Aspiring Authors

On my own little slice of the Internet, I like to consider myself an aspiring author.  I’m already a writer (I’m doing it as we speak), but since nothing of mine has been published, I cannot truthfully wear the title of author.  Wearing the badge of an "aspiring author" is actually a lot cooler than people might think.  First of all, there are a metric assload of "aspiring authors" out on the web.  All shapes, colors and creeds chasing the brass ring known as publication, banded together in online enclaves, providing support, feedback and commiseration.

Rubbing elbows with the unwashed masses, you begin to gravitate toward like minded folk.  They might be the fan you never knew you had, a nighttime writing partner helping you burn the midnight oil or someone spouting out ideas and thoughts at the same wavelength as you.  I want to take this opportunity to share some of my online tribe, fellow writers fighting the good fight, who I make a habit of visiting their Internet fiefdom’s on a regular basis.

 

Brad R. Torgersen

Brad is a science fiction & fantasy writer.  He’s had multiple honorable mentions and was a finalist in Writers of the Future, so it’s only a matter of time before I see a hardcover with his name on it.  I first came across him in the comments section of Kristine Kathryn Rusch’s "Freelancer’s Survival Guide" (an essential read for anyone wanting to write for a living) and thoroughly enjoyed his Writer’s Bathtub Analogy (even writing a post about it).  Goes to show, if you write intelligent, sincere comments on blogs, people will take notice.

I like his straight forward writing style and articulate discussions when debating topics, especially ones where emotions tend to obscure any attempt at logic.  He maintains his level headedness and argues the point without devolving into the monkey poo flinging a lot of these imbroglios epitomize.  Also, dude loves The Maxx and that’s always an A+ in my book.  He’s currently doing the third phase of his Warrant Officer school, so wish him luck.

 

Jarrett Rush

Jarrett’s blog, Jarrett Writes, is about a newly married man in his 30′s finally making the push into fiction writing.  Who can’t empathize with that situation?  We’ve all wanted to pursue that dream we’ve had since being a kid.  Here’s Jarrett, not only trying to make good on that childhood dream, but sharing his trials and tribulations along the way.  His writing frustrations, his struggle with productivity and examples of his work in progress are laid bare on the Internet, inviting you to follow along on his journey. 

He was one of the very first people to comment on my blog (still not sure how he found me) and for some reason keeps coming back.  His writing reminds me a lot of Wil Wheaton, who’s easy going style and naked honesty just pull you into the stories.  Jarrett recently joined a writer’s group and is documenting the experience.  I’ve never been to one conducted in real life, so I’m living vicariously through his posts.

 

Terry Atkison

Terry is a nerd just like me, scribbling away late into the night because "not writing" would drive him mad.  I first met him in a flash fiction writing group my friend Thersa Matsuura invited me to.  ***Quick aside: Go buy Thersa’s short story collection "A Robe of Feathers" RIGHT NOW! It’s dark, mythical realism steeped in Japanese folklore, what more could you want? Don’t believe me, then have a little taste for yourself.***

I really dug his flash fiction tale which put an interesting spin on a common Sci-Fi trope.  His WordPress plugin recommendation (see, I told you he was nerdy) has already prevented over 850 SPAM comment attempts on my blog, stemming the crushing wave of bloodsuckers.  On top of all that, he scored a solid interview with the always awesome Thersa Matsuura.  Terry’s diving headfirst into a new novel project titled "Higher Ceilings", so send him good writer vibes to keep the dreaded "Internal Editor" away.

 

Where can I find rocking people like these?

If you’re having a hard time finding writers on your frequency, then I highly recommend checking out the Absolute Write Water Cooler.   This forum is chock full of cool, aspiring writers and approachable, established authors.  You might even find an agent or two lurking around.  I tend to frequent the Horror and Blogging sections, but you’ll find a smorgasbord of topics to whet your appetite.  A majority of the folks populating this board are nice, respectful people who are very welcoming of newbies and first-timers.   Treat them right and you might find yourself forging lasting relationships.

 

Any cool cats you want to give a shout out to?  Sites you like where writers talk shop?  Drop them in the comments for the rest of the class.

Related posts: (Auto Generated)

1. Flash Fictional Carnival – Aug '09 ***UPDATE 08/20/09*** Due to the great response/feedback I received on...
2. Horror Writers Association Writing is, by its nature, a solitary endeavor.  There’s no...
3. Trying to keep the momentum Participating in the Flash Fiction Carnival finally got my mental...
4. Survey Says With my fiction at a complete standstill there’s isn’t much...
5. Unfocused Life, Unfocused Blog For a long time now, I’ve felt unfocused in my...

Tagged as: Authors, Blogs, Brad R. Torgersen, Jarrett Rush, Terry Atkison, Thersa Matsuura