The Rogues Gallery Writers are an up and coming group of five talented authors hell-bent on reaching out into this world with provocative fiction, spot-on humor and empathetic passion.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Can't hold a good Rogue down!!
What Have You Rogued for Me Lately?
Nothing.
Not a damn thing for Mr. Bloodtrail over the past two weeks.
Not for the Rogues or any of my other writing projects.
In the past I would get discouraged about such a lack of productivity. This would create stress, frustration, and maybe even a mild form of depression. Instead of getting out of my writing funk, I would only elongate it and even create my own little Catch-22. I'm miserable because I can't write and I can't write because I'm miserable.
I think this can be a common dilemma for writers. But how a writer handles the situation can determine how debilitating it will be to his or her muse in the long run.
In recent months I've come to learn and accept that these periods are inevitable—they will happen. It's something that all writers must face. Whether it's due to writer's block or just a lack of time from the heavy demands of life, all writers must wallow through these non-writing phases.
I knew this writing abyss was temporary. Life got in the way and said, "Bloodtrail—your ass is mine for a while! You're not writing a fuckin' thing!" And I didn't.
This time—for once—I embraced it. I didn't get discouraged or stressed or depressed. I kept in my mind that once I navigated through these obstacles, I would resume writing with gusto.
For many writers acceptance alone may be difficult—if not impossible—as a method for breaking down these writing barriers. What I really recommend is to get into a good critique group; a small group of writers with common goals and/or interests. A group like this will become a safe haven for your muse.
At last night's meeting, when I heard all that my Rogues were accomplishing and their enthusiasm towards our future projects and events, how could I not come home feeling energized and ready to bust a cap in my word processor's ass? Besides that, the camaraderie and great laughs let any stress melt away and put me in a great frame of mind. That's really the key to great writing. Having your mind focused, and free and clear of worry—even if only for a short time.
With my obstacles cleared and my mind right again—my hiatus is over!
Mr. Bloodtrail is back and ready to inflict a bloodbath of prose. I'm prepared to go a on a cross-country writing spree.
Look out—you may be my next victim!
BT
Saturday, August 15, 2009
The Rogues Gallery Writers Short Story Contest
The winner will also receive an official Rogues Gallery Writers T-shirt and stationary. Three copies of the book will also be awarded this fortunate writer. Contests are great fun. Just entering is a victory and I encourage everyone to take their shot.
The cool thing about this contest is that you will be contributing to helping other writers. The twist of this contest is that all submissions must answer four questions about their story. These questions are designed to show other writers what thought processes you use when constructing a story.
The Rogues have done this with their stories that are in the book already. Once complete, this book should be a very interesting read for writers everywhere. So take the plunge. Jump in with both feet and enter the contest. Come join the Rogues on their journey to helping writers learn more about their craft.
Tell them DarkThorn sent you!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Safari
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Rogues Still Rollin'
Redneckah continues to plug away at her blogs. She produces VERY consistently. She's like clockwork with her blogs. Something many of us envy. Her humor and insights into motherhood are well worth reading.
Panthera is rockin' the painting world with her prolific efforts on the canvas. Her recent works are visually intriguing as well as enticing to the eye. What she does with paint is amazing.
This update is just to let you know there is no rest for the motivated. IF you aspire to write, this is how you do it. You keep at it, day in and day out. You write at every opportunity availed you. The time may be ripe for another Rogue outing. We just had lunch Friday, but we may need something a bit more unusual to stir up some mischief.
Our book, Writing is Easy is moving through the pre-editing stage very well. In the wink of an eye the book will be at the editor's desk which brings it one step closer to publication. The Rogues are even holding a contest to allow one very talented writer to join us in the pages of this book. Details are available at www.clearviewpressinc.com.
Keep up with the Rogues (if you can!)
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Rogues That Work?
We pour our souls into what we write. If a Rogue writes something funny, he or she takes it to the limit. If a Rogue writes something bloody, there's gonna be a lot of it. We don't pull up short. Others might take things further than we do, but that's only because their personality is different from ours.
We all have jobs. We have a life outside writing. This life intrudes all too often, yet we still produce. Our output is quality stuff. We do not have a day in our lives where we forget about creating. We live and breathe creativity. This is our passion. When everything is said and done, this is our vocation.
The Rogues Gallery Writers thrive off each other. We feed off the energy of the group and create stories, books and paintings we never knew were in us. We've only begun our work and the most tremendous, stupendous aspect of our work is that, thank God, it will NEVER be done!
Here's to our vocation, fellow Rogues! Keep on rockin'!