Editing & The Masses

Well, I have to admit, I have written a story that needs editing. I abhor editing. To me, going over a story reaffirms to me that maybe I should not be writing, even though I cannot stop. It's like Jen said in her previous post, it's just what she does. Me, it's also what I do.
I took a writing class where a professor (whom I admire) stated the best part of writing is the editing. It's where you really get a chance to "shape" your story. I think my eyes were bulging out of my head and my jaw was on the desk. This statement made me ask, "am I weird?" Why do I hate it so much. Maybe part of me has not gotten past the point where I feel once I write something, I've written it(aren't I full of myself). Maybe I'm lazy. Tell me what do you think? Do you like editing? Am I crazy or lazy?
That being said, seriously let us know what you think. We would love to start some input. Maybe you'll enjoy the blogversation so much, you'll want to be a follower. Some c'mon masses, say something!
Well, thank you for letting me vent.
--rich

My Tyler Durden: Writing for the sake of writing

From the looks of it, this blog is suffering. Potential causes of death include: neglect and writer’s block. We’re supposed to be writing about writing. But how can we write about writing when we’re (mostly me) not writing? I feel like Hank Moody. Yes, I’ve been watching Californication. Instead of writing, I watch TV. Instead of writing, I read the Sookie Stackhouse Series and wonder how I got sucked into the world of vampires named Bill and Eric. I didn’t want to be one of those True Blood people. I made fun of those True Blood people. But then, well, all one has to do, really, is look at Alexander Skarsgard, and realize that life before that beautiful piece of meat was not much of a life at all. But I digress…this still isn’t me writing about writing. It’s just me writing. And, I think that’s what a blog is supposed to be about, right? Writing for the sake of writing? Writing for the sake of Julia Child and X amount of recipes in 365 days.

The other day, sitting in my yard, Sookie Stackhouse Book Number 2 in hand, I decided that I’d write a story about vampires. After finishing Book 2, I decided that the last thing I ever wanted to do was write a story about vampires. What’s so special about them anyway? Better yet, what’s so special about all of those Twilight people? I know, I know. This is starting to sound like one of those True Blood fans VS Twilight fans debates. But, I promise, dear readers (if anyone’s reading), it is not. I’m guilty. I’ve read the Twilight series. I’d take Harry Potter any day, but we’ll save Harry for later (maybe another day). But the movies? Come on. They’re awful. Beyond awful. I can’t say that the books are life changing. They’re not. But, there’s something about quick, trashy, summer reads that I’ve always liked. However, those trashy summer reads shouldn’t always be made into movies. Especially, when the actors in said movies leave me wondering where all the Paul Newman’s and Robert Redford’s have gone.

What is this? A blog about movies and Robert Pattinson’s god-awful acting or is this a blog for writers? Obviously, it’s about the god-awful acting. No. No. I take it back. Let’s try to stay on point this time.

I’d never write a story about vampires. I’d never write a story about werewolves either. There’s too much pressure when it comes to sci-fi and fantasy. I mean, you’re responsible for creating this world, and…what happens when no one wants to be a part of your world? Do you go back to writing trashy romance novels? Are those easier to pen…type? And which is better? The keyboard or the pen? The typewriter or the laptop? Do you write in pen or pencil? Do you listen to music? Do you search for the perfect song?

I like the keyboard. But then again, I also like the pen. Music is important. The song makes all the difference. Right now, Ryan Bingham and I are wondering where we can find a place for the weary kind. Music is good inspiration.

But, back to the vampires and trashy romance novels… Most of the time, I write about addicts. I’m not an addict. Not by any means. But, I write about these self-destructive male addicts. First person narration. These guys are royal fuck-ups. I blame Chuck Palahnuik. Do you like Chuck Palahnuik? Would you say he’s a decent writer? The voice of some generation? Or, would you say that Chuck Palahnuik writes, essentially, the same novel over and over again? Does each of his characters have a little narrator or Tyler Durden in them?

Speaking of Tyler Durden, do you think there’s a little Tyler Durden in all of us? My Tyler Durden writes daily. He wakes up at a decent hour and writes for, at least, two hours. The words just flow. He can’t help himself. My Tyler Durden doesn’t hate group workshops as much as me. He respects the opinions of others and takes criticisms rather well. My Tyler Durden looks exactly like Brad Pitt, even though Brad and I look nothing alike… even though I’m female. Maybe my Tyler Durden should look like Angelina Jolie.

Robert Pattinson. Brad Pitt. Angelina Jolie. Where would we be without our beloved celebrities? Where would we be without this pop culture? Is pop culture American culture? I can’t help but think so. We’re all Andy Warhol. Everyone wants their 15 minutes. Is this blog mine?

I Write. What do you do? (Introducing Ourselves: Part Two)

Hello bloggers. Hello readers. Jenn here, the other half of BarLaG Publishing. This is my introduction. My “Who Am I” essay dedicated to the blog-verse.

I don’t remember when it started. This passion for words. I can’t even explain why I like writing so much. As of late, my writing has become nonexistent. I’d like to blame school. Writing for a teacher kills writing for yourself. But school has been out for about a month now, and I still haven’t written anything. Extreme writer’s block. Except, I’m writing now. Writing about myself. Or, I’m supposed to be writing about myself. Myself and writing. We come together. A pair. A combo deal. A cheeseburger and fries. Microsoft Word has been telling me for the past six or so sentences that there are fragments that I should consider revising. There’s fact number one: I write in fragments. I like fragments. Short sentences are my thing. And sometimes, others like them, too. They say it’s my style. They being the fifteen to eighteen people in a workshop. They like the short sentences. The flow of the words. It’s choppy, but it works. Work. Fact number two: If I don’t become a writer, I don’t know what I’ll do. Maybe teach? Most writers teach. I hate working for the summer. Clerical work - filing, shredding, phone calls, and a front desk - is not my ideal summer. I’d rather sit in my yard and tan. Fact number three: I’m big on tanning. The sun. Summer. Fact number four: I was born on July 4th. Independence Day baby. Did you know that Microsoft Word considers “Independence Day baby” a fragment?

I want to be a writer. I am a writer. It takes guts to say that. I am a writer. Not, I want to be a writer, or, I will be a writer, but I am a writer. And I am. Even when I’m not writing. When the words are just stuck in space waiting for me to get to the moon. I am a writer. I don’t want to be a lawyer. Don’t wanna be a doctor. No. I hate math and science. I’d rather read. Give me Hunter S. Thompson any day. Every day.

I write. What do you do?

Introducing Ourselves Part 1

Hello All,


My name is Rich and I am one half of BarLaG Publishing.


Well, I'm going to shoot straight with everyone, I'm not good at speaking about myself, so I'm going to give you a brief instroduction.


If you have read our profile, we wish to try to publish a book of short stories, poems, short plays, essay etc. Anything that might catch our eye. If it works, we hope to keep it going.
I have always felt that some publication that have short stories by various authors stick to that one genre. We would love a publication that encompasses all genres

Personally, I love to read. Also I write short stories and have written a coulple of plays. I have to say, I don't think they are anything great, nor do I think they are terrible. I never went to college so I lack the the schooling that teaches great grammar. I just have all these stories in my head that I feel the need to get out. I have been writing since I'm 14 years old. I actually have told very few people about my "love" of writing . My family does not even know, so I guess with this post, the proverbial cat is out of the bag.

I turn this over to the other half who will introduce herself.

Thanks for reading. If you have any stories please send to BarLag0704@Yahoo.com

---rich