tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post114001446676112640..comments2024-03-28T02:00:11.260-05:00Comments on A Newbie's Guide to Publishing: Your Own Personal CensorJA Konrathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08778324558755151986noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1141611024370129792006-03-05T20:10:00.000-06:002006-03-05T20:10:00.000-06:00Hi, I enjoyed reading this story and found most of...Hi, I enjoyed reading this story and found most of it humourous. “That’s gravity, cop. If he stayed perfectly still, he would have lived. Blame Isaac Newton.” This line made me laugh out loud.<BR/>If for some reason you want the hardest possible stuff out there then look up a guy called Peter Sotos. His history itself may put you off reading his novels or writings, but I can assure you, he is a brilliant writer if you persevere. Go to www.feastofhateandfear.com to see some of his earlier writings, but for a fuller picture buy "Proxy" published by Creation Books, which compiles many of his published novels.<BR/>Once again, loved the short story!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1141497537306353752006-03-04T12:38:00.000-06:002006-03-04T12:38:00.000-06:00Dear JA, I think I love you.What a horrific, delig...Dear JA, I think I love you.<BR/><BR/>What a horrific, delightfully delicious little story. And I'd been thinking my stuff went too far.<BR/><BR/>Sweeeeeeet. Planning to write more like this?<BR/><BR/>-Ss.w. vaughnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09102544611773720262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1140485799532974122006-02-20T19:36:00.000-06:002006-02-20T19:36:00.000-06:00All of this support just reminds me of that Grouch...All of this support just reminds me of that Groucho Marx quote about not wanting to belong to any club that would have him as a member.<BR/><BR/>You folks are warped. And I thank you for it.JA Konrathhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08778324558755151986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1140466524356166322006-02-20T14:15:00.000-06:002006-02-20T14:15:00.000-06:00I loved the story! And yes, I've pushed the envelo...I loved the story! And yes, I've pushed the envelope with my own stuff. The very first manuscript I ever wrote is loaded with over-the-top stuff which disturbes me to even look at now. In fact, I've toned it down a lot, but it still disturbs me.Tracy Sharp - Author of the Leah Ryan Serieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12239533451929739327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1140403147100136312006-02-19T20:39:00.000-06:002006-02-19T20:39:00.000-06:00messed up my post--first, i did not finish the sto...messed up my post--<BR/><BR/>first, i did not finish the story, only because i am not feeling well. but another day, i will probably read it. gruesome doesn't bother me.<BR/><BR/>i've read a lot gorier stuff in nonfiction research reading on women in trauma.... i'm a fan of pushing the envelope, so i am glad you decided not to censor yourself! WARNING LANGUAGE AHEAD!!!<BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/>*STOP READING NOW IF YOU'RE SCARED!*<BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/>*I MEAN IT, I WARNED YOU!*<BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/>~~~~~~~~fuck censorship!<BR/><BR/>sorry no caps, i have tendonitis... fuck tendonitis, too!Martha O'Connorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17915815056340085345noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1140402808788335212006-02-19T20:33:00.000-06:002006-02-19T20:33:00.000-06:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Martha O'Connorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17915815056340085345noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1140196820590811112006-02-17T11:20:00.000-06:002006-02-17T11:20:00.000-06:00"Besides which, it's a really dull book. Really, r..."Besides which, it's a really dull book. Really, really dull."<BR/><BR/>I think the effectiveness of Turner Diaries isn't in the writing, but the telling. It's so laid back, so sly in its racism, that it's more dangerous than the frothing, rabid slurs that hate groups usually spout.JA Konrathhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08778324558755151986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1140193392908005982006-02-17T10:23:00.000-06:002006-02-17T10:23:00.000-06:00Sandstorm,It depends on how integral the reality o...Sandstorm,<BR/><BR/>It depends on how integral the reality of those burns are to moving your story forward.<BR/><BR/>Part of the attraction of fiction is being able to step into a world that we normally wouldn't have access to. Human beings are curious creatures, and I think modern readers expect to be shown the truth even if it's horrible sometimes.