A Small Piece of Praise
June 13, 1998
2:47 p.m.
Yes, I'm the one sending some of you to my front page. Bear with me for a few days [ /w/e/e/k/s/?/ ], K? A couple days ago one of my co-workers asked me how my writing was going. This happens about once a week or so, and every time the question is asked it's always followed with something about how I might turn out to be the next Stephen King. While this is a nice thought, I have to admit that it puts these conversations into the area of the surreal for me. But I smile. Sometimes I try to explain. Sometimes I don't. Heck, I'm off my original point and it's only the third paragraph. It's gonna be one of those entries, I guess. Anyway, when they asked me how things were going, I answered truthfully. Things are moving. Very slowly. But moving. "I've got four stories coming out this year," I said. "Oh, really," nice expression of being impressed. Now that I do have a few things in print, I find I enjoy that look less than I once did. but it's still nice. Then I went on and explained where they could find my material, and they nodded their head and went off. Just like the scads of other people who have asked. (Yeah, I know that sounded condescending, but it really wasn't meant to be, okay? Again, bear with me. Maybe I'll redeem myself). Most people that ask me about my writing really don't care that much for science fiction, you see. At least I don't think they do. They ask because they're interested in me (which I really appreciate). And occasionally they comment on one of my stories. But for the most part, my conversations with general, everyday people tend to be merely pleasant exchanges. I know they're not going to read my stuff, even when I tell them where they can get it. No big deal. I think it's nice of people just to keep the fact that I write in the back of their busy brains. But every now and again, a small piece of real praise comes that is truely heartfelt. Judy Young of the Writers of the Future contest called again. In the midst of a bunch of other business, she told me that when the proof reader for my story "The Disappearance of Josie Andrew" (to be published in this summer's anthology) finished reading the piece she reported she choked up and could not continue doing her job for awhile. These words were like a glass of ice water after working in the yard over a hot August day. I could feel them to my toes. One of my stories brought another person to a halt. Yeah, being a new writer has a lot of crappy aspects. It doesn't pay well, it takes too long for editors to tell you to go pound sand, and it's damned confusing to read stories in magazines that you think are mediocre while you can't sell something of your own that you think is at least pretty danged good. But praise is like sugar. It only takes a little to make anything taste sweet.   only on the net (obviously)  Daily Persistence is © Ron Collins |
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"I'm very proud of my garbage" Mr. Haddad |
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