelle quite well. It was my pleasure to be her roommate at the only Malice Conference I attended. I am pleased to call her my friend.<br />And last, thanks for buying We Are But WARRIORS. I hope you enjoy it.Polly Iyerhttps://pollyiyer.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-31780323983736875342022-05-31T22:02:16.503-06:002022-05-31T22:02:16.503-06:00In a word, "No, definitely not!" OK, thr...In a word, "No, definitely not!" OK, three words, in response to 'should this be my swan song.' One may ask how I come by my certainty, as I do not know you or your work. Two reasons. First, I could not have worded your dilemma any better if it were MY dilemma---but wait! It IS my dilemma. Perfectly said--all the same reasons, all the same or similar circumstances, al the billowing, fuzzy mind cloudiness that I call ennui, one day, exhaustion, the next, slacker the next, burned out, the next, losing proposition (income wise), the next, etc. So once I established we have the same or very similar problem, I decided to do a little research. I looked at your website. I came across some of your photos from past events--I saw one with Hank Phillippi Ryan, who I don't know but interact with on FBook; then I saw a photo of Danna Dennis Wilberg, one of my critique partners and whose recent book I helped edit and did the formatting for (a side gig I do when writing escapes me, which is often the past 28 months!); AND THEN, I read the first chapter on your website of We Are But Warriors, and I liked it a lot, AND THEN, I saw another of my friends and critique partners, Michele Drier had written a review or promo blurb for that book, AND THEN, I bought your book! About a week ago, I was so dejected about my own writing (55K done on a WIP and ideas coming out my ears for other books), I told the Guppies to stop sending me their Digest. Lucky for me, they ignored my request, which is how I read your blog; so...maybe I never hit Send? Dunno. But I do know this: You are a captivating writer in a crazy world distorted by plague, violence, lack of civility and a new definition of truth that says I can call the sky green and the trees blue. WHO WOULDN'T BE DEJECTED?!?!? LOL...so, you know, Polly, I don't know what's right for you—hell, I rarely know what's right for me, but if the opinion of a 77-year old weary author traveller means anything, keep going. After reading your blog piece and seeing your website and reading that first chapter of Warriors, I decided, today, to write about two women on the desperate prairie facing seemingly insurmountable odds...etc etc.,sometime around 1910, because...I have no idea why! But I know it's YOUR fault! LOL. But first, I'll finish the WIP, a New Adult thing with two timelines, the present and WWII. It's called The Kensington Cat—I have no idea why I started it, my usual genre is Sapphic Historical Romance, but it'll be out someday! LOL. I self publish and do all my own and others formatting, so between my freelance jobs and my procrastination as an author (for most of the reasons you mentioned), I decided to just stay (keyword) moderately busy until this passes. AND...this too shall pass—this being the state we're all in. I look forward to reading your Warriors book, and I genuinely hope you continue to write. There is no earthly reason why you (or most of us) should, but when have real writers EVER needed an earthly reason?!? But it's a small world, isn't it? My seeing that Guppie digest post about your blog piece got my day going. You just NEVER KNOW who your words will touch, who will resonate with your sentiments, who identifies with your 'swan song' dilemma. I have one last thing to say: Onward, Polly! (ok, ok, two words).Tarra Thomas Writing As T.T. Thomashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02329233407913496563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-87284829454291201562022-05-31T14:01:12.268-06:002022-05-31T14:01:12.268-06:00It's not even a thriller/suspense/mystery.It's not even a thriller/suspense/mystery.Polly Iyerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05729656119287702191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-53743494110971091092022-05-31T14:00:24.628-06:002022-05-31T14:00:24.628-06:00Anonymous was me. I meant to say, I wish Amazon wo...Anonymous was me. I meant to say, I wish Amazon would promote their self-published authors a fraction of the amount they PROMOTE their imprint authors.<br /><br />I hate typing on my phone, but I was sitting outside. Grr.