Archive for July, 2008
Posted by Mark Shaw on July 29, 2008
Hello hemingwaywantabes. I hope you are writing away toward that special day when, not if, you will be published.
I admit to not being certain whether Ernest Hemingway ever permitted anyone to look at first drafts of his books (if you know, please let me know), but I’ll bet he thought it was a good idea for aspiring authors and poets. Another fine writer thinks this makes sense. His name is Stephen King and perhaps you know he has sold a zillion books during the past twenty years or so.
In On Writing, King’s terrific book about the craft, he writes, “When you give out six or eight copies [drafts] of a book, you get back six or eight highly subjective opinions about what’s good and what’s bad in it. If all your readers think you did a pretty good job, you probably did . . . If everyone who reads your book says you have a problem, you’ve got a problem and you better do something about it.”
Currently, the two books I am working on, a biography of spiritual guru Thomas Merton, and one presenting a fresh look at the JFK and Lee Harvey Oswald assassinations, are being read by others. I try to pick a variety of people re age, knowledge of the subject matter, gender, etc. so opinions will be received from a variety of viewpoints. Each person hopefully will be direct so that I may learn a number of things about the books.
If you have finished a workable first draft of your book, consider some critique. You might stay away from family or close friends since they will inclined to tell you what you want to hear. Instead, try to find some people who will be frank with you so you may truly learn from their comments and suggestions. Constructive criticism is a great learning tool. Try it on for size.
Posted in Hemingway and Critique | Tagged: Authors, Books, Criticism, Editors, Ernest Hemingway, Fiction, Hemingway, Ideas, King, Manuscripts, Non-Fiction, On Writing, Poets, Publishing, Stephen King, Words, Writers, Writing | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Mark Shaw on July 27, 2008
Hey, hemingwaywantabes, if you have not read Five Skies by author Ron Carlson, do so immediately. Some reviewers of the book compare Carlson’s prose to that of Hemingway and they are right on point. And what reviews – raves all around from some of the most important reviewers in the country.
On the surface, the book seems to be a “man’s book,” but it is much more than that. Through Carlson’s perspective, we learn about three men who have hidden secrets but meet in the Rocky Mountains with different agendas towards their future. Each must battle demons haunting them, but through work and friendship, they learn what is really important about life. Above all, the book is a terrific love story, one that you will read as quickly as possible to learn what occurs to Carlson’s compelling characters.
And, perhaps best of all, Carlson’s writing technique, certainly “Hemingwayesque” in manner, is terrific as a learning tool for all aspiring authors. Don’t read it once, read it twice!!
Posted in Hemingway and Five Skies | Tagged: Bestsellers, Books, Carlson, Ernest Hemingway, Fiction, Five Skies, Hemingway, Non-Fiction, Novels, Ron Carlson, Words, Writers, Writing | 2 Comments »
Posted by Mark Shaw on July 23, 2008
Hello hemingwaywantabes. Hope all is well. And that you have been writing away on that that unique work of fiction, non-fiction, or poetry, whatever your interest may be.
During a writing and publishing seminar last week, I made sure the audience knew about a great resource tool, Publisherslunch.com. There wasn’t such a thing in Hemingway’s day, but now it is almost a must for any aspiring author since the daily information sent via email is critical to understanding what is occurring in the publishing business. There is news on every deal being completed, info on the author and book concept, details about the literary agent who sold the book, and mention of the editor at the publishing house who optioned the book. Wow, all you need to know in one installment.
Also, Publisherslunch.com provides resource material on literary agents, editors, etc. that is invaluable to assisting a writer’s search for the right agent or publisher for his/her book. So take a gander when you have time. There is a free email service, or a monthly subscription at a reasonable price. Either way, you will be linked into the publishing world like never before.
