tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37180398.post1657951797670493738..comments2024-02-12T02:28:12.317-05:00Comments on The Writers' Group: Identity and MushroomsLynne Griffin and Amy MacKinnonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11107479565926998943noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37180398.post-38060499804460227162007-12-01T09:57:00.000-05:002007-12-01T09:57:00.000-05:00Carleen and Sustenance Scout,We all have to find o...Carleen and Sustenance Scout,<BR/><BR/>We all have to find our own way toward embracing this identity of writer. Thanks for sharing your journey. <BR/><BR/>LynneLynne Reeves Griffinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04286181414385711551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37180398.post-67132001891387090672007-11-30T11:30:00.000-05:002007-11-30T11:30:00.000-05:00It's only in the last year or so that I've gotten ...It's only in the last year or so that I've gotten comfortable with this. And I think it's because I've "met" so many other writers thanks to the blogosphere. Now I don't feel so odd and alone. So when I get sincere, well-intentioned questions, I am sincere and well-intentioned back. When I get pointy, little jabby questions/comments (such as "If you can write a book, I know I can," which someone actually said to me!), I can ignore or be jabby right back. But I don't get sucked into justifying myself anymore.Carleen Bricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01433203126527081458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37180398.post-44319299955688561682007-11-30T07:51:00.000-05:002007-11-30T07:51:00.000-05:00My kids do a terrific job telling everyone I'm a w...My kids do a terrific job telling everyone I'm a writer; I just get to nod and smile. :) <BR/><BR/>Hope you ladies don't mind, but you've all just been tagged for the middle-name meme. Check out my blog for the details, and feel free to be brief! K.Sustenance Scouthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12980573661955592633noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37180398.post-7672612882046718632007-11-29T12:03:00.000-05:002007-11-29T12:03:00.000-05:00Kristen,If I have to choose between the questions ...Kristen,<BR/>If I have to choose between the questions and a lack of interest in my work, I'll pick the questions. <BR/><BR/>You have every right to say you're writing, but not divulge your topic, plot, etc... Only you will know when you're ready to tell. And when you are, please let us know!<BR/><BR/>LynneLynne Griffin and Amy MacKinnonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11107479565926998943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37180398.post-9310990359120578812007-11-29T12:00:00.000-05:002007-11-29T12:00:00.000-05:00Kira,I gave a workshop not long ago where a writer...Kira,<BR/>I gave a workshop not long ago where a writer said she was never going to send out her work because she was afraid it might be rejected. Ah, but rejection is part of the journey. And I want you to know that every reader of my work has offered me valuable insight--feedback that made my writing better. That said, I still get frightened, but it's worth it in the end. <BR/><BR/>Don't stop writing. And when you feel brave enough, share your work with a respected reader. I think ultimately, you'll be glad you did. <BR/><BR/>LynneLynne Griffin and Amy MacKinnonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11107479565926998943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37180398.post-83985411050462747322007-11-29T11:46:00.000-05:002007-11-29T11:46:00.000-05:00Oh Lynne, I love this! You've captured it so perfe...Oh Lynne, I love this! You've captured it so perfectly. Though I can't really say I'm an "author" (someday!) I do very often say I'm a writer. And in all these years of writing for magazines and freelancing, I can't tell you how many times someone has told me, "I have a great idea, you should write about it."<BR/><BR/>I have only recently begun to whisper under my breath that I am writing a novel. The question I hate: "What's it about?"<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the smile this morning.kristen spinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12099514779097752438noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37180398.post-28988173917275009312007-11-29T11:15:00.000-05:002007-11-29T11:15:00.000-05:00I'm still in the closet as a writer and reading th...I'm still in the closet as a writer and reading those questions makes me want to stay there. <BR/><BR/>Right now writing is more of an obsession than even a hobby. Even my partner hasn't read what I've written (I've told her she can't ask me about it. She thinks I'm nuts. She may be right.) and I dread anyone asking me about it--part superstition, part, gee then I have to back up this obsession with something on a printed page! Egad! <BR/><BR/>See, if I don't talk about it then no one will know how disappointed I am when nothing comes of it (evil editor go away!). <BR/><BR/>I hope I get over it. (The fear, not the writing!)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37180398.post-45091277182060303622007-11-29T10:43:00.000-05:002007-11-29T10:43:00.000-05:00Judy,I love the just let it out comment too. For m...Judy,<BR/>I love the <I>just let it out</I> comment too. For me the key is learning when to smile and nod, and when to share my journey. When I guess right, it's such a relief, since talking with serious writers is always so wonderful!<BR/><BR/>Therese,<BR/>I'm happy to know I'm in good company. Now I can relax knowing it's okay to allow a few misperceptions, they can't really hurt anyone. And if someone is truly serious she'll keep chatting to learn more. Suddenly it's called networking--and networking is a terrific thing.<BR/><BR/>LynneLynne Griffin and Amy MacKinnonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11107479565926998943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37180398.post-30434685346638822912007-11-29T10:11:00.000-05:002007-11-29T10:11:00.000-05:00Ha, Judy! "Well, then, just let it out." That's p...Ha, Judy! "Well, then, just let it out." That's priceless.<BR/><BR/>Lynne, I so identify with your experience. In addition to many of the questions and comments you've been getting, I keep getting asked whether my current wip is a sequel. The answer is easy (No) but I'm puzzled as to why that's the first thing so many people ask.<BR/><BR/>The other thing I get a lot is "Oh, a novelist--like Nicholas Sparks?" For a long time, I gave the lengthy (boring) distinction-making answer. Now I just smile and say "Yes!"Therese Fowlerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14947928823404887883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37180398.post-29522369989266714262007-11-29T09:23:00.000-05:002007-11-29T09:23:00.000-05:00Lynne, Thanks for making me laugh this morning. I...Lynne, Thanks for making me laugh this morning. I swear, if I had a dime for every time someone mentioned Oprah! And, yes, you're on the right track--smile, nod, chat and know when to set folks straight and when to just take another sip of wine. I also love the line, "Yeah, I figure I've got a book in me, too." I always want to say (but don't), "Well, then, just let it out."<BR/><BR/>Now, a year and a half after my novel hit the stores, I am comfortable calling myself a novelist or author. I love writing it in the blank for "occupation." I'm willing to chat about the journey in general and mine in particular. I stress that not much happens overnight, so it's important to have the stamina to stick with it. And I also recognize that a smile, a word of thanks, and another sip of wine is often all that's needed.Judy Merrill Larsenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06675069484490433295noreply@blogger.com