Best wishes with the new project! Funny thing, though: when I read the title of this piece my brain originally interpreted it as "Grandpa A.I." so it took me a couple of minutes to figure out what this story was really about!
Thank you, Mark. Haha! 🤣 It didn’t cross my mind at all, but know that you say it, yes...it does come off that way!
By the way, congratulations to you in regards to your publication! I wish you many more years of success. I’m far behind with my Substack reading, but I will get to it soon.
I began my career as a comedy writer. Then I was a game writer. Then I was a copywriter. Then I was a book editor and publisher. Then I went back to game writer.
I love that you’re doing this! I’ve been half-ass pitching a “slim” volume of my already-published flash and micro CNF in tandem with some of the short essays my late mom wrote in a collaborative “MOMoir” tribute of sorts. It has yet to be picked up, but along the way, it’s now morphed into a bigger project that feels like a life calling. Possibilities abound for us all!
Thanks, Amie! I love your idea, too! I hope someone picks it up. And if not, it sounds like it’s sending you on a beautiful journey. Best wishes with all of your projects!
You nailed it, Justin! He was also a very proud grandpa and loved you guys more than you'll ever know. As for your continued writing and publishing - I really like the idea of compiling your short stories into a book, using photos and possibly illustrations to introduce each story. There are many routes you can take to get your book published, some cost more than others and some are more effective than others. You'll have to look into all possible avenues. Bottom line, get published. You're too talented to not share your writing with as many people as possible. You know you can reach out to me anytime, if you want to discuss this further.
Thank you, Uncle Scott! That’s exactly what I’m thinking regarding the book. I have one or two people in mind to help with graphics/illustrations prior to each story as well as the cover art. But I’m not exactly which route to go once I have it all in place. I will take you up on that sometime - once I’m a bit closer to the end goal. I really appreciate your support and advice! Thanks again! 🙏
I would be first in line for your "slender volume" of 50 word stories, Justin. ( I have purchased little books on Amazon by Substack writers Scott Ocamb, Jim Latham and Michael Estrin. They are little jewels!) Amazon does a fine, professional looking job, but as you know, marketing is not easy. It takes a lot of time and effort. If you can figure out the uploading process (!) , make books available and not have to pay up front, it is something to think about. I wish you the best of success.
That means so much to me, Sharron! Thank you so much. I know. I don’t look forward to the marketing side of things because I’m not even sure where I’ll start, but I’m hoping it will all coalesce and I’ll get a solid plan together.
Ah, the good old Medium days. Self-publishing the collection is a good idea. It is a great feeling to have a physical copy of a book you wrote. And a great way to preserve your writing. Like a photo album, in way. Of course, no one does those anymore! It is also fun when someone occasionally buys a copy. 🤣
Haha! I’ve been at this for a while now and it’s time I make it happen. I imagine holding your own book is an incredible feeling. I’d like to be able to hold my stories in my hands. I’m doing this for myself, but hey, if I sell a few copies I figure that might be kind of neat, too! 🤣
I think that's a great title. It works. The reader knows what they'll be getting. A good stocking filler for Xmas?
Numbers in titles can be tricky. I was thinking of 11 Things, or Eleven Things, but have ditched the idea entirely, neither format works as a title. I'll have to come up with something better.
Thanks, Caz! And yes! I’ve thought about the idea of it being a stocking stuffer. In terms of its dimensions it should be a bit smaller, and slimmer, so I figure it would be perfect for that!
Numbers in titles are tricky. What’s your book/project about?
A few years ago I read (somewhere!) that people only remember 11 things from the previous year. I don't recall the context, and there was no evidence or elaboration, but it was an interesting concept. Structurally, it would lend itself to 11 chapters, right?
The idea has morphed into failed lives (living down to potential), accidental crime (ordinary people do bad things), and a side salad of not so futuristic memory modification (hardly new, in fiction) as an everyday option, and a touch of digital dementia (I've coined that new cognitive disease, just for color and fun).
I've not got a working title at this point, with any luck something will pop into my head as I go along.