<BR/><BR/>Horror is also relative to point of view. You can show the burns from a medical professional's perspective using clinical language, or you can show them from a layperson's perspective or even the victim's. It depends on the emotional response you're going for (from your characters and your readers).Jude Hardinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09994813046526310594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1140192778168293392006-02-17T10:12:00.000-06:002006-02-17T10:12:00.000-06:00I'm interested to know how THE TURNER DIARIES push...I'm interested to know how THE TURNER DIARIES pushed and then stepped over the boundaries of what is consider acceptable, other than being a racist polemic poorly written by a guy more famous for being a white supremacist than anything else. You're mixing up fiction with manifesto here, Joe. Besides which, it's a really dull book. Really, really dull.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1140191049878519702006-02-17T09:44:00.000-06:002006-02-17T09:44:00.000-06:00Read the story, I thought it was good. Neat twists...Read the story, I thought it was good. Neat twists and turns. <BR/>Read "Guts" too, from your link. Corn and peanuts--only words on a page, unless they can get under your skin and into your heart. "Guts" didn't, not for me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1140158132756781222006-02-17T00:35:00.000-06:002006-02-17T00:35:00.000-06:00Thanks a bunch, Joe!I read your post and some of t...Thanks a bunch, Joe!<BR/><BR/>I read your post and some of the comments but didn't want to waste valuable writing time reading a short story. Then I thought I'd just have a peek. Before I knew it, I was halfway through and couldn't stop.<BR/><BR/>Now I have 10 minutes left before I have to leave for work. Better write fast!MikeHhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01530099708429116393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1140154459599924212006-02-16T23:34:00.000-06:002006-02-16T23:34:00.000-06:00It is sad, Bonnie.As writers of fiction we use our...It is sad, Bonnie.<BR/><BR/>As writers of fiction we use our life's experiences and our imaginations to cut through the horrors of this world and find the humanity and the hope that keeps us going day after day after day.<BR/><BR/>If you believe in a higher power, that helps keep you going too.<BR/><BR/>Even if you don't believe in a spiritual dimension, even if you think that this cold cruel world was designed by accident and we're all just molecules floating around aimlessly trying to feed our own flesh and destroy other flesh in order to survive for the longest period of time, Horror, without forgiveness and sacrifice and, dare I say it, a little "chemical reaction" called love, is gratuitous every time.Jude Hardinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09994813046526310594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1140152353837593732006-02-16T22:59:00.000-06:002006-02-16T22:59:00.000-06:00I...well Joe...uh, thanks for the warning!!Yikes.....I...well Joe...uh, thanks for the warning!!Yikes...I only read about the first ten lines, that was enough! ~gulp~<BR/><BR/>I like your Jack books, and I love your attitude and blog, so I will continue to read you.<BR/><BR/>I write and read mostly Christian fiction, except for a few of my favorites, like you, so confession just isn't my cup of tea...even if you put honey and lemon in it!<BR/><BR/>You were brave to write that, but I don't know if I'd have put it in print...LOL...that's your choice!<BR/><BR/>To the guy who said you don't see alcohol in Christian fiction...that is not correct...you just don't see Christians drinking. If there is a non-Christian character and the action is part of the plot (like an alcoholic finding redemption) is is allowable to some degree.<BR/><BR/>And to Jude...I also have experienced those kind of patients when I was a nurse 25 years ago. So sad! Back then many of them died from septic shock.Bonnie S. Calhounhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11769607640246518804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1140149266665645832006-02-16T22:07:00.000-06:002006-02-16T22:07:00.000-06:00Joe, I LOVED "The Confession". I dare you to turn ...Joe, I LOVED "The Confession". I dare you to turn it into a novel.JD Rhoadeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07123361739160525998noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1140146622584128832006-02-16T21:23:00.000-06:002006-02-16T21:23:00.000-06:00WARNING: IF YOU'RE SQUEAMISH, DON'T READ THIS COM...WARNING: IF YOU'RE SQUEAMISH, DON'T READ THIS COMMENT.<BR/><BR/>Here's the grossest thing I've ever seen:<BR/><BR/>An 84 year-old nursing home patient was admitted to my unit at the hospital with fevers from sepsis. He was awake and alert, but nonverbal except for grunts and moans.<BR/><BR/>He was receiving 40% oxygen through a tracheostomy collar, and every time he coughed he blew out wads of thick yellow goo, similar in consistency to tapioca pudding. His lungs sounded like static from an old radio.<BR/><BR/>He had a gastrostomy tube in his belly, where he received continuous nutrition that looks and smells like soy-based baby formula. His bowel sounds were normal and he was passing a good amount of gas.<BR/><BR/>Cloudy, blood-tinged urine drained from the catheter in his penis. His scrotum was swollen to the size of a grapefruit.