Jim Vuksic's Blog, page 8
November 28, 2016
Writers May Take Credit for Success, but Should Accept Responsibility for Failure
Not very long ago, only a few thousand living writers could claim the title of published author. The degree of each writer's commercial success varied greatly; however, many that succeeded in finding a publisher willing to accept, polish and promote their work were able to earn a living writing.
The invention of the personal computer and internet changed the world of publishing dramatically. Today millions may legitimately claim the title of published author. Unfortunately, only an extremely small percentage of the work produced by them ever becomes commercially successful. The primary reason is two-fold. First - the market is saturated, so competition is overwhelming. Secondly - far too many published books today lack any form of quality control. They feature numerous instances of misspelled words, incorrect punctuation, poor grammar and improper syntax. Story lines are often thinly disguised knockoffs of those of well-known, commercially successful authors. Those who produce such poor work seldom accept the blame or admit to their lack of required skills.
Usually, one must first study and master the technical aspect of a craft and seek unbiased, professional input prior to releasing a product for public exposure. Not every effort will succeed, but some eventually will. There is nothing wrong with taking credit for succeeding in any endeavor. However, if one hopes to someday boast of their success, one should also be willing to assume responsibility when they fail.
The invention of the personal computer and internet changed the world of publishing dramatically. Today millions may legitimately claim the title of published author. Unfortunately, only an extremely small percentage of the work produced by them ever becomes commercially successful. The primary reason is two-fold. First - the market is saturated, so competition is overwhelming. Secondly - far too many published books today lack any form of quality control. They feature numerous instances of misspelled words, incorrect punctuation, poor grammar and improper syntax. Story lines are often thinly disguised knockoffs of those of well-known, commercially successful authors. Those who produce such poor work seldom accept the blame or admit to their lack of required skills.
Usually, one must first study and master the technical aspect of a craft and seek unbiased, professional input prior to releasing a product for public exposure. Not every effort will succeed, but some eventually will. There is nothing wrong with taking credit for succeeding in any endeavor. However, if one hopes to someday boast of their success, one should also be willing to assume responsibility when they fail.
November 12, 2016
A National Anthem to Reflect a Sadder Time
Oh say, can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we once hailed,
But somehow, we've lost sight.
The marriage vow used to say
"Till death do we part!"
Today the marriage lasts until the first fight starts.
News of a child to come was once considered a thrill.
Today an unborn life is ended with a knife or pill.
Protesters once carried signs, waved flags and sang inspiring songs.
Today they damage property and shout foul language.
That's just wrong!
Too many love their neighbors as long as they are white.
They prefer people of color be kept away, far out of sight.
Oh say, can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we once hailed?
But somehow, we've lost sight.
What so proudly we once hailed,
But somehow, we've lost sight.
The marriage vow used to say
"Till death do we part!"
Today the marriage lasts until the first fight starts.
News of a child to come was once considered a thrill.
Today an unborn life is ended with a knife or pill.
Protesters once carried signs, waved flags and sang inspiring songs.
Today they damage property and shout foul language.
That's just wrong!
Too many love their neighbors as long as they are white.
They prefer people of color be kept away, far out of sight.
Oh say, can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we once hailed?
But somehow, we've lost sight.
November 1, 2016
Celebrating the 3rd. Anniversary of "Jim Vuksic's Blog"
November 18, 2016 will mark the 3rd. anniversary of my blog. To date, 126 articles have been posted. The blog now has a fan base of 91 loyal followers. It has been viewed a total of 6,337 times and has generated 168 Likes and 309 comments.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has expended the time and effort to occasionally view a blog post and actively participate by activating the Like button or expressing their opinion of a particular post by leaving a comment. Such interaction is always welcome and very much appreciated. No question ever goes unanswered and no opinion, positive or negative, ever goes unacknowledged.
Hopefully, interest in the blog will continue so as to allow for the celebration of future anniversaries.
Jim Vuksic - Fellow Reader/Author/Blogger
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has expended the time and effort to occasionally view a blog post and actively participate by activating the Like button or expressing their opinion of a particular post by leaving a comment. Such interaction is always welcome and very much appreciated. No question ever goes unanswered and no opinion, positive or negative, ever goes unacknowledged.
