In the newspaper business, a shorter, anecdotal article accompanying the main story is called a sidebar. There are sidebars to completing a manuscript that I have found rewarding.
The main benefit of this writing exercise is that it is good for the brain, soul and occasionally, the revenue. The sidebar for my memoir is that I have connected or reconnected with many associates and have become acquainted with many new people I would not have known had I not finished my work.
The common thread for all of us is either the specific Iowa hometown, the general era of our good old days or nostalgia for others relating to my various vignettes in Walkin' Joe and The Midnight Marauders.
If you are like me, the older I get the more I treasure the past and the more I look at the past the more appreciation I have for close friendships with admirable people. Many people with decades in the media develop a strong sense of sarcasm and suspicion. This may be from over-exposure to the type of news that grabs headlines and broadcast spots.
Switching to a writing career has helped me move past that into a more favorable view of life and the people around me. It has been a joy to hear from folks who share an experience or memory or just say how my little memoir affected them.
Of course I admit to being a little strange. I am a guy who likes to look at your photo albums and see your home movies. I am fascinated by people and their backgrounds and I am acutely aware that everyone has a story to tell. It is important to know that we can learn much from their stories.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Isolated and Mysterious Discovery
No, not talking about myself, but this little town in southern Utah we stumbled upon yesterday in finding a remote canyon hike.
First, the hike up Squirrel Canyon was "strenuous" and at the top, the view from the ledge or bench was as good as any we've seen. Stunning scenery, but wanted to share our experience in the village nearby at the bottom of the canyon.
Driving through Hildale, UT, the remote collection of houses felt strange with many unfinished structures and tall fences or walls. The residences appeared incomplete and some abandoned, while others were huge, but with crude construction for a place that would house many people. There was one relatively new, big brick structure with a 12 ft. wall around it, appearing to be a school, civic hall or church, but we could only see the top of it.
Of the few residents we saw all of the women and girls had ankle-length homemade dresses and one single braid down their necks and onto their backs. Not many men in sight except for a group of guys with cowboy hats working with dozens of penned horses of a breed I have not seen. The animals were not full-sized, but more like the ponies used in Mongolia, beige-colored with short, spiked manes.
People looked the other way as we passed and Glynn refused to let me stop and ask a few reporter-type questions. So we inquired through our old friend Google. Hildale is the headquarters for the FLDS, a breakaway group from the LDS religion who maintain plural or "celestial" wives and other practices not approved by mainstream Mormons. This was the home community of Warren Jeffs, imprisoned leader of the FLDS and a controversial individual who reportedly still controls the organization.
What is most interesting is that although it is a very isolated place, it is rife with conflict internally and externally. There are acrimonious divisions within the town who have separated themselves. The state and federal government is attempting to take control of the property owned by a trust set up by the FLDS and worth millions of dollars. Multiple lawsuits are in play. Many of the practicing families live in compounds, hence the high fences.
So why is this interesting? I would love to look into the town and do an in-depth story of how such a town in a lovely setting could come to today's unsettled crisis. There are many story lines for an enterprising reporter - starting with freedom of religion and moving to abuse and legalities and high retardation from genetics of marrying relatives - but it would be extremely difficult to get trust and a willingness to visit. It could also be dangerous.
I will have to settle for the thrill of hiking to the precarious top of the canyon, just outside fascinating Hildale, Utah. Ah, but what a story sits there, awaiting the light of day.
First, the hike up Squirrel Canyon was "strenuous" and at the top, the view from the ledge or bench was as good as any we've seen. Stunning scenery, but wanted to share our experience in the village nearby at the bottom of the canyon.
Driving through Hildale, UT, the remote collection of houses felt strange with many unfinished structures and tall fences or walls. The residences appeared incomplete and some abandoned, while others were huge, but with crude construction for a place that would house many people. There was one relatively new, big brick structure with a 12 ft. wall around it, appearing to be a school, civic hall or church, but we could only see the top of it.
