I Shot An Arrow ...

That's what I tell myself when I dip a toe into something new. Usually, it doesn't work out in the sense that nothing really comes from it. There is about as much chance as randomly hitting a target with that arrow in most things, especially in the brave new online world.

I'm actually a published author. But don't get too excited. I've published one, very long and very advanced technical book. It was a straight-up deal, however. I was paid a reasonable royalty and you can find it on the shelf at Barnes and Noble. I've also published quite a number of technical articles and all of them have been paid too.

I'm here for a reason that might be very similar to a lot of other folks. I, too, would like to publish The Great American Novel. I've written two book length manuscripts so far and I've won writing contests. I'm discovering that these accomplishments, along with about five bucks, will buy me a cup of coffee these days.

But, then, the arrow has to land somewhere.

A novelist trapped in a technical writer's body.

Welcome, Seigfried.

I'm also a techie who loves to write fiction. A good place to get feedback on your works of fiction is Critique Circle. The forums there have a faster pace because they have more members signed up who actively post.

Thanks for the reply Karma.

I checked out Critique Circle. Interesting concept. I might look into it a bit more. I'm always wary of sites (including this one) that charge more money for "the full Monty" of services. The only reason I'm here is that I bought the magazine subscription first and then noticed that it came with premium service on this site.

I checked out your other messages. You said you were "a software developer" in another message. What software?

I was also intrigued by your comment, "I write just because I want to read my own stuff. I'm a narcissist ..." Me too, but that's not enough for me.

I regard narcissism as a disease, like the common cold, that we all get and that we should all work at getting over. So, after I read a few chapters of something I wrote and I'm all hyped up over it, I always try to say to myself, "Yeah ... but I have no real idea whether this is any good or not."

That's why I have a personal rule that I have to get paid for anything I write. I don't need to get paid much. If someone else with a totally free choice goes to the trouble of writing a check in any amount, that's validation enough. I once did a blog that paid about five bucks every six months. Even that was enough.

A novelist trapped in a technical writer's body.

I develop using several different languages on different platforms dependent upon the actual project. I've gone from RPG on the AS400 to Lansa to Lotus Domino, Java and HTML. However, my writing will serve to entertain me for the rest of my life I think. :)

I did get paid for only one article so far. I've gamed for many years and so I was asked to pitch an article and I did. They accepted my article idea and we made a contract and now my article is published. If you care to have a glance at it, not sure if you're interested in multi-player gaming, but I've gotten some attention for it.  Return to Kyrandia. 

My author biography is setup there as well and it lists a more detailed summary of my software development skills.

I'm coming out of my narcissistic ways and have gotten more serious about my writing. Before, I just wanted to write to unleash some emotional demons through my rantings, but now that it is out of my system, I find I can concentrate more on delivering my message rather than my song, I'm better for it!

What software did you write about in your 1500 page technical book?

WOW! 

I am so far behind you two, I think I'm ahead.

Good luck to you both. 

Mother's Happy Child

It is the landing that counts. I've written for my self , my nieces, my kids, and others for years. If I never publish anything, I will have had my success. That is, I brought a smile to them.

from childhood's hour I have not been As others were - I have not seen

As others saw - i could not bring My passions from a common spring

(from Alone - Edgar Allan Poe)

This is true. I keep my blog as a hobby for my writing. I'm like you, not really pushing to get published. I'm happy with just my few fans.  :)

It's less stressful this way, plus I'm not willing to retire from my full time job just yet!