The Shroud Underground

John P. Wilson · Disciple Joined: 19 Mar 2008 Posts: 48

Hello gang,

I'm a seasoned pro in rejections, but I've had a couple of surprise victories along the way. I look forward to getting to know everyone in the Shroud community. I'm certainly not a successful writer (only been published four or five times in 10 years), but I can always offer support and semi-knowledgeable advice to the beginning writer, especially involving the art of the rejection slip. If anyone ever needs a honest opinion from a friend regarding his/her writing, I'll gladly let you know what I think. My favorite authors include Richard Laymon, William Faulkner, John D. McDonald, and every Dorchester/Leisure horror author who has graced a book shelf with his/her fine literature. And Laimo, Fires Rising is a thrilling page-turner. Tom, I can't wait for your next novel!

**shroud** · Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2008 1:46 pm Post subject: Good stuff.

John, this is exactly the kind of discussion I'd like to get launched in our "On Writing" forum. I too am a writer who has suffered a number of rejections, and perhaps we can start a dialog about improving our respective craft. In addition, perhaps we could also talk about what we are looking for at Shroud, and what the landscape looks like for our Magazine and anthologies.
_________________
Tim Deal
Editor & Publisher
Shroud Magazine
The Journal of Dark Fiction and Art
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writerjohnb · Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2008 3:59 pm Post subject:

Any fan of John D. McDonald is okay by me. My son is named Travis after Travis McGee. (I hope we're talking about the same McDonald here.)

I've also had my share of rejections and have learned not to let them bother me. If a story gets too many, I shitcan it. (only done once, so far.) As a writer, I'm not in the major leagues yet, but I'm trying to mprove my writing and move up. Most of my time is spent on novels, though, and THERE I know about rejections.

Take care,

JohnB
_________________
http://www.johnbushore.com

John P. Wilson · Disciple Joined: 19 Mar 2008 Posts: 48

I've read The Green Ripper so many times I can almost quote it. Yeah, we're talking about the same McDonald. I tried to get my wife to name our son Travis for the exact same reason, but she wouldn't go for it. We could only agree on Jake.

What type of novels have you written? Horror, Mystery? I'm working on one myself, but the amount of time I've invested in it keeps me from looking for a publisher or agent. I'm actually afraid of rejections when it comes to the book. It's not a one day or one week process like the short story, so I imagine a novel rejection must sting something fierce.

John P. Wilson · Disciple Joined: 19 Mar 2008 Posts: 48

Tim, how is "Abominations" coming? I think a discussion on improving our craft would be an excellent idea.

**shroud** · Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2008 4:33 pm Post subject:

John P. Wilson · Disciple Joined: 19 Mar 2008 Posts: 48

Looking forward to it!