$.30. Good thing you have your publishers that aren't Amazon.Polly Iyerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05729656119287702191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-14905399028371596402022-05-31T13:50:23.301-06:002022-05-31T13:50:23.301-06:00I wish Amazon would promote their self-published a...I wish Amazon would promote their self-published authors a fraction of the amount they publish their imprint authors. It would be easy for them to do and would help those of us who’ve made money for them over the years. Questionable amounts, I realize, but still. <br /> Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-19353163766442517582022-05-31T12:58:43.778-06:002022-05-31T12:58:43.778-06:00Hang in there! I got 30 cents last month!Hang in there! I got 30 cents last month!Kaye Georgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05596677617002735674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-86178739905939871932022-05-31T12:05:58.701-06:002022-05-31T12:05:58.701-06:00Sorry to hear you're in my boat. My only inspi...Sorry to hear you're in my boat. My only inspiration is 74K words that need an ending. It doesn't help that today's take on KDP is a massive $.12. That's twelve cents. Sigh.Polly Iyerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05729656119287702191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-7657078513019903232022-05-31T11:55:46.985-06:002022-05-31T11:55:46.985-06:00Sorry to hear you've gotten discouraged, Polly...Sorry to hear you've gotten discouraged, Polly. I'm in the same boat, though it sounds like you've got inspiration to keep writing, so best of luck to you.Linda Cassidy Lewishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17105748665483726537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-4649674384995879622022-05-31T11:48:15.201-06:002022-05-31T11:48:15.201-06:00You're probably right. I'm sure I'll d...You're probably right. I'm sure I'll dabble, but after this one, will I ever finish another book? I've questioned whether I could finish this one, but 74K words are too much to let slide. Thanks for posting, Anon.Polly Iyerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05729656119287702191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-4303059200237454992022-05-31T11:31:01.164-06:002022-05-31T11:31:01.164-06:00Aha! I knew it! Can't wait! (I would probably ...Aha! I knew it! Can't wait! (I would probably have a better writing career if I stuck to the same thing. Just sayin')Kaye Georgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05596677617002735674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-91375843987980978662022-05-31T11:26:17.021-06:002022-05-31T11:26:17.021-06:00Funny you should mention that. I do have an idea, ...Funny you should mention that. I do have an idea, at least for a standalone, which is my favorite book to write. I admire your versatility. You take chances in trying different genres and by doing so, succeed in stretching your talent. I'm jealous.Polly Iyerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05729656119287702191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-31976174442303044592022-05-31T11:24:01.514-06:002022-05-31T11:24:01.514-06:00Thank you, Anonymous. It is natural for creative p...Thank you, Anonymous. It is natural for creative people to question their worth. I'm a big believer in Nike's tag line, Just Do It! If you don't, you'll never know. I hope you followed through with my advice.Polly Iyerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05729656119287702191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-26262315024956531242022-05-31T10:36:28.585-06:002022-05-31T10:36:28.585-06:00Your blog and many of the responses echo what goes...Your blog and many of the responses echo what goes through my mind these days. The larger question was asked, and answered, can a writer ever quit writing? I doubt it. Thank you for posting. Best wishes, Polly.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-60006654551322155942022-05-31T09:50:24.122-06:002022-05-31T09:50:24.122-06:00Here's my prediction: that your writing subjec...Here's my prediction: that your writing subject(s) might change in the future. Can a writer actually quit writing? I don't think so. Kaye Georgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05596677617002735674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-52530990856662353002022-05-31T09:34:45.338-06:002022-05-31T09:34:45.338-06:00You were the first person who walked up to me at S...You were the first person who walked up to me at SinC and encouraged me to write, to keep exploring the story that was, at the time, still emerging. Let me return the favor. After reading your work, I have to say, your voice remains strong. It's fair for all of us to take a step back after the last few years and I hope with all my heart you're there to be the voice of creativity, entertainment, and inspiration in the future. You're a natural. But, we're not talking about what you have to offer, here. I hope you take a much deserved break from reality and find that spark that fuels doing what you love. We're all right there with you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-6067797484516967842022-05-31T09:06:16.479-06:002022-05-31T09:06:16.479-06:00I hope so, Diana, but it sure would be fun to see ...I hope so, Diana, but it sure would be fun to see how miserable I'd be with a little fame. Ha!Polly Iyerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05729656119287702191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-25354999817495850942022-05-31T09:05:19.454-06:002022-05-31T09:05:19.454-06:00Thanks, Kait. I'm not out of it yet, but I'...Thanks, Kait. I'm not out of it yet, but I'm struggling. I do have an idea though. Haha.<br />Polly Iyerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05729656119287702191noreply@blogger.com