21 replies to this topic

[jetski]

I have taught writing and publication at the college level in both Illinois and Iowa. I wrote an article several days ago about working at home and it started inquiries from several who wanted to learn the art of writing. Well, I love teaching and I want to help those individual of my community, those of you who are reading this.

REMEMBER THIS, THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS TO MANY OF THE RULES AND METHODS IN THIS FIELD AS WELL AS MANY OTHER FIELDS. SIMPLY PUT, THESE ARE MY RULES. THESE RULES AND METHODS HAVE GOTTEN ME PUBLISHED AND BROUGHT ME SUCCESS AS A WRITER. I HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED HUNDREDS OF TIMES, HAVE DONE TELEVISION AND RADIO AND WROTE TELEVISION PROGRAMING FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN. SO SOMETHING I DO WORKS.


HI. Well, to get started, lets find out what most interest you? One of the many statements that you will learn to live by as a writer is:

Rule 1. WRITE WHAT YOU KNOW.

This is an absolute. If a writer tries to fake his knowledge, the reader will know it. For the most part, readers are fairly intelligent people. THIS STATEMENT DOESN'T MEAN THAT WE CAN'T WRITE FICTION, IT SIMPLY MEANS KNOW OR STUDY YOUR SUBJECT BEFORE YOU WRITE. HALF OF WRITING IS RESEARCH, YES, EVEN IN FICTION.
THE WORSE THING YOU CAN DO TO A READER IS TO INSULT THEIR INTELLIGENCE.

Now, as for regrets, no. I taught beginning writing and publication at the college level in both Illinois and Iowa. I love to teach. I have had students make the dumbest statement I think I have ever heard, so don't worry about asking seemly dumb questions.

Rule #2. There are no dumb questions, only dumb mistakes from not asking questions.

So, tell me what you would enjoy most about writing. This is called GENRE. Fiction, non-fiction, poetry, scientific data, newspaper accounts, sports, to name a few genres.

RULE #3. A writer must read, and read and read.
RULE #. A writer must write. This form is an excellent place to practice one's writing skill.

If you hate to write, then why do it. If you hate to read, then why write, because you are asking someone to do something you won't do yourself. I actually had a student tell me this.

I will also post all of my letters and instruction on APPARELYZED CAFE'. I have other students here as well, and it will save me duplication of material, but don't hold back on the questions. We are in class.

Bill jetski

Edited by jetski, 25 July 2008 - 09:30 PM.

[Laiusky]

Awww! I'm really looking forward to this!
Thank you so much!!

[nomis]

And an additional tip from me - never write more than THREE WORDS TOGETHER in capital letters.
Otherwise, because all the letters are of even height and there is less variation, it is hard to read.

[topperf]

Hehe, when Jetski is posting and nomis is commenting, you just know that there's something good coming up

btw, jetski, how about putting "a writer must write" higher in the ruling hierarchy?

t.

[jetski]

Good morning TOPPERT.

Regarding your question, the placement of the rules does not necessarily indicate the value of importance. The importance of reading is to study how other people write. Example, reading as many classics as possible, such as Hemmingway or Dickens.

By doing this, we are able to study what is known as voice, style, word usage, characterization, etc.

Now, a statement regarding nomis’s comment. As it is true that we do not usually write with capitals, except in cases of legal description, it can and does have it's place. Since I was writing rules, we can consider this exception to be legal description.

In America, and I can only speak for America, I do not write for over seas publication, OUR GUILD TO WRITING IS ENTITLED,” Elements of Style", by Strunk and White. It is the writer's bible in America. If one is considering writing for publication in America, owning and reading this manual is a must.

The final voice of authority in deciding what is proper and what isn't is the editors’re themselves. This is why it is important to know your editor and what they like and dislike, because each editor has a different criteria for publication.

The most that can be said for using CAPTIALS in writing is that over usage is IMPOLITE!

