FWIW - sunday, may 14, 2006

THE 90/10 RULE 

I absolutely and totally understand the passion that drives someone to want to be a published writer.  That passion is part of me; it's in my blood.  I do, however, have a very pragmatic view of the world from my little corner of the desk.  I never, never forget the 90/10 rule:  90% of what happens to you will be absolutely wonderful.  10% of it will be dreck. 

Strap on your lead-lined skivvies and join me on the dark side. 

The Internet - A reader's blog:

Karen Ranney's Till Next We Meet should be called Till Next We Whine. .. And the writing was terrible. Horrible...It's almost a fantastic book, just by its terribleness.  One might even think that she's doing it on purpose, but I really think that the unfortunate truth is that Karen Ranney believes she just published a very good novel.

I'm so very sorry I burned down your house and tortured your dog.  Oh, I didn't?  Sorry, I thought I must have done something hideous to have inspired such a ghastly review.  But I must have pushed some buttons, which isn't a bad thing. 

****

Fan Mail, April 28th:

Mrs. Ranney,

I love your books.

But there's a typo on page 138, last sentence. 

And another one on page 337.

Sincerely,

A Fan

Notice I didn't get a clue as to what typos they were?  Sort of like Where's Waldo, hmmm?

****

Amazon Review

* Yawn

This has got to be the most boring book ever. I'll never get those hours of my life back.

I'm almost ashamed to admit it took me months to write the book.

****

Letter from Editor:

We'll need these changes back in five days.  I know the time is short, but thank you, in advance, for working quickly. 

Honey?  Could you go to Walgreens for me?  Do they still sell No-Doz? 

****

The real truth about the 90/10 Rule? 

The 10% is there to remind me never to take the 90% for granted: the great fan mail, the wonderful reviews, the readers who tell you that you were able to take them away from their lives for a few short hours.  Hopefully, I won't ever forget.  

Thank you.