Category Archives: publishing

Why Bother?

Posted on August 15, 2017 by Lida Bushloper

Decades ago, I was a member of several writing critique groups, including a small group of 4-5 people. One member was a woman about 35, thin, with lank, dirty blond hair. She would sit on the couch in our host’s … Continue reading →

Posted in publishing, Uncategorized, writing | Tagged attitudes, authors, publishing, writers, writing | 2 Comments

The List–For Now

Posted on June 20, 2017 by Lida Bushloper

There’s something artificial about any numbered list of “bests.” Criteria are fluid and subjective. You can cheat by allowing for “ties” and end up with more than the stated number. Or heck just make it the “50 best” say, rather … Continue reading →

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No Comparison Part III

Posted on June 13, 2017 by Lida Bushloper

Having made all those comments encouraging each of us not to compare ourselves with other writers, I admit to being the worst offender. It seems to be human nature to do this, and maybe there’s not really much we can … Continue reading →

Posted in publishing, Uncategorized, writing | Tagged authors, Leo Tolstoy, Max Ehrmann, quotes, the writing life, writers, writing | Leave a comment

No Comparison, Part II

Posted on June 6, 2017 by Lida Bushloper

There is a famous incident about Jacqueline Susann. She was on an episode of The David Frost Show, which aired on July 16, 1969, promoting her novel The Love Machine. After a discussion of Susann’s appeal and business tactics, a … Continue reading →

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No Comparison, Part I

Posted on May 31, 2017 by Lida Bushloper

Occasionally my electric company sends me a charming, colorful letter informing me that I am using far, far more electricity than most of my neighbors who live in dwellings of a similar square footage to mine. The flyer includes “tips” … Continue reading →

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It’s All Subjective

Posted on May 23, 2017 by Lida Bushloper

A couple of years ago I entered a short story contest. There were three anonymous judges. Since they were anonymous, I have no idea whether they were editors, fellow writers, agents, writing teachers or other. Even though this was a … Continue reading →

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Turnaround

Posted on May 17, 2017 by Lida Bushloper

I got another story back a few days ago. No surprise. I had sent it to a top market where there’s a ton of competition from big name authors. Nevertheless it’s always worth a try. (Well, almost always.) Within days of the rejection, … Continue reading →

Posted in publishing, Uncategorized, writing | Tagged authors, publishing, rejection, short stories, the writing life, writers, writing | 1 Comment

Impatience

Posted on May 9, 2017 by Lida Bushloper

The writing life has changed radically since the onset of electronic submissions. Mostly this is a good thing. No more trudging to the post office, weighing large envelopes so you don’t attach too much or too little postage, having to … Continue reading →

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Gratitude

Posted on April 18, 2017 by Lida Bushloper

I got a story turned down a few days ago. Instead of feeling the normal sting of rejection, I felt a profound relief. Truth is, it wasn’t a story I was proud of. I was, and am, very proud of the … Continue reading →

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From the “Nothing New Under the Sun” Department

Posted on March 28, 2017 by Lida Bushloper

I’m reading Everybody Behaves Badly: The True Story Behind Hemingway’s Masterpiece The Sun Also Rises, by Lesley M.M. Blume (which I recommend). The author recounts that in early 1920’s Paris, Hemingway became the deputy editor for a literary journal called transatlantic review, started … Continue reading →