the opinionator

[theholyinnocent]

It's spring, and a not-so-young woman's fancy turns to...writing. I've been dithering about, unsure of what to focus on next, So I put the question to you, kind readers, you people I know not except online or drunkenly, but whose support helps keep me plugging away. So if you have an opinion or a preference, let it fly. (And fewthistle, you are only allowed to vote once and are not permitted to use your influence, cooking and/or writing abilities, or sexual favors, to sway anyone!) Obviously I can't guarantee that I will actually, you know, listen--in the end I have to go with my gut--but I am curious to see what you all think.

And besides, who doesn't love a poll? Jerri Blank does! In fact, she loves the poll AND the hole! (Sorry, can't resist.)

[Poll #1550245]

Comments

[wprincessnerd.livejournal.com]

you *know* I would say the WWII thing, but I don't want to cry hysterically and toss my novel in the garbage, so I vote for DT. Just finish it already, sweetie.

[theholyinnocent.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the input, doll. (And how is the...OK, I won't ask.)

[lonejaguar.livejournal.com]

So I didn't read the excerpts of the 60s romance because once I saw WWII and art forgery I lost all control of my mouse hand. But I think I'd enjoy either!

I'm still wearing corduroy pants, too.

[theholyinnocent.livejournal.com]

I think I am ready to give up the corduroy for the season. It's a tough decision, but....

[ralst.livejournal.com]

You wear corduroy underwear? That's kinky.

Yesterday, a new series of Foyles War began, therefore I had no option but to plump for WWII art forgery *g*.

[theholyinnocent.livejournal.com]

You're a fine one to talk, Miss Pervy Sex Scene Writer! Go you!

I could never get into Foyle's War...I guess everytime I watched I hoped I would stumble upon hot chicks in period clothing, but alas...

[ralst.livejournal.com]

Maybe you'll have better luck with 'The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister'.

[noir-moll.livejournal.com]

OK, I really, really, really liked those "Idlewild" excerpts. For serious. But when you pit it against Lee in NYC...well, as a Southern lez, I'm sort of morally bound to vote for that, aren't I? And, also, I just enjoyed the hell out of that story.

[theholyinnocent.livejournal.com]

Ah, the Southern code of honor! So this means if I don't write it you'll down a fifth and come after me with your rifle? OK, I'm afraid now.

[cabenson.livejournal.com]

"Elders Take New York City-the Unrated Version"

[stargazer1960.livejournal.com]

Put your corduroy pants back on, missy.

[theholyinnocent.livejournal.com]

I hope someone has that on video...my memory is sketchy...there was so much wine, and too much singing....

[wizened-cynic.livejournal.com]

Something with babies in it. Zombie babies craving breastmilk and braaaaaaains.

[theholyinnocent.livejournal.com]

That would be a good horror movie! A quick way to make money and resuscitate Pia Zadora's career.

[leavethesky.livejournal.com]

There's no 'all of the above'? Also, I refuse to vote until I hear fewthistle's offer.

[fewthistle.livejournal.com]

I have left my reply to the mighty THI's request. She knows my wishes. (Please note the fine print on the coupon...again only one per customer...although in your case I might an exception).

Now, go forth and vote....Harper Lee must again be given life...and eggs...and maybe some more sex.

[theholyinnocent.livejournal.com]

Chicken! And if you want all of the above, you have to start a trust fund for me. :)

[eclecticfan.livejournal.com]

I think you should write a multi-fandom crossover about wearing corduroy clothing.

Fandoms: SVU, MiS, CM, Xena, WMC, SGI, FoL, Buffy, ER - take your picks

[theholyinnocent.livejournal.com]

Ha! You need to get ralst on that, for her next installment of the F.A.G.

[sravenk.livejournal.com]

I love Harper Lee. Please continue with Harper Lee! And then the 1960s romance.

[theholyinnocent.livejournal.com]

Hmmm. Your icon is swaying me. Plus you prioritize, like a grownup!

[mantaraggio.livejournal.com]

Ack, I can't pick! I am so torn! How about a teenage Harper Lee in a WWII era novel about art forgery?

[theholyinnocent.livejournal.com]

::mind explodes:: An idea so awesome I don't know I could do it justice!

[mantaraggio.livejournal.com]

BUT YOU COULD!!!