<BR/><BR/>His lips were dry, cracked and peeling. One swipe with a washcloth and they started to bleed.<BR/><BR/>His fingernails and toenails were long and hazy-yellow and curling inward. His right pinky nail had broken off, exposing most of the cuticle.<BR/><BR/>He had gauze dressings on both feet. I unwrapped them to take a look. He had oozing wounds on both heels, stage 4 pressure ulcers with flesh that had rotted all the way to the bone. They smelled like raw hamburger that had been left in the sun for a few days. I cleaned them and applied fresh dressings. Several of his toes were black, necrotic from poor circulation.<BR/><BR/>With help from an aid, I turned him on his side. He moaned in pain. He had a dressing on his sacrum, just above the buttocks. The dressing was encrusted with dried fecal matter. I peeled it off and prepared to apply a fresh one. The wound was another stage 4, more rotten hamburger.<BR/><BR/>I sprayed on some wound cleanser, and noticed something moving inside the wound. I felt a little queasy from the stench, and at first I thought it was my imagination.<BR/><BR/>I shined a penlight on the wound and saw dozens of maggots squirming there, having their fill of bacteria that had invaded the man's flesh. Happy little worms, content in their warm, wet, purulent environment.<BR/><BR/>I cleaned the wound best I could, using 4x4 gauze pads to wipe away the fly larvae.<BR/><BR/>We gave him a bath, suctioned his trach, shot him up with Morphine for pain.<BR/><BR/>After phoning the doctor and getting a wound care consult, I went to the bathroom and puked.<BR/><BR/>Then I cried.<BR/><BR/>It could happen to any of us, you know?Jude Hardinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09994813046526310594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1140139028755637592006-02-16T19:17:00.000-06:002006-02-16T19:17:00.000-06:00I haven't read the story yet, but I'm going to aft...I haven't read the story yet, but I'm going to after I write this. I've loved reading horror since I first learned to read. Some of the very earliest stories I can remember (which were way over my head at the age of seven) were "The Monkey's Paw", and "The Open Window". These stories and others like "On the Brighton Road" shaped my idea of the kind of horror that really touches me so deeply it's not even a feeling or thought that I can easily describe in words. I'm 46 now and I've read all of Edgar Allen Poe's work, Steven King's work, and thousands of other short stories and novels. But it's hard to find horror stories that find that certain place inside of me any more. Gross-out stories seem to have no substance--because they're too realistic? There's no magic?<BR/>Once I was talking with two guys at work, they were talking about "What's the grossest thing you've ever seen?" I don't remember what the first guy said after all these years, but the second guy said it was when three kittens were playing under a pickup truck and someone drove/backed over one of the kitten's on accident, and it was flopping around, and the other two kittens were playing with it--as if it were still alive...<BR/>Every time I think about that, I can also remember the look on that guy's face as he told us, and I get this feeling of total despair. It bothers me as much as some of things I saw in Iraq when I worked there in 2003.<BR/>I personally think it takes a million times more talent to write something that scares a reader to the core of their living soul, than to write something that is simply horrific. <BR/>See, we got that out here all ready.<BR/>I'm going to read your story now.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1140123365336906702006-02-16T14:56:00.000-06:002006-02-16T14:56:00.000-06:00The main character is really a guy??? I assumed "h...The main character is really a guy??? I assumed "he" was really a girl but got all messed up and ended up looking like a guy. hmmm.... rather odd to have the details of the "script" changed just to accomodate the hooker. I thought it would've been more shocking for her to realize that she's actually reading a real untinted confession.<BR/><BR/>Cheers!<BR/>HAI!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1140122104128309932006-02-16T14:35:00.000-06:002006-02-16T14:35:00.000-06:00The main character was the guy, and the hooker was...The main character was the guy, and the hooker was reading off a script of his life. The details all related to him.<BR/><BR/>Later, when we find out he hired her because he knew she was also abused, I saw no need to go into any more depth on the subject.JA Konrathhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08778324558755151986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1140121566490370802006-02-16T14:26:00.000-06:002006-02-16T14:26:00.000-06:00Hey Joe, I was wondering but why didn't you give m...Hey Joe, I was wondering but why didn't you give more details regarding the main character's child molestation experience? <BR/><BR/>After I've finished reading the story, I realized that she pointed to that particular point of her life as the trigger for the whole terrible experience. So I'm rather surprised why she didn't go in depth when telling it. The way she mentioned it in the beginning made it sound like a footnote actually.