I love this concept! I’m intrigued. Sometimes titles will pop up when you least expect them. It’s often how I create/come up with mine.
You’ll have to keep me updated on your project! Two nights ago I finished reading Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds and for some reason your work in progress made me think of it. The novel is about kids walking home from school. It’s ten chapters long, and each chapter follows a different character or group of characters and tells their story. I thought it was really well done. The author does an outstanding job weaving the characters into each other’s lives, even if it’s in passing.
why do you not want to try traditonal publishing or small press publishing? Or contests for that matter? Or have you tried and met with minimal paltry success?
I will write you a longer comment because I have a bunch of deadlines for vairous writing proects most of this week, but I will mention this: I am about to publish m first book of poetry ( poems from 1964 to a few days ago) with a local publisher who will "do" the book, ninety pages, for free but does not do any distribution. So in a way, Im "self" publishing, but in a profoundly economic way I am not nor am I spending a dime which is good because my budget really can't spare a dime and I dont see or hear anybudddy offering one.
But I will offer this. You send me your book, hard copy or download and will show it my publisher, Paul Richmond of Human Error Press and maybe hewill want to do it. He does a hundre to two hundred copies and then it's all up to you. TBC.
Wow, thanks so much for the kind offer, Ernie - and congratulations to you on your upcoming book! I may take you up on it.
Self-publication is appealing to me because I’ll be able to design the book however I’d like to. I have one or two people in mind to give me a hand with graphics/cover art - people I’ve gotten to know - so I like the idea of having personal touches embedded throughout the book. The waiting game regarding publication can be a complete headache, but I’ve never thought about sending a small project like this to any publishers. I figured it’s such a small-scale idea and concept that not many publishers would be interested.
I disagree. I think there are publishers out there who WANT books with shorter poems and shorter stories. Books that cut not only to the chase, but books whose poems shimmer because they cut to the essential, and CUT OUT THE FAT, ESPECIALLY FAT THAT EASILY TURNS TO FLAB. BECAUSE OF SOMETHING VERY ESSENTIAL: BLAB IS FLAB. So the more the writer has extraneous words or verbiage- a word I love because it combines verb with garbage. Do you know where garbage comes from? There was a famous French count in the 13th century who thought he could have an affair with a famous seductive sorceress and his family could meet any PRICE FOR A NIGHT. This happened. He was scared out of his wits literally;; it seems she was way too much for him and made him have a moot poinit, in, uh, several ways and bodily componnts - his mouth he was moot ( or in our lingo: mute), AND there was complete unstirring silence DOWN THERE where all the new priests and nuns now came to gather or gathered to come. Gramps was upset he moved back to his birthplace in Brusselss Belgium and lived on their famous soggy veggies for the rest of his life. Evey year he sent back a present of his favorite food Ground Veggies. that were sos awful the New Director of theNew Clinic immediately ordered sixteen trucks for work. TBC
Thank you, Ernie, for always sharing your thoughts and feedback. I appreciate it even more when it goes against the grain because I like seeing the full picture.
I’ve been quietly whittling away behind the scenes and the project is nearing completion. It’s been a lot of fun. Has your poetry collection been released?
This sounds great, Justin! I'm curious why the hesitation on the longer book of your short stories. Is it more of an editorial thing, or that you don't think you have enough material?
Thanks, Brian! I think the problem is that I’m too critical. I want to put my “best” work out there, so I keep replacing older stories with newer ones, and I have gone back and forth regarding whether I want to include speculative/fantasy fiction in this collection or not. I’ve reached the point where I felt the best case scenario right now is to hit the pause button and come back to it with a clearer focus. I was also toying with the idea of including a handful of fifties in the book, so this led to me say, you know what...let me start with something more manageable.
I can understand that. When I put The Stars Will Fall together, I left out two stories, and the editorial process was brutal, going through those old stories, knowing how much I had improved because of everyone's feedback. Now, my last three stories continually topped one another as my most popular, and I'm left thinking I'll never do better... we'll always think we put out the worst, or simply can't do better. Don't let the fear of that stop you.
