Some of you know of my misadventures in joining a certain writing organization. For those of you who don’t, here’s a brief, non-name-calling overview: I joined under one set of rules, said set of rules changed mid-game, there was much celebrating as me and many others hit the bricks.
All of this fun and excitement happened a year ago, at least. So, why am I now writing about it? Because I have a fun habit of trolling the Internet and finding fun tidbits to read that are the equivalent of taking sharpened bamboo sticks to my fingernail beds. I found a blog of a writer who not only thinks the organization was correct in the handling of this matter, but that he was sorry he missed the ‘fun’ of watching us unworthies shuffled to the door. He imagined with great amusement the gilded halls being cleansed of the class dunces. In his eyes, those of us still in the process of writing novels or getting our short stories out to market weren’t ‘serious’ writers, but parasitic fanboys hanging about hoping Mr. Bestseller would make his spectacular return to their ranks. In this writer’s words, we unpublished were obviously not cut out for the professional writing life simply because we didn’t meet their ridiculous goal of selling one 250 word-count story or (get the relevance in this) a movie review (great job on the legitimacy, guys). Because I had greater sights for my story than a 75,000 word-count and a single viewpoint with zero plot twists, I was nothing. According to him, I guess I still am.
Okay, anger aside — this isn’t about the organization. They’re free to act on whatever spasmodic notion they feel can propel them to the heights enjoyed by other, more respected, organizations. It’s their game, not mine. This goes back to the writers who somehow feel superior because they’ve managed to land a couple of short stories in a magazine. It goes back to those who are supposed to be leaning down from their lofty perches and lending a hand, but are instead gleefully taking their boot heels to the fingers of those who are still struggling to climb. It goes back to the age-old saying:
Why can’t we all just get along?
Oh well. I’ve always said I wasn’t a joiner. I just tend to forget now and again. Things like this only serve to remind me that I do better on my own, anyway.
Can you hear my spurs jangling as I ride off into the sunset?
Fortunately for me, the sunset is also in the direction of the movie theater parking lot, so I can go see Grindhouse.
Blood, guts, and Tarantino. Can’t get a better mood-lift than that.
And, to those who insist on looking down, a message from Bif (kinda dumb video, but the song’s what matters, here):
Hell and Wheels 
April 26th, 2007 at 1:38 am
Spy — I’d just start saying I was published if I were you. If you’ve sold 500,000 words, there’s no kinda about it. It’s just like with bands, if they cut their own album, but still sell it, they’re professionals. No need to worry about what those who follow the mainstream think about you.
April 24th, 2007 at 11:55 pm
Oh, yeah, I hate that snobbery. I call myself a “kinda” published author because I try to respect that some are published in NY, and I’m not. But 500,000 words sold ought to mean something …I’m cool with it, usually, except when I hear that sort of snobbery. Geez.
April 22nd, 2007 at 11:25 pm
Avery, thanks!I do the same thing. I know I shouldn’t let other people get to me, but I do. Interestingly, I think that sensitivity is a good thing when trying to be a writer. If we can’t feel the emotion, how can we write about it? I know some people who can totally disregard what other people think, but they’re not terribly creative.
April 20th, 2007 at 7:03 pm
Sqt — I seriously doubt you’re hack. Not the way you write. Anyway, I shouldn’t let other people’s issues bother me. I just have to keep reminding myself it’s his deal, not mine.
April 18th, 2007 at 8:50 pm
Well, then I would be considered a total hack!Actually, I did write for television and newspapers briefly; according to this author, that may actually give me credibility. WTF? It sound to me as if this writer is seriously insecure; otherwise why such shadenfreude? I also have to wonder why an established writer would have to go out of their way to discredit an up-an-coming writer? They can’t be very secure in their own position can they?I don’t really know anything about this, but from an outsiders view, it seems as if this person is trying to protect themselves from something they see as a threat.
April 18th, 2007 at 5:15 pm
Yeah, I know what you mean. I’m still not considered a published writer by the RWA, even though I’m a member of their organization and a legitimate (albeit e-pub) publisher liked my story enough to offer it for sale.Oh, well. Plebians Unite. š
April 18th, 2007 at 2:27 pm
I try to be Zen and let idiots and their notions roll off my back, but some manage to stick, you know?
April 18th, 2007 at 5:49 am
I didn’t have this happen to me and it’s enough to make me angry. You’ve told me about this so I know what you mean, but still! I’m glad I didn’t happen over that blog.