Comments for subversive ramblings 0

Comment on Good books: what does a good publisher really contribute? by Nigel

Nigel — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 10:29:17 +0000

Hey, thank you Rachel for fleshing out what I wrote.
Yes, there are good self-published authors. My concern is that unless an author finds someone a step removed to ‘edit’ the book, then it is likely to be some way from where it could be. I know my best work has followed after someone was brave enough to be seriously critical of an early draft.

Comment on Good books: what does a good publisher really contribute? by Rachel Kerr

Rachel Kerr — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:32:16 +0000

Good advice,particularly the recommendations about editing. I help new writers to get going and I’ve noticed a tendency,at the beginning,to ‘tell’ a lot of the information that should be given in a scene which ‘shows’. Anything that’s key to the plot and the meaning should really be a scene that the reader can savour and imagine for themselves. ‘Telling’ does have its place – sometimes we need a bit of summary to take us from one stage to another – as long as it doesn’t predominate. Otherwise, reading the book is like listening to someone else tell you about a book they’ve read – secondhand experiences are never as powerful.

I haven’t downloaded any self-published work and I don’t have a Kindle. I would say, however, that not all self-published authors fall into the category you’ve described. Some have written good, entertaining, well-edited material and simply can’t find a publisher either because their work isn’t particularly commercial, or because they don’t know enough about the mechanisms of the publishing world to point them in the right direction and find the right publishing house for them. Others are really savvy and use their self-published material as a ‘calling card’ to promote themselves to the bigger publishers or indeed to agents.

Comment on Book review: ‘Outliers – The Story of Success’ by Malcolm Gladwell by SEO Essex

SEO Essex — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:06:51 +0000

Have you ever thought about writing an e-book or guest authoring on other sites? I have a blog based upon on the same ideas you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my visitors would appreciate your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e mail.

Comment on Rising Star 10 : Star is progressing, here’s an extract by Nigel

Nigel — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 11:56:09 +0000

Glad you like it Joe. Good suggestion. I’ll think seriously about it.
At the moment I’m trying to shorten what is written of the novel, and this guy is a very minor character. The US political approach to energy stuff is just one strand of a backdrop I try to create of our world in the near future in the process of falling apart. Also I’d have to do a lot more research to do what you suggest justice. But it is tempting.
Thank you for the suggestion.

Comment on Rising Star 10 : Star is progressing, here’s an extract by Joe

Joe — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 10:00:23 +0000

The atmosphere in the section is really well built, very subtle. I realise you will probably have included this either at a later or earlier stage, but it’d be really nice to hear a grumbling monologue or description of the American political approach to this energy-related decline from this character’s perspective, he seems like the type to have a lot of his own ideas about it judging by his disdain for the papers and TV coverage. Just a thought. Looking forward to seeing more.

Comment on Rising Star 1 : subversive ramblings the book by sheerigaing

sheerigaing — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 19:52:00 +0000

[Note from Nigel: this comment appears to have been left without visiting the blog page, but the game is kindof interesting. I can't guarantee the site is safe, but Norton 360 didn't stop me going there.]
Hi, I left you a DOFOLLOW backlink on my website. This isnt a spam message, i actually did leave you a backlink on my site. If you check the top of the page you will see “Sites we like” and there will be a link to this site. Would you be kind enough to leave me a backlink? If so my website is http://crush-the-castle.com please use the anchor text “Crush The Castle” for the link and add it to a post or as a widget. Then please send me a email at backlink@crush-the-castle.com – If you want me to change your links anchor text let me know. Thanks

Comment on Have you failed enough times today? by Katelyn Carrillo

Katelyn Carrillo — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 06:44:05 +0000

Have you failed enough times today? subversive ramblings 0 is a well put together blog. I dont think my website http://fashion-4-girls.com has much in common with yours, though I can (and have) learnt heaps from you, cheers, Katelyn Carrillo

Comment on Does exercise improve mental health? by Mental Health

Mental Health — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 01:59:17 +0000

Mental health is a constant difficulty in my home. My wife suffers from depression and her son has bi-polar disorder.

Comment on Teachers I remember with gratitude #1 by james cheseldine

james cheseldine — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 16:40:14 +0000

Much of the praise you heap on Dunnicliffe echoes my sentiments towards you….and by the miracles of modern life I can not only tell you this, but at the same time I can read about you and your life, which has brought me both pleasure and tears already.
I GOOGLED you a few nights ago on a lonely night walk, on a day on which numerous incidents were pushing me back to my 15th year, not least the traumas and complications my own 15 year old is experiencing right now. I recalled the significance of a positive role model in my life during that nosedive to nothing period, and my surprise in discovering that a teacher actually seemed interested in me as a person rather than a grade. The school at that time had both lovely and awful teachers, but you were very different. Looking back on my life you stand out as an absolute key influence, thank-you and be proud.
I am keen to write ( converse) more but as a response to the “teachers” section this is sufficient, so I will continue elsewhere soon.
James (Jim!)

Comment on “I’m so embarrassed that I’m depressed. I daren’t let anyone find out because mental illness carries such a stigma” ? by John

John — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 16:31:36 +0000

hey, nice blog…really like it and added to bookmarks. keep up with good work