How much is a word worth? Eighty years ago, pulp fiction geniuses earned a penny a word. Nowadays, most web writers earn pretty much the same thing.
Michael Thomas Ford is trying to change all that with his new website, arguing that each word in his newest novel is worth one dollar. His website solicits one dollar donations, and he adds one word to sci-fi thriller every time he gets a donation. He's already raised more than $9,600 for his book--donating a sizable chunk of change to writing-support projects (like NY Writers' Project) as well. (Thanks, Smith Magazine)
Remember your high school scribblings? Over at Mumpsimus, fiction writer Matthew Cheney reflects on a recent online battle over the value of teenaged writings. His post collects some PRICELESS writing advice from some professional writers. Don't miss a single link:
"Last year, in a wise and valuable post, John Scalzi told teen writers: "Right now, your writing sucks." Not everyone took that to be a good thing to say, and recently he added some more thoughts. In 2005, Justine Larbalestier wrote something similar, and equally valuable, and has also recently reflected on it. [Update: Ben Rosenbaum offers a somewhat different view.]"
Over at Slate, the indispensable cultural journalist Ron Rosenbaum deconstructs a celebrity profile with a writerly bulldozer. "The Worst Celebrity Profile Ever Written?" includes a memorable list of magazine writing "don'ts" that every writer should remember. (Thanks, Ed Champion)
Comment Preview