tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post3490154738773150258..comments2024-02-12T17:59:33.534-06:00Comments on RAZORED ZEN: Beat to a Pulp Round One InterviewCharles Gramlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02052592247572253641noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-27868713665773879752010-10-22T07:58:46.753-05:002010-10-22T07:58:46.753-05:00Erik, thanks for that. I appreciate the kind sent...Erik, thanks for that. I appreciate the kind sentiments.Charles Gramlichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02052592247572253641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-83753393520591868292010-10-20T10:50:46.077-05:002010-10-20T10:50:46.077-05:00Fantastic -- thoroughly enjoyed this.
And this ob...Fantastic -- thoroughly enjoyed this.<br /><br />And this observation, absolutely true:<br /><br />"First let me say that you are not only a prolific writer, but you seem to be on top of every blog on the web, offering comments and encouragement throughout the community. You’re one of the pillars . . ."Erik Donald Francehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02332500850365598564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-88504430405367612032010-10-19T09:47:02.646-05:002010-10-19T09:47:02.646-05:00Elaine Ash, it's something I heard somewhere a...Elaine Ash, it's something I heard somewhere along the line, probably at some conference or other.<br /><br />jodi, sounds good!Charles Gramlichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02052592247572253641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-25573204806408897722010-10-18T19:44:16.536-05:002010-10-18T19:44:16.536-05:00Charles, great interview and I agree with Elaine a...Charles, great interview and I agree with Elaine and thank you for all of your comments and support. I am proud and honored...jodihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01798858210138821711noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-67546642833739975262010-10-18T18:05:14.818-05:002010-10-18T18:05:14.818-05:00Patti, thank you so much for your kind comments. Y...Patti, thank you so much for your kind comments. You're a pleasure to work with, always<br /><br />Charles, what an interesting observation that the first story sells the book and the final story sells the next book. Loved it!<br /><br />I should also mention that the "epilogue" of the book is a piece by Cullen Gallagher about the history of pulp fiction. It's 5,000 words long and remembers the late and great writers and publishers who came before us and blazed a trail. This piece may be a little "geeky" but I'm the kind of geek who loves an historical perspective about where we've come from and where we're going.EAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11427618205516183976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-21034530934302981012010-10-18T16:46:17.544-05:002010-10-18T16:46:17.544-05:00Sage, yes, Elaine has some good suggestions.Sage, yes, Elaine has some good suggestions.Charles Gramlichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02052592247572253641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-43828864527813180282010-10-18T16:25:00.291-05:002010-10-18T16:25:00.291-05:00Good interview--good remarks about editing one'...Good interview--good remarks about editing one's work beforehand.sagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17499891950639742366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-88741534587504702942010-10-17T18:16:38.154-05:002010-10-17T18:16:38.154-05:00Harry Markov, I think it's kind of like with a...Harry Markov, I think it's kind of like with a story in general. The first paragraph sells your story, the last paragraph sells your next story. In an anthology, the first story sells the book, the last story sells the next one.<br /><br /> G, I think forcing dialogue to do too much is the problem, and it's also fairly easy to throw dialogue onto the page rather than put in description. It's hard to do it right though.<br /><br /> Elaine Ash, cool.<br /><br /> pattinase, I believe it!Charles Gramlichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02052592247572253641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-31738773903286149262010-10-17T13:53:25.808-05:002010-10-17T13:53:25.808-05:00Let me tell you about Elaine. Each story I have se...Let me tell you about Elaine. Each story I have sent to BEAT TO A PULP has been made stronger, thanks to her. She is willing to take the time with an author to help them see their characters more clearly. The ending of my story in the anthology is much stronger because she said, take it up another notch. Make it end with a big bang. It is rare to have someone read your work so thoroughly and not only get it but get how it can be better. Every writer needs an Elaine Ash.pattinase (abbott)https://www.blogger.com/profile/02916037185235335846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-25170413470178827412010-10-17T13:34:44.458-05:002010-10-17T13:34:44.458-05:00Hey Charles, thanks for the tip to check out Denni...Hey Charles, thanks for the tip to check out Dennis Lehane’s take on dialogue. G, nice to see you’re still at the party.<br /><br />Actually, I owe Cranmer a correction. It was his idea to contact Charles Ardai. David is always on top of who’s doing what and where. Me, not so much. So he pointed the way that Ardai was a man to meet, and I followed up with some “hat shaking” for a story.<br /><br />Harry, FYI Cranmer will be hosting a Q&A with myself and Frank Bill just on the “Acting Out” novella contained in the anthology and how we got from 50,000+ words to 18,000. I’m sure Frank will be report a few tidbits on the editing process with Farrar Straus Giroux as well. So watch for that over at EOPW, probably coming late next week or just after.EAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11427618205516183976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-65460007626882775522010-10-17T13:15:40.180-05:002010-10-17T13:15:40.180-05:00Okay.
