Theodore’s Comments (group member since Apr 01, 2017)

Theodore’s comments from the Navigating Indieworld Discussing All Things Indie group.

I use a pseudonym (Alyssa Devine) for my YA novels and some flash fiction work.

If you've ever thought of using one, this article from the BBC might interest you:

http://www.bbc.com/capital/story/2017...

PS I've been using another pseudonym for more then 40 years to write fiction for a specialized technical journal, and to this day, less then ten people know who the writer is. (;>) T

Dale wrote: "Ted,

We're in complete agreement on that, anyway.

I've posted my new flash fiction story. I seem to be the first one this week, which kind of surprises me. Maybe nobody got a good idea from the p..."

Well, it's an interesting one, all right. (;>)

I can't think of anything right now that I'm happy with, so may give this week a "pass." I'll have to give the matter more consideration.

Good luck.

Dale wrote: "Theodore wrote: "Dale wrote: "LOL You do have a way with words. And by the way, while it took a little thought, I "got" your story. (;>) ."

Thanks, so do you. Which is a good thing since we're wri..."

That's a problem...many expect everything to be tied up in a bow. In the case of your story, one might intuit who the killer was, or at least why someone close to the deceased would have wanted him dead.

The second book I wrote, Frozen in Time, was a post-modern novel and left a lot of questions unanswered, including who committed the murders. I received complaints about that. I'm sorry. Life doesn't always provide answers, and that makes many uncomfortable. Soooooory! (NOT!)

Speaking of readers and the problems they bring to the table (and you see this at times in reviews) is something known as the "intentional error." This is when the reader believes he or she knows for certain the writer's "intention" in having written something in the way it was presented . . . that is, they believe they truly understand what was in the writer's mind. And so, they proceed to base their opinion or review, as the case may be, on that belief, correct or not. There's not much you can do about that...everyone brings their background, upbringing, culture, etc., to a book. They view your writings through a colored lens as varied as there are people on the planet. All you can do is write what you "see" and believe, content in the joy of sharing your work with those who appreciate what you produce.

Dale wrote: "Theodore wrote: "But on the whole, I demand a lot from my readers. Simply put, some home assembly is required. Batteries extra. "

That's generally the case, sure. But it's a bit different if (as i..."

LOL You do have a way with words. And by the way, while it took a little thought, I "got" your story. (;>)

Dale wrote: "Theodore wrote: "I doubt Picasso cared if people "got" him."

Mmmm . . . I have to disagree on this one. I guess if one wanted to write for themselves alone and never share with anyone else, it doe..."

I'll agree with you to a point. I always use my wife as a sounding board. But on the whole, I demand a lot from my readers. Simply put, some home assembly is required. Batteries extra.

Carole wrote: "I tell my kids that everyday- in everything they do."

I always think of the ad that was on television several years ago...the one in which the wife gave her husband an easel, a set of paints, and some brushes and sent him off to paint the world. There he was, on the shore, with waves crashing around him, etc., etc. The walls of his house were covered with paintings, some of them as amateurish as they could be. The wife had even hung one upside-down (though only the husband knew, and he turned it around for her). And yet, he was the happiest man alive.

Dale wrote: "Carole wrote: "It's all subjective- One person may love something, another may hate it. Just because a critic loves a book, doesn't mean it's good or bad- it just appealed to them."

Semi-subjectiv..."

I doubt Picasso cared if people "got" him.

"To thine own self be true." If you want to sell books, pick a popular genre and follow the money.

Theodore wrote: "

Hi, Guys and Gals…

I reached back to my days in Antarctica for this week’s story. I hope you find it intriguing.

Please cast your vote for Theodore Jerome Cohen.

Thanks.

Ted

https://www.indi..."

Well, close but no cigar. We'll see what next week brings. Thanks to all for your support.

Thanks, Trishna and Carole.

Ted

Anna Faversham wrote: "Theodore wrote: "Just saw this article in Indies Unlimited...the culprit, as you may have guessed, is Amazon:

https://www.indiesunlimited.com/2017/......"