I like the idea of the 50/50. I think it's got legs, but I think your short stories do too, so I'll support you in either endeavor. 😁
That’s really it, Brian. I can see the story quality improve over time, and I’ve heard from readers who have told me the same thing. But you’re right. We can’t let fear win the day and take over. Thanks for the reassurance!
Haha, thank you! I think I’m going to surge forward with the fifty-worders - it feels like a project I can complete over the summer. But down the line I fully intend to publish a short story collection!
SPEAKING OF f FORGETTING - I apologze but I cant remember about your big project. foOr is it the collection of gems youve been posting over a certain period and are thinking of self publishing ( just as you are starting a new teaching semester ( we should talk more about teaching, or not? I taught special education mixed in with some ESL my first three years of teaching in New York City in the main middle school in Chinatown. 1987-1990. I was forty two, married, with my first kid. I taught all three grades-7,8,9. The only good principal I ever worked WITH. Colleagues. More on that later. I have a 200 page short story plus onenouvella about that school and the kids and my fellow teachers and the partial hell of teaching while both the crack and Aids epidemics were running neck to neck.
Hi Ernie, I posted a prompt yesterday. I’m aiming for 1-2 monthly prompts, which seems a reasonable goal to set. I’m excited for you and your project! It sounds like it has been an enjoyable experience for you.
Ha, no problem about forgetting. My project is going to be titled 50 Fifties: A Collection of Pocket-Sized Stories (or maybe “A Collection of Palm-Sized Stories” as the subtitle). (All stories contain 50 words.) In total it will be around 60 pages. I have all stories polished with accompanying images, and I’m working with a photographer on the cover design. It’s been a perfect summer project and something for me to look forward to in the fall/early winter. I should be able to release it sooner than later, but I’m in no rush.
I had no idea you were a special educator for a few years! I teach special education at the middle school level. At this point I’m mentally and physically preparing (the classroom, that is) for the school year. It’s always exciting, in a way, when September rolls around.
With luck it will be out before the end of the year. My wife and I did a final edit of the 100pages and, seriously,it was an exhilirating experience ( after all, weve been yelling at each other for twenty years and fouryears in high school before before our 38 year breakup.
Im finishing the "acknowledgements page"- about half the poems have been published in on-line or print mags ( subquestion: if you read/ perform at an "openmike" or "poetryslam", does that count as a "publication? ( and what if it's at your grandpa's house with the entire Poughkepsie 4h Club Over 80 section of 439 members?).
Im in the process of getting blurbs from poets with whom Ive read and or worked with in the past,including some now-famous ones I've helped back in the day and some evenings. Im nervous, but I feel it has to be done.
If you send me your email, I can send you a download of whoe book, along with some of fiction, which Jimmy recently urged me to put onsubstack, but Im just so unbelievablybusyright now .
Also, what happened to your Friday prompts? Did I miss something? It's possible. Im 78 and have
crs syndrome: cant remember,uh, er, um - SQUAT ( the act of what I cant remember?NS)). i should run out right now and pick up some prunes although I feel so tired Im not sure if I can lift the box.
Best wishes with the new project! Funny thing, though: when I read the title of this piece my brain originally interpreted it as "Grandpa A.I." so it took me a couple of minutes to figure out what this story was really about!
Glad I'm not the only one! 😂
I thought the same thing.
Thank you, Mark. Haha! 🤣 It didn’t cross my mind at all, but know that you say it, yes...it does come off that way!
By the way, congratulations to you in regards to your publication! I wish you many more years of success. I’m far behind with my Substack reading, but I will get to it soon.
Same. Which is truly a little scary.
Sounds like a great project! Years ago, I used to be a book publisher. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions on publishing.
Thank you so much, Geoffrey! I never knew that. I may have to reach out!
Happy to help!
I learned something new about you, Geoffrey! I just figured you were a gamemaking mad man 😁
I began my career as a comedy writer. Then I was a game writer. Then I was a copywriter. Then I was a book editor and publisher. Then I went back to game writer.