Of the few residents we saw all of the women and girls had ankle-length homemade dresses and one single braid down their necks and onto their backs. Not many men in sight except for a group of guys with cowboy hats working with dozens of penned horses of a breed I have not seen. The animals were not full-sized, but more like the ponies used in Mongolia, beige-colored with short, spiked manes.
People looked the other way as we passed and Glynn refused to let me stop and ask a few reporter-type questions. So we inquired through our old friend Google. Hildale is the headquarters for the FLDS, a breakaway group from the LDS religion who maintain plural or "celestial" wives and other practices not approved by mainstream Mormons. This was the home community of Warren Jeffs, imprisoned leader of the FLDS and a controversial individual who reportedly still controls the organization.
What is most interesting is that although it is a very isolated place, it is rife with conflict internally and externally. There are acrimonious divisions within the town who have separated themselves. The state and federal government is attempting to take control of the property owned by a trust set up by the FLDS and worth millions of dollars. Multiple lawsuits are in play. Many of the practicing families live in compounds, hence the high fences.
So why is this interesting? I would love to look into the town and do an in-depth story of how such a town in a lovely setting could come to today's unsettled crisis. There are many story lines for an enterprising reporter - starting with freedom of religion and moving to abuse and legalities and high retardation from genetics of marrying relatives - but it would be extremely difficult to get trust and a willingness to visit. It could also be dangerous.
I will have to settle for the thrill of hiking to the precarious top of the canyon, just outside fascinating Hildale, Utah. Ah, but what a story sits there, awaiting the light of day.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Plugging Along
The story of writing my memoir, "Walkin' Joe and The Midnight Maraudes,' is a story in itself. A long story at that, it is unfortunately also a boring one.
The memoir had its start way back in 1971, but then that longhand version was shelved for decades as life got in the way. Fulltime work and a nice family of four children took priority until about 10 years ago, when I began to give it shape in an outline.
Writing is familiar work for me, but manuscript writing is another animal. I have read of successes and failures of so many aspiring writers and I took some precautionary steps.
First, I started with a list of priorities in my life and writing did not head up the list. Since I retired from the newspaper business it has moved up on this list, but my well-being does not hinge on market success. Would I welcome it? Absolutely, and it would invigorate my efforts, but I will continue to write regardless.
I also started a journal based only on my writing career - the one as an independent author engaging a new passion. I've never done a journal, but wanted something to guide and remind me where I've been. It reflects the challenges I have face as a writer, but it is repetitive and boring. An example? I lost the entire manuscript once with a "delete" button and had to start over.
Writing is enjoyable and absorbing, but getting a professional to acknowledge your work and perhaps take it on as a publisher is a real challenge. I have been a lifetime journalist and I am spoiled. I used to be able to write something, run it past editors and quickly get it in the newspaper or magazine.
However, I am now no longer in charge, but what I write has a chance for a longer shelf life than something on newsprint. This drives me.
I am also driven by comments from regular, average readers if they are moved by my story. As a self-sufficient person, my ego and humility hopefully blend in a solid foundation.
I have found dealing with would-be publishers or agents frustrating, but in their defense the book publishing world is upside down. Memoirs are a dime a dozen and only those of the famous and infamous get much traction. That is understandable.
So I plug away, relaxed and enjoying the work. I have a sequel to Walkin' Joe in the early stages and a number of short stories I want to develop. There is also the possibility of a remarkable biography of an amazing person, but many things will have to fall into place for the right to tackle that story.
For those who take time to read this, or my memoir, I thank you. In today's world there is a myriad of choices for your attention. I hope I will do something to warrant yours and make it worthwhile.
The memoir had its start way back in 1971, but then that longhand version was shelved for decades as life got in the way. Fulltime work and a nice family of four children took priority until about 10 years ago, when I began to give it shape in an outline.
Writing is familiar work for me, but manuscript writing is another animal. I have read of successes and failures of so many aspiring writers and I took some precautionary steps.
