Writing

[Madame Adequate]

Perseverence is, it seems, the key. The perseverence to seek out wise agents and respectful publishers, and the perseverence to keep your work protected.

*Nod* Question in that regard, actually (and do note that my ignorance of the publishing process is pretty total). Have you any experience or advice in the matter of applying a copyright or some manner of "plagiarism protection" to a completed manuscript? I assume there must be something in the legal system which prevents someone from the street breaking into the home of an esteemed publisher and walking down to the metaphorical bank with an armful of manuscripts. <_< >_> That being said, I have no idea of what it may be. I am in the midst of such research, but it could certainly be beneficial to have information flowing to me from multiple directions, or for multiple sources to confirm one another . . .

To the best of my knowledge, copyright comes into existence the moment you create something. Though it is generally advisable to stick "Copyright John Q. Public 2009" or whatever on it. As for preventing theft, there are a couple of things you can do. On the manuscript, on a random page somewhere within it, simply put a small dot in red pen on it somewhere. Then you can see if they've sent back a photocopy, or if your book ends up published without your consent, I presume you could demand to see their original manuscript and match it against your own. There are, sadly, no guarantees. I suppose the best option is to simply use reputable publishing houses who have a brand and image to maintain.

Best of luck, and whatnot. Although beyond knowing that there do exist certain allies in this world of ours, even for the most obscure of us (to quote Sharon den Adel, sort of an "If I don't make it, someone else will" type of image), we are probably not of much use to one another. Still, even this conversation has served to improve the current mood somewhat; I feel I am talking to a genuine writer at this point. The enduring characteristic of those posting on the fiction message board I have referenced was panic ("help me; my story is too long/short", "help me; I think my plot is too derivative", "help me; no one will publish my book", etc.), and it is refreshing to see that I am speaking to another who is not so easily shaken. There is trepidation in me, dread perhaps, but fear in this matter I feel not.

Ahaha, I've rarely seen it put so well! Yes, solidarity and the company of like-minded people is a great boost sometimes, even without direct or tangible assistance for one another. I can understand the feeling that one's work is inadequate, but I can't understand that desperate air some have. I enjoy what I create. I hope others do but, if they do not, that will not diminish what I feel. It cannot be diminished, only potentially enhanced.

*Smirk* Optimist. Albeit an unusually articulate one. Everything decays, mate, be it matter, man, or memory; energy, relationships, or the universe itself. Any progress upward is purely incidental and entirely temporary; the curve downward to oblivion endures.

Ohohoho, one of those types, are you? xD Well I'll just have to convince you otherwise! Yes, I'm an inveterate optimist about pretty much everything. For me, it's downward progress which is the anomoly; the arc of history has always between towards greater complexity, greater prosperity, and greater liberty. I'm entirely unconvinced that there are any insurmountable obstacles in the universe, I'm afraid

Have you two been at one another's throats or something? :chuckle: That seems like it could be an argument worth witnessing. But then, imagined conflicts are invariably better than the real thing . . .

Ahaha, no, he and I are friends. What is friendship without a little teasing here and there? For instance, Rantzien is not a pedophile but he is Swedish. Though who among us can say we are not in love with the President of France?

Apologies for not responding (and any errors in what I have written) to everything you said, but it's far, far too hot in here and I feel rather cheated because it was quite cool earlier, but along comes nighttime and with it, an insufferable rise in temperate. I may go and douse myself in cold water, if I can find any.