I love that you’re doing this! I’ve been half-ass pitching a “slim” volume of my already-published flash and micro CNF in tandem with some of the short essays my late mom wrote in a collaborative “MOMoir” tribute of sorts. It has yet to be picked up, but along the way, it’s now morphed into a bigger project that feels like a life calling. Possibilities abound for us all!
Thanks, Amie! I love your idea, too! I hope someone picks it up. And if not, it sounds like it’s sending you on a beautiful journey. Best wishes with all of your projects!
You nailed it, Justin! He was also a very proud grandpa and loved you guys more than you'll ever know. As for your continued writing and publishing - I really like the idea of compiling your short stories into a book, using photos and possibly illustrations to introduce each story. There are many routes you can take to get your book published, some cost more than others and some are more effective than others. You'll have to look into all possible avenues. Bottom line, get published. You're too talented to not share your writing with as many people as possible. You know you can reach out to me anytime, if you want to discuss this further.
Thank you, Uncle Scott! That’s exactly what I’m thinking regarding the book. I have one or two people in mind to help with graphics/illustrations prior to each story as well as the cover art. But I’m not exactly which route to go once I have it all in place. I will take you up on that sometime - once I’m a bit closer to the end goal. I really appreciate your support and advice! Thanks again! 🙏
I would be first in line for your "slender volume" of 50 word stories, Justin. ( I have purchased little books on Amazon by Substack writers Scott Ocamb, Jim Latham and Michael Estrin. They are little jewels!) Amazon does a fine, professional looking job, but as you know, marketing is not easy. It takes a lot of time and effort. If you can figure out the uploading process (!) , make books available and not have to pay up front, it is something to think about. I wish you the best of success.
That means so much to me, Sharron! Thank you so much. I know. I don’t look forward to the marketing side of things because I’m not even sure where I’ll start, but I’m hoping it will all coalesce and I’ll get a solid plan together.
I appreciate your support and vote of confidence!
So much in just 50 words! Go for it re your project.
Thank you so much, James!
Ah, the good old Medium days. Self-publishing the collection is a good idea. It is a great feeling to have a physical copy of a book you wrote. And a great way to preserve your writing. Like a photo album, in way. Of course, no one does those anymore! It is also fun when someone occasionally buys a copy. 🤣
Haha! I’ve been at this for a while now and it’s time I make it happen. I imagine holding your own book is an incredible feeling. I’d like to be able to hold my stories in my hands. I’m doing this for myself, but hey, if I sell a few copies I figure that might be kind of neat, too! 🤣
Thank you, Mark!
50/50 would look like you're having a bet each way.
I hadn’t thought of it like that! I’m going to keep all options on the table at this point, but I’m leaning toward “Fifty Fifties.”
Thank you so much for reading, Caz!
I think that's a great title. It works. The reader knows what they'll be getting. A good stocking filler for Xmas?
Numbers in titles can be tricky. I was thinking of 11 Things, or Eleven Things, but have ditched the idea entirely, neither format works as a title. I'll have to come up with something better.
Thanks, Caz! And yes! I’ve thought about the idea of it being a stocking stuffer. In terms of its dimensions it should be a bit smaller, and slimmer, so I figure it would be perfect for that!
Numbers in titles are tricky. What’s your book/project about?
Thanks for your feedback and support!
A few years ago I read (somewhere!) that people only remember 11 things from the previous year. I don't recall the context, and there was no evidence or elaboration, but it was an interesting concept. Structurally, it would lend itself to 11 chapters, right?
The idea has morphed into failed lives (living down to potential), accidental crime (ordinary people do bad things), and a side salad of not so futuristic memory modification (hardly new, in fiction) as an everyday option, and a touch of digital dementia (I've coined that new cognitive disease, just for color and fun).
I've not got a working title at this point, with any luck something will pop into my head as I go along.