Dialogue...most of what I've read so fa...Okay.<br /><br />Dialogue...most of what I've read so far the dialogue has been okay, so I don't know who would be the worst offender out there today.<br /><br />I do know that when I was starting out, I used to go wickedly overboard with my dialogue and quite frequently (sad to say) I would bore myself to death reading it.<br /><br />It has gotten better as the years progressed, which is probably due to trying to make it more relevant to the scene at hand and less as a filler.<br /><br />Perhaps people have problems with dialogue because they're trying to use it as filler as opposed to making it relevant to the scene at hand.G. B. Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09783331838434598963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-33604377838993184782010-10-17T10:03:55.463-05:002010-10-17T10:03:55.463-05:00Thanks for that answer, Elaine. I love hearing abo...Thanks for that answer, Elaine. I love hearing about the creative history of the pieces, which are involved in the anthology, although I was more like talking in abstract. <br /><br />Since the opening story sets the tone and has importance as the hook, I imagine that the closing one has to be of importance.Harry Markovhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09140305922494369576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-88687947135308001812010-10-17T10:00:05.486-05:002010-10-17T10:00:05.486-05:00Jodi MacArthur, out of that kind of interaction a ...Jodi MacArthur, out of that kind of interaction a lot of energy comes.<br /><br />Barrie, thanks for dropping by. Glad you enjoyed.<br /><br />David Cranmer,let's you hope you two's labor of love will earn you a bit of mula as well.<br /><br />Elaine Ash, I never get very far into a novel that has that much dialogue in it. Dennis Lehane does good believable dialogue. The guy who wrote "requiem for a dream," had the worst use of dialogue I've ever seen, and the most boring.Charles Gramlichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02052592247572253641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-432472136796718642010-10-17T09:25:24.281-05:002010-10-17T09:25:24.281-05:00Hi Jodi! Thanks for ordering, much appreciated!
...Hi Jodi! Thanks for ordering, much appreciated! <br /><br />Jess, that must be some writers' group! When I was in one, we had 6 members and met in one booth at Denny's. I'll make sure David Cranmer sees your post. We're on a shoestring, and haven't got any printed materials except the book. All our stuff is on-line, and it's kinda hard to put that in goodie bags.<br /><br />I see David has mentioned my out-of-date website and blog. The blog is defunct, and the website is not up-to-date with information. I was not mentioning them, because I want to update the info before driving people to the sites. As I mentioned, I'm on a "secret" project that is taking all my time and effort, s those things have to wait.<br /><br />Hey, the comments on dialogue in a novel petered out. I'm up for more? Who is the worst offender with lengthy dialogue that doesn't work? Does anybody have an example where it does work?EAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11427618205516183976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-60215512550057221342010-10-17T02:12:36.413-05:002010-10-17T02:12:36.413-05:00This was a marvelous interview that demonstrates e...This was a marvelous interview that demonstrates exactly why Elaine is the very best at what she does. I hope folks seek out her website to learn more on how she can improve their own short stories and novels.<br /><br />And thanks for all the kind comments directed my way.<br /><br />Best,<br />DavidDavid Cranmerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04749857752139212888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-81494207048563839332010-10-17T01:18:31.940-05:002010-10-17T01:18:31.940-05:00Great interview! I learned a lot.Great interview! I learned a lot.Barriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04678698296265168217noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-83679973136141256312010-10-16T23:34:30.741-05:002010-10-16T23:34:30.741-05:00What's a partnership without passionate head b...What's a partnership without passionate head butting? (Why does that sound wrong? ;-p ). So much work you and David have put into this book, the website, and the promotions. Nothing but top notch all the way. Just ordered my copy tonight. Can't wait to raed it. Wonderful Q & A's here.Jodi MacArthurhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13373591664178281529noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-11031451897768926002010-10-16T21:20:23.984-05:002010-10-16T21:20:23.984-05:00Deka Black, Me too. Absolutely.