Hopefully, interest in the blog will continue so as to allow for the celebration of future anniversaries.
Jim Vuksic - Fellow Reader/Author/Blogger
October 17, 2016
The Bucket List That Included Writing a Novel
Those who have participated in the same literary website discussion threads pertaining to writing that I have are familiar with the fact that writing a novel was just one of four items included in a bucket list that my late wife insisted we create upon my retiring in 2001. What most do not know is what those other three items were. For those who may be curious, the following information is provided.
The four items, listed in order of priority, were: 1. Spend much more time interacting with our children and grandchildren. 2. Visit all 50 states by car, spending a minimum of 3 days in each. 3. Set aside at least 2 nights each week as a date night. 4. Actually write the novel I had been developing in my mind for years.
We spent as much time interacting and traveling with the children and grandchildren as possible without encroaching upon or interfering with their personal lives and plans. I continue to do so.
Unfortunately, my wife died in 2005; however, we were able to visit 39 states together. Since then, I have visited 4 more. 7 to go!
My wife and I ate dinner out several times a week and socialized with friends almost every Friday and Saturday night.
I started writing the novel in 2009. It was published August 9, 2011. To date, it has sold 1,017 units (482 paperbacks, 471 e-books, 36 audio books on CD and 28 audio books downloaded). Royalties total $2,334.49.
The four items, listed in order of priority, were: 1. Spend much more time interacting with our children and grandchildren. 2. Visit all 50 states by car, spending a minimum of 3 days in each. 3. Set aside at least 2 nights each week as a date night. 4. Actually write the novel I had been developing in my mind for years.
We spent as much time interacting and traveling with the children and grandchildren as possible without encroaching upon or interfering with their personal lives and plans. I continue to do so.
Unfortunately, my wife died in 2005; however, we were able to visit 39 states together. Since then, I have visited 4 more. 7 to go!
My wife and I ate dinner out several times a week and socialized with friends almost every Friday and Saturday night.
I started writing the novel in 2009. It was published August 9, 2011. To date, it has sold 1,017 units (482 paperbacks, 471 e-books, 36 audio books on CD and 28 audio books downloaded). Royalties total $2,334.49.
September 21, 2016
"Oh Death, Where is Thy Sting? Oh Grave, Where is Thy Victory?"
Those familiar with the King James Version of the Christian Bible may recognize the title of this blog post as a quote from 1st. Corinthians chapter 15, versus 55 through 57. Before those who happen to know that I am an Atheist ask why I would read the Bible, I will provide the answer. I read the entire Bible because I believe that, before anyone decides what it is that they choose to believe or not believe, they should first perform, at the very least, a cursory investigation into what it is they profess to believe or disbelieve. Rather than wonder why a non-believer like myself has read the Bible from cover to cover, one should wonder why many of those who profess to believe that this book is Divinely inspired by God have not.
That said; allow me to address the issue inspired by the inquiries quoted in the title.
I am 69-years-old. Many of my friends, relatives and acquaintances are approximately the same age. A lot of them are now preoccupied with the realization that they will probably die within the next couple of decades. That is their prerogative. What bothers me is the fact that they are no fun anymore. They seldom accept an invitation to join me for a night on the town, double date or a spontaneous road trip. When we do get together, their side of the conversation is focused primarily upon the results of their most recent doctor's visit and the prescription medications they are taking. A few of them actually seem to be competing with each other to see who can visit the doctor more often or take the most pills.
I personally believe that, when I die, I will simply cease to exist and my molecules will scatter to become the building blocks of other animate and inanimate objects. Until that time comes, I refuse to stop living just because I am dying. After all, aren't we all?
That said; allow me to address the issue inspired by the inquiries quoted in the title.