I love this concept! I’m intrigued. Sometimes titles will pop up when you least expect them. It’s often how I create/come up with mine.
You’ll have to keep me updated on your project! Two nights ago I finished reading Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds and for some reason your work in progress made me think of it. The novel is about kids walking home from school. It’s ten chapters long, and each chapter follows a different character or group of characters and tells their story. I thought it was really well done. The author does an outstanding job weaving the characters into each other’s lives, even if it’s in passing.
I would go for it, sounds like a good project.
Thank you, Scott! I appreciate the support!
why do you not want to try traditonal publishing or small press publishing? Or contests for that matter? Or have you tried and met with minimal paltry success?
I will write you a longer comment because I have a bunch of deadlines for vairous writing proects most of this week, but I will mention this: I am about to publish m first book of poetry ( poems from 1964 to a few days ago) with a local publisher who will "do" the book, ninety pages, for free but does not do any distribution. So in a way, Im "self" publishing, but in a profoundly economic way I am not nor am I spending a dime which is good because my budget really can't spare a dime and I dont see or hear anybudddy offering one.
But I will offer this. You send me your book, hard copy or download and will show it my publisher, Paul Richmond of Human Error Press and maybe hewill want to do it. He does a hundre to two hundred copies and then it's all up to you. TBC.
best,
eb
Wow, thanks so much for the kind offer, Ernie - and congratulations to you on your upcoming book! I may take you up on it.
Self-publication is appealing to me because I’ll be able to design the book however I’d like to. I have one or two people in mind to give me a hand with graphics/cover art - people I’ve gotten to know - so I like the idea of having personal touches embedded throughout the book. The waiting game regarding publication can be a complete headache, but I’ve never thought about sending a small project like this to any publishers. I figured it’s such a small-scale idea and concept that not many publishers would be interested.
Thanks for reading and for your support, Ernie!
I disagree. I think there are publishers out there who WANT books with shorter poems and shorter stories. Books that cut not only to the chase, but books whose poems shimmer because they cut to the essential, and CUT OUT THE FAT, ESPECIALLY FAT THAT EASILY TURNS TO FLAB. BECAUSE OF SOMETHING VERY ESSENTIAL: BLAB IS FLAB. So the more the writer has extraneous words or verbiage- a word I love because it combines verb with garbage. Do you know where garbage comes from? There was a famous French count in the 13th century who thought he could have an affair with a famous seductive sorceress and his family could meet any PRICE FOR A NIGHT. This happened. He was scared out of his wits literally;; it seems she was way too much for him and made him have a moot poinit, in, uh, several ways and bodily componnts - his mouth he was moot ( or in our lingo: mute), AND there was complete unstirring silence DOWN THERE where all the new priests and nuns now came to gather or gathered to come. Gramps was upset he moved back to his birthplace in Brusselss Belgium and lived on their famous soggy veggies for the rest of his life. Evey year he sent back a present of his favorite food Ground Veggies. that were sos awful the New Director of theNew Clinic immediately ordered sixteen trucks for work. TBC
RE YOUR TITLE CHOICES. I THINK FIFTY/FIFTY IS NOT A GOOD IDEA. THERE IS NEITHER ACTIO OR SUGGESTION. IT IS FLAT OUT DULL DULL DULL 50/50IS IMPLICITLY
Thank you, Ernie, for always sharing your thoughts and feedback. I appreciate it even more when it goes against the grain because I like seeing the full picture.
I’ve been quietly whittling away behind the scenes and the project is nearing completion. It’s been a lot of fun. Has your poetry collection been released?
All the best.
I can picture old Grandpa Al saying "Go for it, Justin!"
Ah, thanks Jim! Me too. 😊
This sounds great, Justin! I'm curious why the hesitation on the longer book of your short stories. Is it more of an editorial thing, or that you don't think you have enough material?
Thanks, Brian! I think the problem is that I’m too critical. I want to put my “best” work out there, so I keep replacing older stories with newer ones, and I have gone back and forth regarding whether I want to include speculative/fantasy fiction in this collection or not. I’ve reached the point where I felt the best case scenario right now is to hit the pause button and come back to it with a clearer focus. I was also toying with the idea of including a handful of fifties in the book, so this led to me say, you know what...let me start with something more manageable.
