Monday Nov 1st - Logline Blogfest judged by me :D Head to Steena Holmes's Chocolate Reality for details!!
Time for the old blog and chain ;-) This round's topic was chosen by the marvelous Michelle Hickman, who wants to know:
If you could dine with any author, and I do mean any whether alive or dead (yes, we're going into the realms of time travel - but hey, we have science fiction writers on this chain so we can always ask for them to write up the time machine specs), who would you want to dine with? And if you can ask them for advice on one writing element you feel you might be struggling at, what would it be?
Good question :D
While there are quite a few authors I would LOVE to sit and chat with, I think I'd really have to pick Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain). Holy cow, just going by his quotes, he'd be an absolute riot to hang out with. To be honest, I don't think I'd ask him anything specific (he's already shared a ton of sweet writerly tidbits -see below). I'd just sit back and soak up his awesomeness.
Here are a few of my favorite quotes from him:
Only presidents, editors and people with tapeworm have the right to use the editorial "we."
When you catch an adjective, kill it.
Don't say the old lady screamed - bring her on and let her scream.
All you need is ignorance and confidence and the success is sure.
Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.
Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please.
I don't give a damn for a man that can only spell a word one way.
Substitute "damn" every time you're inclined to write "very"; your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.
See why I love the man :D
Be sure to go back to Laura's blog and see who she wants to hang with and catch Shaun's tomorrow to see whose brain he'd like to pick :)
Who is on your dinner party wish list?
17 comments:
Hee hee. I'm still giggling over "Substitute 'damn' every time you're inclined to write 'very';"
He's almost lovable, except for that whole anti-JaneAusten sentiment. I'm afraid we'd get into a horrible row over that one.
ah, but he seems the type who be would fun to engage in a verbal battle :D Then again, I might just be tempted to bean him over the head with a wine glass...either way, good times ;-)
Live chat! Live chat! I am so there!
My dinner party list? Samuel Clemens, Oscar Wilde, George Orwell, Margaret Atwood, Philippa Gregory, Ray Bradbury... Should make for some interesting conversation.
That "damn" quote has stuck with me for years and every time I'm editing, I do that in my head. Mr. Twain would be a blast to have lunch with.
Interesting question, think it would have to be Ann Fine or Diana Wynne Jones! :0)
Hee hee. I love the 'when you catch an adjective, kill it. :)
I think I'd have lunch with Jane Austen or Mary Shelley. Ooh, or any of the Bronte's.
Nice one! I love those Mark Twain quotes. I'll have to write the "damn" one down. Great post!
Ohh...I have the "very-bug". That damn comment cracked me up! Great post!
I'm a Mark Twain fan as well. I took a senior seminar in college. A semester long class that was all Twain. It was so cool.
If I couldn't hang out with him, I'd probably go for Edward Abbey or maybe Emily Bronte.
Great post! I love substituting 'very' with 'damn', LOL. I'd love to also have lunch with Mark Twain and Jane Austen :) and yes, can I say Stephen King? I love his sense of humour in 'On Writing'! :)
Love it! You should visit St. Louis to see all the Mark Twain sites (and, of course, see Cole and me). :-)
Great choice. I'd wager most everyone agrees Sir Twain is one of the masters of literature (and hilarious quips). The only reason I wouldn't choose him however is I'd feel positively ignorant while engaged in a conversation with the man. I mean, how do you keep up with someone that capable? Great choice anyway.
Mark Twain is my FAVORITE!!! I was lucky enough to visit Hannibal Missouri awhile back and able to see his home and the caves he played in. It was magical.
LOL, great choice! He does have the BEST quotes, doesn't he?
Great choice! Love the quotes. I'll have to write that last one down. :)
Great quotes! I think you are right, Mark Twain would be an awesome dinner companion!
That dinner would be such a hoot. I'm curious about his autobiography, too.
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