First, I started with a list of priorities in my life and writing did not head up the list. Since I retired from the newspaper business it has moved up on this list, but my well-being does not hinge on market success. Would I welcome it? Absolutely, and it would invigorate my efforts, but I will continue to write regardless.
I also started a journal based only on my writing career - the one as an independent author engaging a new passion. I've never done a journal, but wanted something to guide and remind me where I've been. It reflects the challenges I have face as a writer, but it is repetitive and boring. An example? I lost the entire manuscript once with a "delete" button and had to start over.
Writing is enjoyable and absorbing, but getting a professional to acknowledge your work and perhaps take it on as a publisher is a real challenge. I have been a lifetime journalist and I am spoiled. I used to be able to write something, run it past editors and quickly get it in the newspaper or magazine.
However, I am now no longer in charge, but what I write has a chance for a longer shelf life than something on newsprint. This drives me.
I am also driven by comments from regular, average readers if they are moved by my story. As a self-sufficient person, my ego and humility hopefully blend in a solid foundation.
I have found dealing with would-be publishers or agents frustrating, but in their defense the book publishing world is upside down. Memoirs are a dime a dozen and only those of the famous and infamous get much traction. That is understandable.
So I plug away, relaxed and enjoying the work. I have a sequel to Walkin' Joe in the early stages and a number of short stories I want to develop. There is also the possibility of a remarkable biography of an amazing person, but many things will have to fall into place for the right to tackle that story.
For those who take time to read this, or my memoir, I thank you. In today's world there is a myriad of choices for your attention. I hope I will do something to warrant yours and make it worthwhile.
Friday, February 8, 2013
A note to would be authors
2/8/13
I cannot count the number of people who have commented that they would one day like to write a book or a memoir. The truth is that there is a story in every single person, but getting it out and making it interesting is a huge challenge. Then an ever harder task presents itself: making your story marketable (i.e. if not making a profit or providing a living, at least paying for itself).
The smartest man I ever worked for was at The Tribune in Ames, when Pulitzer Prize winner Michael Gartner owned the paper but was running NBC News in NY. Gartner suggested I write a column and how to go about it. Later he asked me to move to the news side as editor, because "that's what gets your juices flowing, Waller."
He's also the guy who told me that every individual has a story, but not every reporter or writer can pull it out of that person - let alone make it interesting.
Writing your own story can be wonderful therapy, but there is pain and dedication involved and the book world is upside down. Publishing is so much harder than the initial idea or the writing process. About the only way you can get a big publisher to take on your story is if you are famous or infamous, but that doesn't mean your tale is unworthy.
But be aware if you decide to self-publish, as I have done with "Walkin' Joe and The Midnight Marauders," of pitfalls.
There is a whole, expanding cottage industry of those who will sell you books, workshops, tutorials, seminars and all aspects of publishing - all at a cost. It seems people like us who wish to tell our story are vulnerable because our egos are on the line. Thankfully my exposure to people like Gartner, along with experience in writing and publishing, have provided a foundation of caution and common sense.
The closest I came to biting was last year when a NYC publisher said he wanted me to sign an exclusive contract for one year. Buried in the contract was the point that "first-time authors" had to come up with $8,500 to cover "publicity costs" to get the show on the road.
My little show is on the road for a lot less than that and my ego seems quite intact.
I hope I am not boring you with all this, but if I am at least there is no charge...
I cannot count the number of people who have commented that they would one day like to write a book or a memoir. The truth is that there is a story in every single person, but getting it out and making it interesting is a huge challenge. Then an ever harder task presents itself: making your story marketable (i.e. if not making a profit or providing a living, at least paying for itself).
The smartest man I ever worked for was at The Tribune in Ames, when Pulitzer Prize winner Michael Gartner owned the paper but was running NBC News in NY. Gartner suggested I write a column and how to go about it. Later he asked me to move to the news side as editor, because "that's what gets your juices flowing, Waller."
He's also the guy who told me that every individual has a story, but not every reporter or writer can pull it out of that person - let alone make it interesting.