Posted in Hemingway and Publishers Lunch | Tagged: Books, Editors, Ernest Hemingway, Fiction, Hemingway, Literary, Literary Agents, Non-Fiction, Novels, Publishers, Publisherslunch, Words, Writers, Writing | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Mark Shaw on July 21, 2008
Perhaps you may enlighten me, but I doubt that Ernest Hemingway ever wrote a query letter in the form that we know of today. He may have jotted down a few thoughts and sent them off to a publisher about a forthcoming book, but once he was a bestselling author he could write a novel about a lampost and probably get it published.
In the current era, query letters are a must. Literary agents and publishers want to know about your book, but they don’t have much time to consider whether it is worthy for publication or not. Like Jack Webb used to say on the old television program, “Dragnet,” “just give me the facts, ma’am” is true as well of query letters. In one page, and no more, a writer must explain the many aspects of his or her book by utilizing a strong, catchy, short, first paragraph to gain attention, a paragraph or two summarizing what the book is about, facts about why the writer is the one person in the world to write the book, the intended book audience, similar successful books, and why this one is unique, and how the book will be promoted. Other information may be added but this is the crux of the message.
It may help you to think of a query letter as a situation where you are sitting across the desk from a literary agent or publisher and you have about three minutes to tell them about your book. You mention your strong points first, then add spice in the time you have left. If you do your job hemingwaywantabes, then the agent or editor will stand up, start cheering, and offer you a contract on the spot. It can happen, just keep the faith, and never, ever give up.
Posted in Hemingway and Query Letters | Tagged: Books, Editors, Ernest Hemingway, Fiction, Hemingway, Literary Agents, Literature, Non-Fiction, Novels, Publishers, Query Letters, Words | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Mark Shaw on July 17, 2008
What is your favorite Hemingway book, Hemingwaywantabes - Old Man and the Sea, Moveable Feast, Farewell to Arms, or For Whom the Bell Tolls? How about The Garden of Eden?
What I like most about the latter book is its simplicity, and Hemingway for writing little details that provide just enough information about the subject at hand. He was a master of this, never too little, not too much, just the right amount of information to keep the story flowing.
Here’s an example: “It was siesta time and they lay on the bed and David was reading by the light that came in the window on the left of the bed where he had pulled up on one of the slatted curtains about a third of its length. The light was reflected from the building across the street. The curtain was not pulled high enough to show the sky.”
Re-read this and see how many details Hemingway provides in just this short paragraph. We know David is a reader, the time is probably right after lunch, there is a window, and a bed in the room. Hemingway uses the curtains to indicate what is outside, a building across the street where whatever light there is reflects, etc.
When you write, attempt to be word conservative, using your tools to suggest as much information and as many images as possible. We are all too wordy, like those lawyers we see on television, trying somehow to spout out word after word as if quantity not quality is important. Practice this by limiting the words you speak, quit being long-winded and instead use short, detailed phrases to make your point. Like Hemingway, practice makes perfect when you focus on precise word usage.
If you want me to look over some of your writings, please send them along. Happy to do so.
Posted in Hemingway and Detail | Tagged: Books, Detail, Ernest Hemingway, Fiction, Garden of Eden, Hemingway, Non-Fiction, Novels, Publishing, Words, Writers, Writing | 4 Comments »
Posted by Mark Shaw on July 15, 2008
Imagine walking through a bookstore during Ernest Hemingway’s era and seeing the giant of a man sitting quietly in a cushy chair reading a new copy of James Joyce’s new book. What would you do? Go up and introduce yourself, ask him if he’d like to share a nice cool lemonade, or perhaps see if he might give you a tip or two about how to become a published author or poet.
Any of these is possible, but my bet would be that if you asked him where you might learn a great deal about the publishing world, he would have said, “Right here,” meaning the bookstore. For there is a wealth of information available if you look in the right places.
First, you would want to say to yourself that you are no longer a potential customer but instead working on a research mission. Wander around, tiny notebook and pencil in hand, and take a look at the bestseller tables. There you may learn what books are selling, who wrote them, who published them, and what they are all about. Jot down a few thoughts, perhaps a title or two in the genre that interests you since you may want to check out that book from the local library since books are two damn expensive to buy.