As always, follow the money.

Carole wrote: "Someone suggested we all do these- I think it's a great idea- I suggested it to my son and here is a couple of them. Please share.

http://www.charlineratcliffblog.com/2......"

Great fun!

I just read a great book by a new author, John De Haven. The book, Bus to Brookhaven, comprises a collection of short stories starting from when the author was a young man growing up in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. You can read about the book and see my review here:

https://www.amazon.com/Bus-Brookhaven...

The writing style reminded me of that of Garrison Keillor. To say the book is an enjoyable read is an understatement.

Hi, Guys and Gals…

I reached back to my days in Antarctica for this week’s story. I hope you find it intriguing.

Please cast your vote for Theodore Jerome Cohen.

Thanks.

Ted

https://www.indiesunlimited.com/2017/...

Carole wrote: "Apparently, you have to be approved to start a thread. It's interesting and from the snapshots they've sent me- they discuss all manner of things there. My kids love that site."

Roger, that. Thanks.

Carole wrote: "Thanks, my younger son set it up. I don't know anything about Reddit- they are always on it, though."

Very smart of him to have contact his attorney. And he's correct...all those query letters aren't worth a warm cup of spit.

Carole wrote: "Hi Guys- come meet my son- He's on Reddit today to answer questions.

https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comment..."

I don't have an account, Carole, but the exchanges between your son and those asking the questions are terrific. Congratulations to him!

Just saw this article in Indies Unlimited...the culprit, as you may have guessed, is Amazon:

https://www.indiesunlimited.com/2017/...

Here's what the Rules say:

"Tuesday night, the admins/editors will choose the best entry based on a) the quality of writing (grammar, punctuation, and style); and b) relevance to the written and photo prompts."

As we've observed, many of the stories leave much to be desired in regard to the former (a), and the latter has two elements.

And yes, I see this in yesterday's post:

"Also, please make sure it has something to do with the picture."

Now, go back to October 2, 2017:

"Yes, you’re right, there are some weeks missing. No winners were chosen for those weeks. The editors want really top-notch stuff for the anthologies, so don’t forget to proofread and polish your entry, and make sure it is an actual story and not just a scene that is a continuation of the prompt. Lynne Cantwell wrote some tips on how to write good flash fiction here.

"Again, congratulations to the authors above. Give us your best stuff, people – we want to see your names up there next time."

No mention of the photo here.

So, there now is (re)new(ed) emphasis on the photo. Frankly, I find it limiting...I had fun with the missile/rocket photo several months ago, playing on "slings and arrows" and injecting an Israeli missile program into the story. I guess the photo was a setup for a science fiction piece (or whatever). But that's what makes a horse race (to mix my metaphors).

Finally, they have NOT added this new emphasis to the Rules, themselves, which is something they should, perhaps, do.

At this point, I'm 13 stories away from completing my second book of Flash Fiction, so the issue is somewhat moot. Once this book is completed, Alyssa and I will be dropping off the competition. That said, today's entry does address the photo directly...at least to my mind it does.

Good catch...I hadn't seen what you found in the latest awards' posting.

Dale wrote: "Theodore wrote: "Your story this week, which is very good...
I'm about two-thirds through my second anthology of flash fiction at this point (the first anthology is scheduled for release on Februa..."

I'd hold them...plenty of time to let the story out.

Dale wrote: "Theodore wrote: "Dale wrote: "I might mention that I've reaped a major side-benefit from doing these stories. I introduced a husband-wife team of professional thieves named Bernard and Melody in on..."

Your story this week, which is very good, is on the mark when it comes to the picture. Mine better fits the word prompt. Over time, I'm probably 50-50, picture-word prompts. And I agree with you 100%--quality of writing, including syntax, appears to be a distant second when it comes to scoring.

I'm about two-thirds through my second anthology of flash fiction at this point (the first anthology is scheduled for release on February 5, 2018; not sure when I will release the second). But when I reach my target number of stories, I will take a break from writing in this genre of literature.