The Novel and the Internet and an Old Trout
Penelope Farmer, a novelist of some repute, found there was still a demand for her work – via her blog.
The book I’d been writing, like its predecessor, was turned down – that this happens frequently these days to writers of my generation was no comfort at all. I felt too discouraged to start another. But I am a writer still; my blog’s audience may not have been huge but it had one; it wasn’t like writing to the wall, the way I was beginning to feel.
Through the blog I came across other writers. One of them invited me to join her group of writers, all bloggers, all with books already published or about to be, all years younger. Reading about the triumphs or rebuffs met by the group members made the group’s resident old trout – me – start feeling like a writer again.
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Penelope’s observations reminded me of how the writing craft stubbornly follows the writer all through a destiny, John, always biding its time and never wanting to leave. Which makes us soldiers of fortune in a way, forcing us to come to terms with our art. I’m glad Penelope’s still writing.
Hello, John. I discovered your blog not too long ago and I thought I would let you know how much I enjoy reading your reflections and your posts and thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience about the craft of writing. Also, thanks for the link to Penelope’s blog. ~eamonroe
jb says: Why thank you, EA. You’re very kind.
Thankyou for this; herself.
jb says: Hi Penelope. Great to see you here.
This is a wonderful hope filled post. Thank you
jb says: Yes, Pia, it’s good to hear nice stories from time to time.