Storytellersunplugged

Where Words Meet

…I’ll Just Add A "Sorry" and a "Farewell…."

Please allow me to intrude here a few days past my normal posting time.

Like Matt, I must apologize for having missed my last 2 column slots; like Kelley, I must also say fare thee well, and thank you for the wonderful response you’ve given to the many womderful writers who contribute their time, effort, wit, and wisdom every day.

Like Kelley, I could cite writing time as my main reason for having to take the long and winding road from here, and I debated overstating some facts about deadlines, novels, numerous short story requests, etc. But the past couple of months have all but drained my patience for — and tolerance of — spin. I debated how to say this — my wife is concerned that the health problems I’ve had in the past makes me look weak in the eyes of the writing community (which is why I’m joining a gymn, changing my diet, all that good stuff — including losing lots and lots of weight), but I have decided that anyone who writes for a living (or, in my case — as that of many other writers out there — attempts to write to earn a living) owes it to themselves as well as those who read them to be honest.

I am sick. Precisely how sick I do net yet know — and, no, I’m not talking about your garden variety cold or flu or anything like that. I have some things growing in my plumbing that may or may not be cancerous, and I simply cannot spend as much time writing now as I used to; I feel compelled — as Kelley said in much more humorous terms — to write as much as possible for the time being. My energy is not what it once was (nor is my waistline — 35 lbs dropped since the middle of March), and when I’m not all smiley and loving the world and everyone and everything in it because I’m half-fried on pain-killers and all around me is shiny, I have to concentrate on finishing a handful of projects that I am contracted for. (Pardon the terrible syntax of that last sentence.)

So I am making a quick exit, Stage Left, in a manner worthy of SnaggelPuss himself, where my computer and unfinished projects await me.

Pay attention to what these good folks are telling you on a daily basis; there are universities that charge you 4 grand a year to get this kind of education in creative writing/editing/marketing/etc. Check back here every day; yes, every so often one of them will miss their day, but smart money says that’s because they got caught up in the writing of a story that would not let them walk away for even a second … or they’re John Skipp, who’s just goofy (when he’s not writing something that will knock your socks off, which is a full 85% of the time).

So, I thank you all for your time and support of this site, and urge you to bookmark this valuable area if you’re an aspiring writer. You need a place like this where you can get it distilled to you directly and unflinchingly.

As for me, I offer you a tip of my hat, a wink of my eye, and what passes for a smile on my face (never been a big smiler, or even grinner, for that matter … nobody’s fault, just not a member of the ChuckleFest Traveling Players, if you didn’t figure that out already from reading my work), and do a little soft-shoe off Stage Left. Hold your applause until all the players have had their turn. Remember to tip your waitresses and waiters. Will the person drivingh the blue 1974 Gremlin please go outside and move your vehicle? It’s embarrassing the other cars.

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this. Look both ways before crossing the street. Hopefully, I will be catching all of you on the flip side.

–Gary A. Braunbeck

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1. Farewell…

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