I am 69-years-old. Many of my friends, relatives and acquaintances are approximately the same age. A lot of them are now preoccupied with the realization that they will probably die within the next couple of decades. That is their prerogative. What bothers me is the fact that they are no fun anymore. They seldom accept an invitation to join me for a night on the town, double date or a spontaneous road trip. When we do get together, their side of the conversation is focused primarily upon the results of their most recent doctor's visit and the prescription medications they are taking. A few of them actually seem to be competing with each other to see who can visit the doctor more often or take the most pills.
I personally believe that, when I die, I will simply cease to exist and my molecules will scatter to become the building blocks of other animate and inanimate objects. Until that time comes, I refuse to stop living just because I am dying. After all, aren't we all?
September 8, 2016
I Know You Are, but What Am I?
A cursory review of almost any literary website's discussion group threads will reveal that a lot of people know exactly what they are. Many profess to be a professional author, editor, blogger, and/or book reviewer. I envy them because I am not quite sure what I am.
Although I attended a Roman Catholic seminary for four years, I realize that I am not a priest. My 35-year marriage to my late wife and five children further attest to that fact. Serving a tour of duty in the U.S. Marine Corps back in the 1960's does not qualify me to claim the title of professional soldier. Playing the guitar and electric bass in a band for eight years convinced me that my musical talent was insufficient to make a living as a professional musician. My one and only novel was published five years ago. The dismal sales attest to the fact that I am not a professional author. Though I often post a rating and review of the many books I read, they are merely my personal opinion, not a professional evaluation. Access to this blog is limited to the Goodreads literary website and has only ninety regular followers, so a professional blogger I am not.
So, I know what many others are because they have told me. But what am I?
Although I attended a Roman Catholic seminary for four years, I realize that I am not a priest. My 35-year marriage to my late wife and five children further attest to that fact. Serving a tour of duty in the U.S. Marine Corps back in the 1960's does not qualify me to claim the title of professional soldier. Playing the guitar and electric bass in a band for eight years convinced me that my musical talent was insufficient to make a living as a professional musician. My one and only novel was published five years ago. The dismal sales attest to the fact that I am not a professional author. Though I often post a rating and review of the many books I read, they are merely my personal opinion, not a professional evaluation. Access to this blog is limited to the Goodreads literary website and has only ninety regular followers, so a professional blogger I am not.
So, I know what many others are because they have told me. But what am I?
August 21, 2016
A Published Book is a Finished Product, Not a Work in Progress
Some novice authors aggressively solicit consumer reviews, then evaluate and even occasionally comment upon almost every rating and review attributed to their work. Those whose writing is criticized by readers for containing numerous misspelled words, typos, poor grammar and improper syntax sometimes decry the injustice of placing more emphasis upon established technical writing rules than the story line itself. Still others express their appreciation for the observations and announce that they have learned from them and, in some instances, actually corrected the mistakes. Both responses are equally amateurish and inappropriate.
Proofreading, copy editing, conceptual editing, rewriting and polishing are critical activities essential to the process of converting a promising manuscript into a commercially viable book. The time to apply them is prior to publishing, not afterward. Fledgling authors must not allow impatience, lack of experience and ignorance to negatively impact their chances to succeed in an extremely competitive business. Only a relatively few will ever achieve notable commercial success within the literary world. There is no reason why you may not eventually become one of them.
Proofreading, copy editing, conceptual editing, rewriting and polishing are critical activities essential to the process of converting a promising manuscript into a commercially viable book. The time to apply them is prior to publishing, not afterward. Fledgling authors must not allow impatience, lack of experience and ignorance to negatively impact their chances to succeed in an extremely competitive business. Only a relatively few will ever achieve notable commercial success within the literary world. There is no reason why you may not eventually become one of them.
August 1, 2016
Reflecting Upon the 5th. Anniversary of My First and Last Novel's Release
After 25 months of writing, rewriting and polishing the manuscript, submitting query letters, and then converting the manuscript into a commercially viable book, my novel was finally released on August 9, 2011. Was it worth it? Yes! Do I plan write another novel? No! Why? Well, I'll tell you.
The project required much more effort and time than I had anticipated. However, time and effort spent obtaining new knowledge while learning and developing new skills are never wasted or regrettable.