Paul D. Brazill, ...Deka Black, Me too. Absolutely.<br /><br />Paul D. Brazill, thanks, man. Yes, BTAP is a great addition to the zining world.<br /><br />Steve Malley, it's a big thick book for sure. I just got my copy.<br /><br />Elaine, that's cool about Paul's nomination. I didn't know that.<br /><br />Glenn Gray, thanks for visiting.<br /><br />Carole, glad you enjoyed.<br /><br />Jess, it's a great looking book. I just got mine and haven't had a chance to start reading it yet but I'm sure it's going to be great.Charles Gramlichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02052592247572253641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-49652160965345675432010-10-16T20:30:42.405-05:002010-10-16T20:30:42.405-05:00Thanks for your response, Elaine. And I'm sure...Thanks for your response, Elaine. And I'm sure it's writers' group. :) My peeps will be very interested in your info and the anthology. I'll advertise it. And let me add that our annual conference is Nov. 13th: if anyone wants to send publicity stuff for the goody bags or freebie table, feel free. <br /><br />Bayou Writers' Group<br />P.O.Box 1402<br />Lake Charles, LA 70602<br /><br />The comments, questions and answers are really great. My curiosity is getting the best of me so I'm ordering my copy of Beat to a Pulp now. <br /><br />Thanks again. I've learned a lot.Jessica Fergusonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18320362797117599955noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-17043401465966971762010-10-16T18:14:02.844-05:002010-10-16T18:14:02.844-05:00This was so interesting. Great info also, Very c...This was so interesting. Great info also, Very cool.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03828426520214270655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-90454098008831445582010-10-16T17:53:07.971-05:002010-10-16T17:53:07.971-05:00Great great discussion. Elaine, it is always such ...Great great discussion. Elaine, it is always such a pleasure to work with you. Everyone can now see just how generous and knowledgeable you are. Congrats to you and David (and dmix)!!Glenn Grayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14925047417101856802noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-12396829810591849222010-10-16T17:44:45.707-05:002010-10-16T17:44:45.707-05:00Hi Paul! Does everyone know you were nominated for...Hi Paul! Does everyone know you were nominated for a Derringer for "The Tut" which was published on BTAP? I loved it for it's classical structure and use of sound in an Edgar Allan Poe-like torture sequence.<br /><br />Steve, it's wonderful when others feel my pain.(ha ha) The thing about writing and editing is I never can believe how much work it actually takes to get to the finish line. How could anybody do it if they didn't love it?EAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11427618205516183976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-39392077034282354302010-10-16T15:52:27.591-05:002010-10-16T15:52:27.591-05:00I can't imagine the effort it took to bring th...I can't imagine the effort it took to bring this anthology out-- my hat's off to you! :)Steve Malleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17561234111786788616noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-12738574921104147242010-10-16T14:11:00.101-05:002010-10-16T14:11:00.101-05:00Smashing interview. Love me BTAP, I do.Smashing interview. Love me BTAP, I do.Paul D Brazillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12881642426845398389noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-57305587581602303792010-10-16T13:02:23.822-05:002010-10-16T13:02:23.822-05:00Hi Ron, thanks for the comments and question. Firs...Hi Ron, thanks for the comments and question. First, I’d just like to hail the pioneers of crime publishing on-line, who devote countless hours to writers and readers. In the beginning, getting the stories out was what mattered, and there was little time or resource for visuals. But the time comes in the evolution of every endeavor when help is needed, and it doesn’t have to cost anything. It can be as simple as asking for help. The greatest challenge of any small business (if you can call free web publishing a business) where the owner/operator has to ask for help and delegate tasks. People will generously help, especially in our community. You just have to ask.<br /><br />Now, on to the burning issue of dialogue in stories! With the advent of film, film and more film, it was only natural that screenwriting started to infiltrate. Long stretches of dialogue in novels is common now. Personally, I don’t care what device a writer employs as long as it “works.” If I can’t see the characters, know where they are standing and what they are doing at the same time they’re talking, then the dialogue device fails. It’s failed because the writer has depended solely on the device and hasn’t fulfilled the other requirements of painting a complete picture in words, in the reader’s imagination. So before putting the kibosh on the dialogue device, let me say, IMO, that it’s not a bad thing when it’s used to augment, not supplant, the more traditional form of description within a novel.EAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11427618205516183976noreply@blogger.com