Ranman's comments and others/ Margie 2007-03-13 07:19:20
As the author of this article, I wanted to throw my 2 cents in. I am glad that there is such a forum for everyone to present their views. And I am also glad that my column provided material for discussion. That said, in the camp of "disagree," I'd like to expand a little. When I said that a writer always strives for perfection and wants to make the article, book, etc. better, I did not mean that the writer just writes and writes w/out an end. What I had meant was that always--as with any other profession--you want to be better. You may hand in that book or article for publication thinking this is the best it will get right now, but as you continue to write and learn about the craft (because no matter how experienced you are, you are always learning), you will find additional ways to make the work better. For me, and every writer is different, I feel writing is about experience and learning and I can always learn more. And as long as there is more to absorb, there is always a way to perfect further what was written. In fact, both Stephen King and John Irving have said they have written whole books and then scrapped them. And even feel that some of their published books could still be better. This is how I think as well. And if that puts me in the same company as King and Irving, I'll take it. :-)
Dawg and Marina:/ Ranman 2007-03-11 15:05:42
Dawg and Marina:
Allow me to reply to your post.
I most certainly did not miss the point to the article, although, I will fight for your right to disagree, just as I am disagreeing with you now.
The 'need for perfection' in writing is the backbone for all writers, and most understand that fact, certainly those who have studied creative writing and or journalism.
My reply was based upon what was clearly written by the author, and I still hold fast to my disagreement that despite the mention of 'deadlines,' that sort of goes without saying really, although, let's be clear: there is an ocean of difference between striving for 'perfection' and knowing when to 'stop' and sit back and know when your work is finished. You have to reach that point sooner or later, and I feel that your reply was in defending the writer more than the obvious question. If a songwriter doesn't finish writing a song, it may never get recorded, and the same can be said in *all* forms of writing. You have to know when to stop *after* you have striven your best at the perfecting of it. Right?
I certainly don't desire to rub anyone the wrong way, although, being a 'Forum' as such, 'replies' are how we learn and grow from each other.
BTW: when I checked, before posting my original reply, there was no 'profile' or 'Bio' info posted on the writer. Perhaps when you checked, it was updated, or, I'll go a step further and say that maybe I pushed the wrong button and made a mistake. Only the writer and the webmaster knows for sure.
Thanks to both of you for your posts, and welcome to The Cheers!
Ranman
ranman's comment/ dawg 2007-03-08 19:54:05
I think that Ranman missed the point of the column. The writer was only expressing what many creative people feel: the need for perfection. Meeting deadlines is one thing and from the sound of the column it doesn't appear that that's an issue. However, that alone does not make a good writer. If you are blessed with great confidence, that's fantastic. But, from what I see in the writing world striving for perfection is quite common and a curse. BTW, I did just check out her profile and she certainly has experience from which she speaks.
re: Your Article/Column/ Marina 2007-03-07 15:35:54
I disagree with Ranman's comments about knowing when to stop since writers (and all creative people) notoriously strive for perfection.
Obviously writers have to meet their deadlines, but that alone does not define a true writer.
Your article/column/ Ranman 2007-03-06 23:26:13
I'm not too sure how to respond to your article, as in the beginning, you leave no room for yea or nays; only sort of a 'take it or leave it' type of attitude. 'Tough one to even comment on. May I suggest that you place some info about yourself in your Bio, or Profile section, which is now, at this writing, blank and devoid of any information as to who you are and where you are coming from. I mean, you write with authority all right, just show us where you have been. Please allow me to disagree with one of your first statements you made wherein you relate that you are never sure if your writing project is fully completed, or words to that effect. A true writer, certainly a 'free lance' writer, HAS TO KNOW WHEN TO STOP! You must meet your deadline, unless something prevents you like illness, although you have to know when to sat back and say, "It's done," then you submit it to the Editor and hope for the best. 'Right? 'Right.
I don't think that anyone who takes their writing seriously wouldn't desire their work to appear in The Washington Post, but The Cheers.org is a damn good pace to start, so I wish you all the best that you can muster. I, too, write a column at The Cheers.org, although not in the vein that you are going to try to develop, so that's all your's.
Be well.
Ranman, a.k.a.
Writing/ Susiq 2007-03-06 22:25:27
I can totally relate.I had some of the same thoughts that you expressed so well. Looking forward to more insightful columns like this.
she's got it/ another writer 2007-03-06 07:53:03
Wow! she is write on. It is such a brutal business and just because you are following your dream does not mean it will be easy. way to keep us on track!
pay/ sexygirl 2007-03-05 22:31:03
Freelance writers should be paid at least minimum wage!
this mama rocks/ the dawg 2007-03-05 20:11:59
I digg the way this columnist writes...she knows what I am going through