[fewthistle.livejournal.com]

You know my mind, woman. There is no debate, no poll, no question of what you will write. I must return with you to that cramped apartment in Manhattan, to that slightly slutty blonde and those eggs. Now. Weave your spell, lure me in, tempt me with your sensual magic.

Was that clear enough?

And what's with the no tempting or influencing others? How can they not be swayed by my will, tempted by my offers of food and fic and sex?? (Only one coupon per customer. All other offers void. Expires 4/30/10).

[theholyinnocent.livejournal.com]

DEMON WOMAN! Trying to sway me with that hot icon too! I have no doubts I'll be getting email from Hills asking me to continue with the story as well--I know your long, insidious reach into the corridors of power! Or your stash of blackmail photos. Or both.

[fewthistle.livejournal.com]

I have no doubts I'll be getting email from Hills asking me to continue with the story as well--

You mean you haven't gotten her demand yet? She told me that re-reading that story in her hotel room late at night, sipping stale room service coffee, was the only thing that got her through that horrible 2008 primary season. And now, having to deal with spoiled, pretentious, arrogant assholes on a daily basis, not to mention all those foreign people, leaves her craving some more Harper Lee.

So, get on it, woman. WRITE!! Your Sec. of State wants you to fulfill your destiny!!

(smirking happily)

what readers want

[raginhoops.livejournal.com]

Well dear. You know me well enough to know that I would read whatever you choose to put the effort into, including off the cuff comments. But if you are going to bite the bullet, write something that you can bring to publishers for the larger audience out there. Of course they are interested in one thing-what will sell. We, the dykes in the cheap seats, will love any of the above projects. So lets think, what would Brian Boitano do? You need a story that will stand out from a pack. Waters is cornering the historial fiction of victorian and WWII right now-you do not want to be seen as a wantabe. The 60's is a favorite of mine and it just may be the next era to get press but is the story mainstream and crossover enough to get the initial notice? The Harper Lee thing seems the most logical, it would create controversy about such an enigmatic figure in our literary culture. Yet, it could create a legal itchy rash. The disclaimer should protect you but if you are actually able to sell the idea...would you fight for it? I mean if they can take Jane's novels and make monsters of them? It seems that to get published one needs a lure besides the sharp hook.

Re: what readers want

[theholyinnocent.livejournal.com]

I love your practicality, P.!

I don't know that a disclaimer could protect me. When people get riled enough about something they may view as slander, it can backfire on you. It's something to consider, and to investigate further. Possible, but one might need to be prepared for ramifications. I keep thinking of the Stephen Spender/David Leavitt conflict so many years back.

The big difference with Austen is that she's dead, and so far removed from current history, and she is not really a character in the zombie novel (at least not that I can figure out--I haven't read it).

[adastranot.livejournal.com]

I'm late to the game, but Harper Lee please! I just downloaded Capote (due to my visitation of Holcombe, KS as you know) and frankly, if I can envision your Harper as Catherine Keener, I shall die happy.

Or you know, whatever else you want to write, darling. The Yaddo newsletter is coming out soon so submit early/often!

[theholyinnocent.livejournal.com]

Thanks for your input, darling. I'll have to take a look back at my notes and materials for this story. I'm surprised so many people voted for this.

And yes, I can't help but imagine Keener the whole time I write about HL. Maybe I should just write a novel about Catherine Keener.

[sunsetwriter.livejournal.com]

I hope you don't think it too strange that someone you've never heard of before is posting a reply here. (Feel free to poke around my journal all you'd like in return!) I used to lurk around, way back before I had a LJ account, reading your SVU fiction, and I still check in periodically in case you decide to post anything new in that fandom. I have to say that "Memory Extant" is one of my all time favorites. You captured my three favorite characters so perfectly in that one...

Have said that, I post this reply in the hopes of nudging you back toward that fandom. I know the show has really sucked in later seasons, but all the more reason to request good fan fiction! :-) Anyway, I've now made my plea, so I'll slink back into the shadows. But please know - you have a big fan of your writing who would love to read some new SVU fiction from you.

[theholyinnocent.livejournal.com]

Hey, all are welcome here. Thank you for the comment, and the feedback. Glad you liked "Memory." I think that may be a personal fave among the SVU stories I wrote. But alas, my SVU days are behind me. Believe me, I loved writing the stories and participating in the fandom, but yeah, the show is not exactly inspiring anymore. Like Abbie, like Olivia, I'll always have the memories.