Many people ask me why I don't post any of my fiction writing on my blog or elsewhere on the Interwebs.
It's a fair question. It's definitely the easiest and cheapest way to get one's writing in front of others all over the world and find out what they think. I've always thought it sounded like a good idea.
But I come across things like this (more and more frequently, I'm afraid), and they make me shudder. At the moment, wider reach can also mean less copyright protection. I don't consider that an equal trade, and I'm not willing to take the risk right now, seeing as I'm having a hard enough time getting my own writing published and properly protected as it is.
I can sense the pain and disbelief and depression in her description of the other writer's plagarism. I went to his blog as well, but I see no mention of these incidents or a defense of his actions. So until I see evidence to change my mind, I'm on her side, and I'd feel as horrible as she does if this happened to me.
And it's a shame, really. I'd love to get my writing in front of more people, and I wouldn't mind doing so on a regular basis in this space. But I am too selfish to let others take credit for my efforts. And I make a huge effort, thankyouverymuch, because writing is hard. How can someone else think they have the right to claim the benefits of my struggles?
So I'm sorry, but you won't see any of my fiction in this space anytime soon. More's the pity, since I'd love to know what you think of it.
Postscript:
This doesn't mean I'm not writing. The Big Story is well into the outlining phase, which is (dare I speak the word?) fun. And I've another idea simmering that will extend into next year, and will be something of an experiment. I'll tell you more about it later.
4 comments:
Agreed. I've even had some of my blog plagarized, which is frightening in the Single White Female way.
Hello Cate.
Thanks for your kind words. Check out Tania Hershman too who is also a superb knitter as well as a superb writer.
And good advice says don't publish any of your precious fiction on the blog, or anywhere else public for that matter.
Once it is out there, it is 'published' and can't be submited to magazines, journals or competitions.
Lots of good luck with the proper writing. The medical stuff can look after itself!
v
Hey Cate-
I don't have to worry about my blog being plagiarized 'cause no one reads it!! ;^)
This was a VERY interesting post. THANKS. Also thanks for the link to her blog. If true, that's awful, & sadly things like that probably happen more often than not.
That said, I hope one day (somehow) to read some of your writing. I'm sure it's marvelous. Hope you've been well & are enjoying your summer!
Hey forgot to mention, did you know about the Tim Burton exhibit coming soon to MOMA, in conjunction w/the HUGE book of his artwork that will FINALLY be published soon?
If ya go to NYC, I'll walk the exhibit w/you & perhaps buy you some tea. ;^)
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