Next, head for the magazine and newspaper rack. Pick up the Thursday edition of USA Today and turn to the book page where all the bestsellers are listed. Do the same with the New York Times Book Review. Then find Publisher’s Weekly, Poets and Writers, Writer’s Digest and other publications with the latest news about the publishing industry. Scan the articles, the ads, and the reviews. It is amazing what you may learn in an hour or two.
Before you leave, check the shelves for books like the one you are writing. Read the book jacket copy, the author bio, and perhaps a bit of the Prologue or first chapter. Gain a sense of the storytelling strategy, the word usage, the way the author weaves together his or her characters. Once again, take notes so that you may reference them later.
Hemingwaywantabes, the world of publishing is right there before you, and best of all, unless you buy a book, it is free. You’ll be fascinated with what you learn, and if Ernest isn’t there, take a look around and see if his ghost might be.
Posted in Hemingway and Bookstores | Tagged: Books, Ernest Hemingway, Fiction, Hemingway, James Joyce, Joyce, Literature, Non-Fiction, Novels, NY Times Book Review, Poets and Writers, Publisher's Weekly, USA Today, Words, Writer's Digest, Writers, Writing | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Mark Shaw on July 13, 2008
Okay, Hemingwaywantabes, is the adverb, or the adjective for that matter, your best friend? Is your manuscript filled with them, one every other sentence or so since you believe that your prose is not descriptive enough if you do not squeeze in one or the other on a frequent basis.
Stephen King, in his book, On Writing, suggests that adverbs are not your friends, but instead crutches to lean on when the words you are using are not strong enough. It’s the same with Hemingway. Take a gander at one of his best books and presto, you will see few, if any, adverbs and adjectives. His language speaks for itself. It is bold, and stands alone with no need for a “helper.”
If you want to test your writings, do this. Once you have a competent first draft, do “adverb/adjective surgery.” I did this with one of my books, Miscarriage of Justice, The Jonathan Pollard Story, and it really worked. And guess what, the patient, here the book, lived!
Absence of adverbs and adjectives are a sign you are a professional writer. Give them up, throw them out the window, and set yourself free!
A note: if any of you bloggers who read this blog live near Bridgman, Michigan, located in the far southwest part of Michigan on the lake, listen up. I will be presenting, free of charge, a “How to Become a Published Author: A to Z” seminar this coming Thursday, July 17th from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For information, call Janet at the library.
Posted in Hemingway and Adverbs | Tagged: Adjective, Adverb, Book, Bridgman, Ernest Hemingway, Fiction, Grammar, Hemingway, Jonathan Pollard, Michigan, Non-Fiction, Novel, On Writing, Pollard, Publishing, Publishing Seminar, Punctuation, Seminar, Stephen King, Writer, Writing, Writing Seminar | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Mark Shaw on July 11, 2008
Ever wonder what Ernest Hemingway would think of President George W. Bush. Would the macho writer bond with the macho, chest-beating president who goes to war under false pretenses and then boasts about the achievement despite the loss of life of more than four thousand American soldiers/kids and more than 100,000 Iraqi civilians? Or would he be repulsed by this administration, one that continues to be so disconnected from the real world that the pres did not not even know when a gallon of gas hit four dollars?
If you want to read one man’s opinion about this state of affairs, I encourage all hemingwaywantabes to read The Prosecution of George W. Bush for Murder by former Mansion prosecutor and best selling author Vincent Bugliosi. Despite being ignored by the media, the book hit the NY Times bestseller list this week because Vince, as he always does, actually researches his topics and then tells the truth based on the facts. Amazing, huh, but Vince actually believes in this way of living. Bless this man, I say – what a refreshing change of pace from writers who merely make up the facts to fit their storyline.
