Posted by Mark Shaw on January 27, 2009
As Jack Kerouac approached the publishing of his writings toward becoming a literary legend, he was a reader of many Ernest Hemingway books. Like Hemingway, Kerouac was influenced by others who provided sage advice as to the writing process. For Kerouac, one such man was Neil Cassady who once told Kerouac:
“I have always held that when one writes, one should forget all rules, literary styles, and other such pretensions as large words, lordly clauses and other phrases as such . . . Rather, I think one should write, as nearly as possible, as if he were the first person on earth and humbly and sincerely putting on paper that which he saw and experienced and loved and lost.”
While the aspiring writer must pay attention to writing rules-of-the-road, letting the words flow as Cassady describes means you are writing from the heart, from the soul with a clear message as to what you believe in. And remember, Hemingwaywantabes, every good story is a love story, whether it love gained or lost. Tell a good love story, and you have surely land a publisher for your book.
Posted in Hemingway and Kerouac | Tagged: Agents, Books, Cassady, Editors, Ernest Hemingway, Fiction, Hemingway, Jack Kerouac, Kerouac, Literary Agents, Literature, Neil Cassady, Non-Fiction, Novels, On the Road | 2 Comments »
Posted by Mark Shaw on January 19, 2009
Hemingway was not considered to be a humble man, but this is something I strive for in my life. Regardless, I must tell you, hemingwaywantabes, that I consider my self-help book, How To Become a Published Author: Idea to Publication far superior to many of the books being published about the topic of publishing. This becomes more apparent as I hear of the advice provided by these books. Much of it is from people totally unfamiliar with the practical applications as to how to take a book from idea to publication. Worse, much of the information supplied either in books, worshops or writer’s conferences is simply wrong. Since my book is written from the perspective of not only one who has had nearly twenty books published using the strategies presented, but a literary consultant whose strategies have permitted many, many people all over the world to become published, I may say with emphasis, “I know what the hell I am talking about.”
Best of all, the advice I provide through the book and on this blog is absolutely FREE. Let me say it again, FREE! By reading what I write, and by either printing out or downloading the book from the above icons, you may read what I have to say and take advantage of advice aspiring writers pay hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, to hear. This is my gift to you, part of my continuing ministry to help others so they might enjoy the day when they may hold their published book in their hands.
So, hemingwaywantabes, forgive my boasting, but please, please, take advantage of my gift to you. It is sent with love and compassion with no strings attached.
Posted in Hemingway and Book Publishing | Tagged: Books, Editors, Ernest Hemingway, Fiction, Hemingway, Literary Consultants, Mark Shaw, Non-Fiction, Poetry, Publishers, Publishing, Shaw, Writer's Conferences, Writer's Workshops, Writers, Writing | Leave a Comment »