Finally, I debated whether or not to post this type of material here on this forum because there are those who excel in being obnoxious and contentious, wishing only to cause dissension among the readers, even though they have no desire to take away any thing of value proposed here. I can only guess their line of reasoning is that their knowledge and skills far exceed the learning process being presented. Perhaps they should them take up the hobby of counting sharks. If the criticism becomes too much of a problem, I will simply send out this material via private emails.

Finally, in setting down the ground rules, if ANYONE, anyone wants to take over this project, please, just step forward and I will bow out immediately. I have many irons in the fire, probably more than I should.
jetski

[topperf]

ah c'mon jet,- put it out in public, pleeeease, writers love critics - or is it the other way?

[jetski]

Well toppert, I guess I can answer you with only one comment, it comes from Texas, and, well, you know those Texans. It goes: If you mess with the bull, you're gonna get the horns.
jetski

[topperf]

that's fine by me. (btw, its spelled topperf, ferdinand;)

[knowthill]

jetski, on Jul 26 2008, 12:05 PM, said:

Finally, in setting down the ground rules, if ANYONE, anyone wants to take over this project, please, just step forward and I will bow out immediately. I have many irons in the fire, probably more than I should.
jetski

I hope to display two of your points with this example

I worked in the timbers of Minnesota. In order to keep the peace and us burly boys in line, the crew boss appointed a camp cook whose job it became until someone complained. This system worked just fine for everyone except the guy who got the job.

After two weeks he decided to get out of his dilemma by going out into the wood and gathered a fresh pile of Moose turds. Planning to change his job carefully he baked the fruit into a pie. When his attended subject asked for his desert the cook offers him a large steaming slice.

Taking the first bit he asks WHAT IS THIS with his mouth half full? "Why it is Moose turd pie what of it?" exclaims the cook. With out blinking an eye the lumber jack replies “best dam Moose turd pie I have ever eaten.”

Wrote what I know ,how to eat shit, and how to use capital letters.

Well editor did I understand your rules?

[jetski]

Well, that's te end of this project. I'll send the rest of the material via private email.

You see, I'm at a loss, I've never dealt with gods before, plus, I never knew there were so many gods gathered in one place.

How can you teach them respect when they can't even respect themselves.

Sorry folks, this subject is closed. Why, talk to those members listed above, after all, they are the ones with all the answers.
jetski

[topperf]

I'm really sorry you feel that way.
I thought bulls had broader backs and thicker skin. and I was really looking forward to being the naughty pupil, asking a bunch of questions of various quality.

all the best (you know that, Jet)

t.

[Quad65]

I, for one, had hoped to take something positive away from this and in turn, contribute. Being a smart-ass and poking fun has its place an I'm all for it when appropriate. I'm disappointed that this thread is not being taken seriously. Participation is not mandatory and if we can't put our clown hats aside for a while, then I guess it's time to bring down the curtain.


jetski, I will continue via email.

[nomis]

It's never been my intention to hinder jetski's writing project and I think there are people here who can take advantage of such instruction to their benefit. I hope those interested do continue to correspond with jetski.

My concern regarding CAPITAL letters particularly relates to posting on this forum. For my own ease and enjoyment, I would like people to avoid excessive use of capitals because I find them hard to read when all lumped together. Same goes for red type. I felt the initial posting on the art of writing might unintentionally be sending a misleading message to forum contributers.

Obviously, my concern here is for the visual presentation of typography and not for the writing technique which jetski is addressing. The role of writing is to communicate – and that includes the ease of how the final outcome can be read.

I think much of the above discussion is unnecessary and jetski should feel free to pursue what he feels is the best course in offering his writing lessons.

At the same time I recognise that these forum pages are open to all of us and we each in our own way make our own entertainment and fun. Challenges and controversial discussions are an integral part of communicating and learning.

[Kwag_Myers]

nomis, on Jul 28 2008, 06:58 AM, said:

It's never been my intention to hinder jetski's writing project and I think there are people here who can take advantage of such instruction to their benefit. I hope those interested do continue to correspond with jetski.