I’m about a third of the way through this book and while I don’t agree with everything Vince says (I may call him Vince because we know each other with him having written a jacket cover endorsement for my biography of famed attorney Melvin Belli)), he speaks with straight tongue when it comes to describing Bush and his lack of real love for this country. The insights presented, if one keeps an open mind while reading, certainly help one understand why there is no question Bush is the worst president we have ever had, with the only shining light right now that the ego-driven, holier-than-thou pres will be gone in six months. Thank you Lord.
For my part, I feel very sorry for the pres and pray for him for he has no idea what chaos he has caused. But you don’t need my opinion – read Vince’s and then tell me what you think.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: Belli, Bestsellers, Books, Bugliosi, Bush, Courts, Fiction, Hemingway, Law, Literary, Melvin Belli, Murder, Non-Fiction, President, President Bush, Prosecution, The Prosecution of George W. Bush for Murder, Vincent Bugliosi | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Mark Shaw on July 9, 2008
Even though he is acknowledged as one of the greatest wordsmiths in history,Ernest Hemingway’s writings have been criticized over the years for many different reasons. In fact, there is whole book full of essays by so-called experts who attack his books on several levels. Some say his books were too macho, some too wordy, some not wordy enough, some too short, and some too long.
Regardless of the criticism, Merton have never been attacked for lack of expertise when it came to proper grammar and punctuation. Of course, he had editors at publishing companies who assisted him, but Hemingway prided himself on using grammar that was right on target, and punctuation with no mistakes.
Like him, Hemingwaywantabes, your writings must be perfect when it comes to grammar and punctuation. This is especially true if you have not had a book published. Then any query letters, book proposals, or manuscript text must be free of any errors. You only get one shot with literary agents and publishers, so you want your writing to be the very best it can be. Many times, it makes sense to hire an experienced, professional line editor to assist your efforts. They are located all around the world, and if you need a referral, please let me know.
In “How to Become a Published Author: A to Z,” there are grammar and punctuation exercises to test your skill level. They are available, as is the hwole book, free of charge on the pages noted above. Please give them a try and see how you do.
And, to test your skill reading this posting, please send me three problems there are with spelling, grammar, or punctuation. There are more than that, but let’s see how observant you are.
Posted in Hemingway and Grammar/Punctuation | Tagged: Agents, Books, Editors, Ernest Hemingway, Fiction, Grammar, Hemingway, Literary Agents, Literature, Non-Fiction, Publishing, Punctuation, Spelling, Words, Writers, Writing | 2 Comments »
Posted by Mark Shaw on July 7, 2008
Okay, Hemingwaywantabes, you have completed a competent first draft of your novel or non-fiction masterpiece. And you are ready to show it around, perhaps in manuscript form, or as sample pages to a book proposal. If so, how do you protect yourself from some money-hungry, crazed maniac who wants to steal your idea and writings and sell them to the highest bidder.
What’s the best protection – copyright your literary material. How do you do this? The best way, in my opinion, is to visit the Library of Congress website. On the home page, click “Literary Works,” or something similar, and you will be led to some information about copyright. You may either use the short or long form to register, but with either, you will print the form, fill it in, and then send it and your literary masterpiece along with forty bucks to the address provided in Washington, D. C. God willing, in about two months, you will receive a notice that specifies your copyright registration number. Keep it in a safe place, perhaps a lock box, or under your mattress. This is your proof of ownership, something that may come in handy if someone steals your material.
Mr. Hemingway probably never had to worry about copyright that much, but I am certain he copyrighted his writings at first chance. When a book company published his works, the copyright stayed in his name. Some publishers, especially in the academic world, want to have the copyright in their name, but whenever you can, keep it in yours.
So, that’s the scoop. If you have questions, consult the website I mentioned. It’s easy, somewhat inexpensive, and a good idea. Do it today!
Posted in Hemingway and Copyright | Tagged: Books, Copyright, Fiction, Hemingway, Library of Congress, Literary, Literary Works, Non-Fiction, Protection, Writers, Writing | Leave a Comment »