Writing your own story can be wonderful therapy, but there is pain and dedication involved and the book world is upside down. Publishing is so much harder than the initial idea or the writing process. About the only way you can get a big publisher to take on your story is if you are famous or infamous, but that doesn't mean your tale is unworthy.
But be aware if you decide to self-publish, as I have done with "Walkin' Joe and The Midnight Marauders," of pitfalls.
There is a whole, expanding cottage industry of those who will sell you books, workshops, tutorials, seminars and all aspects of publishing - all at a cost. It seems people like us who wish to tell our story are vulnerable because our egos are on the line. Thankfully my exposure to people like Gartner, along with experience in writing and publishing, have provided a foundation of caution and common sense.
The closest I came to biting was last year when a NYC publisher said he wanted me to sign an exclusive contract for one year. Buried in the contract was the point that "first-time authors" had to come up with $8,500 to cover "publicity costs" to get the show on the road.
My little show is on the road for a lot less than that and my ego seems quite intact.
I hope I am not boring you with all this, but if I am at least there is no charge...
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
The Mob Museum - a must-see
Admittedly, I am not a big Las Vegas fan, likely because I don't gamble, drink or smoke and am a bit of a tightwad. But we spent the day there.
And if you do go to Vegas, a must see is the Mob Museum, created last year in a former federal building where mob bosses were confronted and investigated. Allow a full day and if you are fascinated by organized crime and the Mafia, you will get your fill of movies, displays and bios.
It is surprising to find that a number of hardcore members of the crime syndicate are still alive today - several in the witness protection program. Here I thought the Sopranos was a fictitious family, but they have one of Tony's shirts on display so the series must be true...
And if you do go to Vegas, a must see is the Mob Museum, created last year in a former federal building where mob bosses were confronted and investigated. Allow a full day and if you are fascinated by organized crime and the Mafia, you will get your fill of movies, displays and bios.
It is surprising to find that a number of hardcore members of the crime syndicate are still alive today - several in the witness protection program. Here I thought the Sopranos was a fictitious family, but they have one of Tony's shirts on display so the series must be true...
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
I start this blog process somewhat reluctantly. My ulterior motive won out over recommended humility: I hope to sell more of my writing and this medium is suggested as a tool.
I completed a long-overdue childhood memoir, "Walkin' Joe and The Midnight Marauders" and if you want to find out more about it, go to www.walkingjoe.com. Though I am proud of the work, I'm a bit tired of self-promoting it. It is for sale on Amazon and can be ordered through Barnes and Noble and book stores. Amazon has it in Kindle format also.
I'll begin posting items primarily related to my "new" career as I retired from a long career in the newspaper and communications business Sept. 1, 2012. Believing that retirement as such is hazardous, I am now writing for myself. I have about 45 years of professional writing - from basic reporting to editorials and from promotional copy to features and regular columns.
Writing is easy for me, but getting official recognition - like a publisher engaged in building a readership market - would be a goal. But I'll write regardless and balance that with exercise, reading, hiking and selected humanitarian work.
I have a simple goal: to make my little corner of this world interesting and beneficial.
I completed a long-overdue childhood memoir, "Walkin' Joe and The Midnight Marauders" and if you want to find out more about it, go to www.walkingjoe.com. Though I am proud of the work, I'm a bit tired of self-promoting it. It is for sale on Amazon and can be ordered through Barnes and Noble and book stores. Amazon has it in Kindle format also.
I'll begin posting items primarily related to my "new" career as I retired from a long career in the newspaper and communications business Sept. 1, 2012. Believing that retirement as such is hazardous, I am now writing for myself. I have about 45 years of professional writing - from basic reporting to editorials and from promotional copy to features and regular columns.
Writing is easy for me, but getting official recognition - like a publisher engaged in building a readership market - would be a goal. But I'll write regardless and balance that with exercise, reading, hiking and selected humanitarian work.
I have a simple goal: to make my little corner of this world interesting and beneficial.
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