I've read that blogging can be very therapeutic. And how many of us enjoy posting here as much as reading? Just something I’ve been thinking about.

[LuckyinKentucky]

Cmon Jet I dunno about you but i have become quite accustomed to ignoring the things people do in public that bother me.. after all worrying about it just isn't worth it, I just chalk it up in the their loss column and forget it. I see this as no different and hey maybe knothill will have something seriously good to contribute once the sarcasm has been trimmed. I for one like the moose story... but then again I love moose turd pie as well. Regardless... If you do choose to relegate to e mail I know Laiusky will want to be on your list, but i hope it stays here so we all can enjoy... amidst the passerby's.

[qbounce]

Sounds like this thread still has some life to it . . . . Jet?

[Kwag_Myers]

I think this thread serves as a good object lesson for Rule #5 – Know your audience.

If you’re writing office policy or rules of conduct, it’s fine to use the word “rule”. However, in this instance you may want to consider a passive voice, e.g., “guidelines”. Looking at some of the first responses, I get the impression that some took “rules” to be a bit condescending.

[E-DOG]

Beautiful, just f*@king beautiful.
I, E-dog, biggest wise-ass on the planet want to learn how to properly place my thoughts, feelings and emotions to paper and what happens?
I got a blind guy worried about capital letters, some smartass worried about rules and regulations and an entire website full of googly-eyed gimps ripping and tearing at the soft underbelly of my new creative writting teacher.
SHAME!
SHAME ON ALL A YA'LL!
Let's get with the program, straighten up an' fly right!
I've got a best selling book in me, and it's comin' out. Hard n' fast.
Either I get some support, or I grease the tracks of my tank with your entrails!

Okie dokie Jet' that should quiet 'em down for a while.
What do I do now?
E-dog

[Kwag_Myers]

E-DOG, on Jul 31 2008, 10:36 PM, said:

I've got a best selling book in me, and it's comin' out. Hard n' fast.

Maybe you should try a stool softener.

btw, where's your av?

[E-DOG]

Kwag_Myers, on Aug 1 2008, 03:36 AM, said:

E-DOG, on Jul 31 2008, 10:36 PM, said:

I've got a best selling book in me, and it's comin' out. Hard n' fast.

Maybe you should try a stool softener.

btw, where's your av?

Now that was just plain mean!
Besides. I want it to come out in hard cover first.
Simon took my old avatar. Punishment fer something I said I recon.
How do I get a new one?
I'm jealous, yours is kinda spiffy.
E

[Apparelyzed]

E-DOG, on Aug 2 2008, 12:48 AM, said:

Simon took my old avatar. Punishment fer something I said I recon.
How do I get a new one?

Eh?, not me sir!

Feel free to either choose a new Avatar, or upload your own.

Regarding CAPITAL WORDS, in this forum, topic titles, sub titles and topic content should all be lower case as instructed in the Forum Guidlines.

"Please do not capitalise every word in a topic title, sub title, or topic content, as it is considered as shouting, and is difficult to read."

Regards

Simon

[Califanna]

qbounce, on Jul 29 2008, 11:08 AM, said:

Sounds like this thread still has some life to it . . . . Jet?

I also wrote to Jetski to get his name, but was unaware that this thread was happening. I guess that is why Jet did not want to share his "pen" name. I was just curious as I am ghost writer and have been for 8 years.

As for how he was treated, I guess it all depends upon how you approach a subject that might piss people off. I agree with Kwag that he may have sounded condescending, but then he was a professor and my recollection is that you have to be full of yourself for any students to admire and listen to you. I don't envy professors because of all the publishing they have to produce each year just to keep their jobs.

Just another take on what Jetski was trying to do here on Simon's site. Hey maybe we need a 'book club' on this site for those who aspire for greatness. Better yet, Jetski maybe you should start your own site.

Califanna

Edited by Califanna, 03 August 2008 - 05:50 AM.