I appreciate your support!
I can understand that. When I put The Stars Will Fall together, I left out two stories, and the editorial process was brutal, going through those old stories, knowing how much I had improved because of everyone's feedback. Now, my last three stories continually topped one another as my most popular, and I'm left thinking I'll never do better... we'll always think we put out the worst, or simply can't do better. Don't let the fear of that stop you.
I like the idea of the 50/50. I think it's got legs, but I think your short stories do too, so I'll support you in either endeavor. 😁
That’s really it, Brian. I can see the story quality improve over time, and I’ve heard from readers who have told me the same thing. But you’re right. We can’t let fear win the day and take over. Thanks for the reassurance!
Haha, thank you! I think I’m going to surge forward with the fifty-worders - it feels like a project I can complete over the summer. But down the line I fully intend to publish a short story collection!
I think your project sounds grand! We are blessed to live in a time where we have tools to self-publish. 🙌🏼
I really appreciate the kind words. Thank you! And yes, I couldn’t agree more!
I dig it ! Fifty words says so much about "Grandpa Al"
Much appreciated, Steve! Thank you for reading!
SPEAKING OF f FORGETTING - I apologze but I cant remember about your big project. foOr is it the collection of gems youve been posting over a certain period and are thinking of self publishing ( just as you are starting a new teaching semester ( we should talk more about teaching, or not? I taught special education mixed in with some ESL my first three years of teaching in New York City in the main middle school in Chinatown. 1987-1990. I was forty two, married, with my first kid. I taught all three grades-7,8,9. The only good principal I ever worked WITH. Colleagues. More on that later. I have a 200 page short story plus onenouvella about that school and the kids and my fellow teachers and the partial hell of teaching while both the crack and Aids epidemics were running neck to neck.
Hi Ernie, I posted a prompt yesterday. I’m aiming for 1-2 monthly prompts, which seems a reasonable goal to set. I’m excited for you and your project! It sounds like it has been an enjoyable experience for you.
Ha, no problem about forgetting. My project is going to be titled 50 Fifties: A Collection of Pocket-Sized Stories (or maybe “A Collection of Palm-Sized Stories” as the subtitle). (All stories contain 50 words.) In total it will be around 60 pages. I have all stories polished with accompanying images, and I’m working with a photographer on the cover design. It’s been a perfect summer project and something for me to look forward to in the fall/early winter. I should be able to release it sooner than later, but I’m in no rush.
I had no idea you were a special educator for a few years! I teach special education at the middle school level. At this point I’m mentally and physically preparing (the classroom, that is) for the school year. It’s always exciting, in a way, when September rolls around.
Hope all is well!
With luck it will be out before the end of the year. My wife and I did a final edit of the 100pages and, seriously,it was an exhilirating experience ( after all, weve been yelling at each other for twenty years and fouryears in high school before before our 38 year breakup.
Im finishing the "acknowledgements page"- about half the poems have been published in on-line or print mags ( subquestion: if you read/ perform at an "openmike" or "poetryslam", does that count as a "publication? ( and what if it's at your grandpa's house with the entire Poughkepsie 4h Club Over 80 section of 439 members?).
Im in the process of getting blurbs from poets with whom Ive read and or worked with in the past,including some now-famous ones I've helped back in the day and some evenings. Im nervous, but I feel it has to be done.
If you send me your email, I can send you a download of whoe book, along with some of fiction, which Jimmy recently urged me to put onsubstack, but Im just so unbelievablybusyright now .
My own email is erbrill69@gmail.com.
Also, what happened to your Friday prompts? Did I miss something? It's possible. Im 78 and have
crs syndrome: cant remember,uh, er, um - SQUAT ( the act of what I cant remember?NS)). i should run out right now and pick up some prunes although I feel so tired Im not sure if I can lift the box.