I Just Got Meme'd (whatever that is)

Comments: 4

I just got meme'd. I have no idea what that means, but according to Tony Rapino, who meme'd me, you're supposed to do the following:

Make a list of five strengths that you possess as a writer/artist. It's not really bragging, it's an honest assessment (forced upon you by this darn meme). Please resist the urge to enumerate your weaknesses, or even mention them in contrast to each strong point you list. Tag four other writers or artists whom you'd like to see share their strengths.

Hmm. Five strengths. This could be tough as anything I say could be taken as bragging. But in all honesty I'll do my best to be honest, not bragging.

Dialogue
I think one of my best writing qualities is the way I write dialogue. I've had many people tell me that is sounds "real." Even when I write dialects, such as Mexican or Italian, even crude English, my readers tell me they feel they are hearing the character's speach.

Mood
I probably don't do enough of this, but I've had several people tell me I could write horror. I don't like to write in that genre, but maybe I might try it someday. Still, when I write dark descriptions, with lots of dark mood settings, I think my readers can feel the tension and fear without being overwhelmed by it.

Persistence
Some of you know that I've been writing for several years (try more than 20). I haven't sold anything yet, but I feel I'm still learning my craft. I only write a few hours each month. That's all the time I can find to devote to my craft. But I haven't given up. I'm writing two novels at the same time, well actualy just revising one of them, and eventually I know they will both sell someday. Maybe I'll be dead by then, who knows, LOL.

Courage
Much like Tony said in his blog, I too think it takes a lot of courage to keep sending my novel ideas to agents and editors, knowing I'll probably be rejected. I've gotten more than 85 rejection slips from "The Bridge Beckons," (TBB) now renamed "Sweet Revenge" (SR). After the 85th, which was a request for a partial, I decided TBB needed a major overhaul and SR was born. I fully intend to start sending SR out sometime early next year (2008), and I'll start the rejection routine all over.

Thick Skin
I've had so many criticisms of TBB and now SR, that I've grown a thick skin. Negative comments don't bother me. In fact I encourage them as I feel I learn more from the negative comments (assuming they're helpful) than I do with "Oh, how wonderful this is." BARF!!!

Okay, that's five. Now I'll have to decide who to send this to. Keep watching your blog sites. If you're a winner, it will be announced there.
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About Paul West

Paul West is a freelance writer and novelist. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Paul claims to be a "Prune Picker," though he now makes his home in Taylorsville, Utah.

You can follower him on Twitter: @PaulWWest

Published: Monday, October 01, 2007

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4 comments

  1. Right on. You didn't sound like you were bragging at all.

    I didn't know what a meme was either, but someone told me it's called that because the answers are all about "mememememe." Ha! I guess it's true.

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  2. Hey Paul,

    Thanks for including me! Here's the link to my answers:

    http://tristipinkston.blogspot.com/2007/10/writing-strengths-meme.html

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  3. Great answers there, Paul. I also got tagged by Oni for the same meme and had a feeble (but honest) go at it.

    What's a meme? Well, Answers.com says:

    "A unit of cultural information, such as a cultural practice or idea, that is transmitted verbally or by repeated action from one mind to another."

    Oni's definition is more like it, though. LOL

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  4. I had thought of tagging you, but I saw Tony already did that. Thanks for your comments. I'll go to your site and see what you wrote.

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