Writing a novel and having it published was an interesting and worthwhile experience. The fact that, after five years, someone still occasionally buys a copy never ceases to amaze me. At 69 years of age, there just isn't sufficient time to write another book. There are just too many places to go, things to do and other experiences to be had.
We'll see how I feel on the 6th. anniversary.
The project required much more effort and time than I had anticipated. However, time and effort spent obtaining new knowledge while learning and developing new skills are never wasted or regrettable.
Writing a novel and having it published was an interesting and worthwhile experience. The fact that, after five years, someone still occasionally buys a copy never ceases to amaze me. At 69 years of age, there just isn't sufficient time to write another book. There are just too many places to go, things to do and other experiences to be had.
We'll see how I feel on the 6th. anniversary.
July 16, 2016
The Availability of Beautiful Women
I am a single heterosexual male. Therefore, I seek and enjoy the company of a female as often as time and circumstances permit. I am also 69-years-old, so intimate encounters with women occur much less often than during my misspent youth.
I wasn't always single. In 1970, I somehow persuaded a beautiful woman to marry me and then actually put up with me for 35 1/2 years. My wife lost her battle with cancer in 2005. It took awhile for me to adapt and eventually participate in the dating scene once again.
It came as quite a surprise to discover just how many single women, including divorcees and widows near my age, who are actively seeking male companionship. So, meeting and socializing with potential partners is not a problem.
Some of my male acquaintances complain that there are very few beautiful women within our age group. I strongly disagree. The adage "Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder" must be true, because my personal observations have revealed that almost all women are beautiful; especially those who think they are not.
I wasn't always single. In 1970, I somehow persuaded a beautiful woman to marry me and then actually put up with me for 35 1/2 years. My wife lost her battle with cancer in 2005. It took awhile for me to adapt and eventually participate in the dating scene once again.
It came as quite a surprise to discover just how many single women, including divorcees and widows near my age, who are actively seeking male companionship. So, meeting and socializing with potential partners is not a problem.
Some of my male acquaintances complain that there are very few beautiful women within our age group. I strongly disagree. The adage "Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder" must be true, because my personal observations have revealed that almost all women are beautiful; especially those who think they are not.
July 10, 2016
Watch Your Language!
It is fair to presume that members of a literary website are avid readers and/or professional writers. One would think that an avid reader or professional writer would have developed and mastered advanced language skills over time. Think again!
There are published authors whose notable lack of knowledge and command of basic language skills such as an expansive vocabulary, correct spelling, proper grammar and appropriate syntax boggles the mind of those who wrongfully presume that all published authors are professionals. Just as mind boggling is the fact that many readers are willing to accept poorly written books just as long as they may be procured at very little or no cost.
Evidence of this tendency to accept and even encourage undisciplined and unrefined language protocol may be found among some comments posted within almost any thread of a literary website's discussion group.
A cursory review will reveal occasional examples of a contributor's utilization of improper, crude or inappropriate language to express their disagreement with a statement and their disdain for the person who posted it. Rather than provide a well-written, logical counter argument, they resort to mocking and attempting to humiliate the person with whom they disagree.
Perhaps such people could provide a more mature and proper written response, but choose not to do so. Perhaps they actually have no choice because they do not know any better and, therefore, cannot provide a more mature and proper written response
There are published authors whose notable lack of knowledge and command of basic language skills such as an expansive vocabulary, correct spelling, proper grammar and appropriate syntax boggles the mind of those who wrongfully presume that all published authors are professionals. Just as mind boggling is the fact that many readers are willing to accept poorly written books just as long as they may be procured at very little or no cost.
Evidence of this tendency to accept and even encourage undisciplined and unrefined language protocol may be found among some comments posted within almost any thread of a literary website's discussion group.
A cursory review will reveal occasional examples of a contributor's utilization of improper, crude or inappropriate language to express their disagreement with a statement and their disdain for the person who posted it. Rather than provide a well-written, logical counter argument, they resort to mocking and attempting to humiliate the person with whom they disagree.
Perhaps such people could provide a more mature and proper written response, but choose not to do so. Perhaps they actually have no choice because they do not know any better and, therefore, cannot provide a more mature and proper written response
