The recent farewell post by Bora, and some of the other explanations for departures, have got me thinking. It’s not something I do often, or terribly well. But I found a couple spare neurons to rub together, and I am mulling things over. I’m not seriously considering stopping writing–although it is entirely possible that the new world order will make it such that my audience diminishes tremendously. Or not. I really am not that good at predicting the future. But I do know that one thing I want, before the entire internet goes the way of 8-track tapes, is a good, solid, souvenir. A comprehensive book, a best of the three or so years I have been doing this. I liked Vol. 1, but released it at a horrible time for actual sales; vol.2 was thrown together (completely my fault) in too little time. So I’m starting now, with the thought of having something really and truly worthwhile by Halloween or Thanksgiving (Early November would be ideal, I think.)
I’m saying this publicly, because I have said it privately too often and let it slide. I have received valuable advice and offers of help, which (entirely my fault) I let wither on the vine because I was too busy grading papers.
Anyway… 1) I am opening up for good advice, bad advice, and advice that’s not quite sure but willing to experiment. 2) I would really (really) like to hear from you, if you are a fan, which verses absolutely must be part of it, and which verses absolutely should be taken out behind the woodshed and shot humanely. If you would, just leave a comment (positive or negative) in the comments of any that strike your fancy–I’ll let gmail compile for me. And don’t worry about insulting any of them; hell, anyone who likes them all has lousy taste (even *I* dislike some of them)!
Hey, it might give you something to do while SB is on strike. (what? So soon?)
Again, this is not an “I’m thinking of quitting” post–I owe my readers far too much for that; they have made wonderful things possible for me, and it might take me a decade to repay that.
[psst … omphaloskepsis, with an m]
Dammit. I knew that. Damned tentacles. Fixed, except in the url.
I just found you! I like your poetry – and even enjoy verse. There's even a lot of very likable doggerel out there – and some right here. (I was raised on Kipling, among others) I had already planned to purchase your volumns 1 and 2 – I hope volumn 3 won't take too long.
Dorothy–My current plan is for a single volume, instead of a volume 3 bodged together haphazardly. Are you suggesting, perhaps, to do both a volume 3 and a "real" book?And Thanks!! I myself was not raised on Kipling, but I must admit to having Kippled once or twice.
I'm still here! If you wrote a poem I particularly disliked, then I didn't dislike it enough to remember it in particular. Please do put out a comprehensive souvenir volume! Early November would be just in time for several birthdays of which I know, including mine. I confess that I avoid serial volumes of things because I already have just too darned many books, but a single comprehensive volume would be excellent.
I'm not sure I could pick favourites, but I must say that I really enjoyed the atheist Christmas/holiday rhymes you posted. And the evolutionary biology valentine's day poem was really nice too.
I'm not sure I could pick favourites, but I must say that I really enjoyed the atheist Christmas/holiday rhymes you posted. And the evolutionary biology valentine's day poem was really nice too.
Put them all in; they're all terrific! And by all means, publish all three volumes together as a real, hard-copy book!
Put them all in; they're all terrific! And by all means, publish all three volumes together as a real, hard-copy book!
I think my favorite of your earlier works is "How Chromosome Numbers Change". My new favorite is "Caterpillars?". But I'm of the opinion that an omnibus volume should be your complete works — the worst is still pretty good.
I would be stricken with grief if you went off the web. Let us know when your book is ready; I'll be there to buy one.
I would be stricken with grief if you went off the web. Let us know when your book is ready; I'll be there to buy one.