Comments for Douglas Green

Comment on The Perennial Lesson by Carolyn

Carolyn — Sat, 18 May 2013 10:10:39 +0000

Yep, that’s pretty much what I mean.

I am an editor after all

…and one of my jobs is to point out to to fellow writers places where a word or phrase can send a reader down a wrong path, or mislead, or simply confuse a writer’s point. Were we involved in an actual manuscript, our exchange would result in a revision. Now both of us plus whoever else is reading this blog have learned something about learning!

Comment on The Perennial Lesson by Doug

Doug — Fri, 17 May 2013 14:03:44 +0000

Carolyn – OK so if I’m reading you right, you think that “that doing things the hard way may be an effective learning technique for some people.” I don’t doubt it’s effective – just there are usually better ways to learn anything and that’s the advantage of “learning to be a learner” – the first thing you do is look for the best way to learn whatever it is you need to know. The “hard way” is seldom in my vocabulary if I can find a “better way” as every time I learn a lesson the “hard way” I regret it. But to each their own. And yes, there may indeed be lessons in life that involve learning “the hard way” but skill building, imho, need not be one of them.

Comment on The Perennial Lesson by Carolyn

Carolyn — Mon, 13 May 2013 10:37:58 +0000

Yep, we’re saying the same thing in different ways.

I just wanted to challenge your use of the word “pointless.” Sounds like you really mean “counterproductive” or “uneconomical” or “inefficient,” etc. — you seem to be talking about the value of time, not the value of experience. To me, “pointless” implies lack of value in a broader sense that cancels the possibility that doing things the hard way may be an effective learning technique for some people.

Comment on The Perennial Lesson by Doug

Doug — Sat, 11 May 2013 12:42:58 +0000

Carolyn – I do believe we’re agreeing on most things. My comment about “pointless” is not to say I wouldn’t learn something but that the cost of doing it that way is far too high. And the work I would write wouldn’t be used so combine that with the high cost of time spent writing the wrong thing – hence pointless. It’s like the story of the man who wheeled himself into a bar and when the bartender asked how he’d hurt himself, said, “Well I lost my right leg when I learned about dynamite” and I lost my left leg when I learned about hungry sharks” and “I lost that thumb when…” I”m sure you see the point. The school of hard knocks – or experience – or doing it the hard way – comes at a price. And for me, paying that price when there are alternatives is pointless. So the $35 analysis was one way to keep my thumb and I’ve just purchased the bigger $100 analysis and having read the questions and organization, I think I”m about to save a leg. But let me emphasize, that’s how I work and this may not be for everyone.

Comment on The Perennial Lesson by Carolyn

Carolyn — Tue, 07 May 2013 12:27:25 +0000

Working smarter not harder is always a better plan. : )

But I can’t agree that the hours of work you saved by working smarter were “pointless,” because even doing something the hard way has rich educational value. I do agree that learning without expending excess time and energy is always more satisfying and usually more productive.

Comment on The Perennial Lesson by Doug

Doug — Tue, 07 May 2013 12:07:44 +0000

Carolyn – as I noted, I read Larry Brooks “Story Engineering” and it has helped tremendously. Also I had him do the basic story analysis as I wrote and the small cost of that has saved me hours and hours of pointless work. But still doing my basic research, exploration and baby steps.

Comment on The Perennial Lesson by Carolyn

Carolyn — Mon, 06 May 2013 21:01:17 +0000

I hope you’re a quicker study than I am! This boiling-down-to-specific storyline took me decades to get right for my first book, and I’m now years into the second one and still don’t have it nailed. Some people just don’t think that way, I guess. But it’s critical to learn, because that’s the primary selling tool if one desires to sell one’s work. It’s needed for queries; for elevator pitches; for the cover copy; for listing in a directory or online sell page; for answering people’s questions . . .

Without that specific concept-hook, you can write a terrific novel and never sell it.

Comment on And The Difference Between Canada And The US Is? by Doug

Doug — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:03:00 +0000

Vanessa – yeah, I’ve run into that out there. The first time I got out of the car and started to do it – I was “corrected” quickly (and the clerk was really snarky about it) I should have had my “stupid tourist” t-shirt on I guess. LOL

Comment on And The Difference Between Canada And The US Is? by Vanessa Gardner Nagel

Vanessa Gardner Nagel — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 20:33:22 +0000

FYI, Doug, in Oregon (and perhaps a few other states) you don’t get out and pump your gas. You pay the clerk after he is done pumping your gas.

Comment on All We Have To Do Is Decide by Doug

Doug — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:34:57 +0000