<BR/><BR/><BR/>Cheers!<BR/>HAI!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1140119284825819632006-02-16T13:48:00.000-06:002006-02-16T13:48:00.000-06:00Joe, I think this is an excellent example of push...Joe, I think this is an excellent example of pushing the boundaries of one's talents. And no matter how much people love or hate the piece, it is a great exercise in developing your own skills. I found it very thought provoking and more than a little disturbing, but it's good writing...ugly or not. Rest assured, I will continue to read your stuff...creepy or not.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1140108151607741912006-02-16T10:42:00.000-06:002006-02-16T10:42:00.000-06:00I forgot to add one thing:If you're going to shove...I forgot to add one thing:<BR/><BR/>If you're going to shove a coat rack two feet up someone's ass, at least have a little compassion and use some KY. :)Jude Hardinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09994813046526310594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1140107642619371292006-02-16T10:34:00.000-06:002006-02-16T10:34:00.000-06:00About GUTS: In the mid-nineties 20/20 or 60 Minut...About GUTS: In the mid-nineties 20/20 or 60 Minutes, one of those shows, ran a story about childrens' intestines being sucked out of their bodies by swimming pool drains. Yes, it really does happen. I remember because my son was three or four at the time and we spent a lot of time at the pool. I wouldn't be surprisd if that TV show was the inspiration for Palahniuk's story. I didn't think GUTS was all that disturbing but, being an RN, I'm probably more desensitized than most readers.<BR/><BR/>About The Confession: Personally, I think people who abuse children are the lowest life forms on earth. Many of those who were abused (and some of us who weren't but can empathize) have probably fantasized about getting revenge on such pond scum. The thing is, when you take it to the extreme that is illustrated in The Confession, it makes the victim look as bad or worse than the abuser. There's no good guy in that story, no one to root for. All are evil, even the hooker in the end.<BR/><BR/>I know it's fiction, Joe, but you can only take exaggeration, um, so far. :)<BR/><BR/>To me, you exceeded the limits of credibility and took me out of the "fictional dream" that I expect with a good story. Just because all the description is safely framed within quotaion marks doesn't make it any less gratuitous.<BR/><BR/>Just my opinion. The story didn't work for me, but I seem to me in the minority so I'll shut up now.<BR/><BR/>PeaceJude Hardinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09994813046526310594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1140107372470464322006-02-16T10:29:00.000-06:002006-02-16T10:29:00.000-06:00Joe -I've visited your blog often, and read all th...Joe -<BR/><BR/>I've visited your blog often, and read all the Jack books, but I must say "Confession" disturbed me quite a bit. Not because of the subject, the denoument or the gross-out factor. I didn't like it because it's not my style.<BR/><BR/>Which, as (I believe) Susan pointed out earlier, is one of the caveats I give people when recommending you. I like your tone and your wit, but the violence in Jack's world is not very often my cup of tea - I'm more a cozy guy where murders happen offstage.<BR/><BR/>So why do I read you? Talent. I can see your world as I read. You turn a phrase or snap off a retort perfectly. I overlook the gore because of the talent that propels the story.<BR/><BR/>But something like "Confession" is too much. It isn't me, and I could never recommend it. But I don't fault you for trying it - you asked "how extreme?" and were given a blank check.<BR/><BR/>Just two cents from a newbie.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1140103619233454632006-02-16T09:26:00.000-06:002006-02-16T09:26:00.000-06:00"The situation in the story GUTS really does happe..."The situation in the story GUTS really does happen."<BR/><BR/>It's true. Every year, over 300 people in the US alone are forced to chew through their own intestines because they get caught in pool pumps.<BR/><BR/>And the Easter Bunny is real, too.<BR/><BR/>As for impaling--actually, I did research it, and it is possible to live with quite a bit of wood up your yahoo. You would bleed to death if the object was removed, but as long as it's in place, it restricts the bleeding. <BR/><BR/>Which is why, as an RN, I'm sure you know you to never remove the bullet/knife/object until you get into surgery, where they'll be able to control the bleeding.<BR/><BR/>One of the horrible aspects of impaling is that it doesn't kill you instantly. You can be alive for days. The wood goes in so gradually, it fits itself around vital parts.<BR/><BR/>As for being gratuitous--there's no description at all in the story, let alone unnecessary description. <BR/><BR/>Is impaling a child molester gratuitous? I don't think so.<BR/><BR/>Plus (here's the important part) IT'S FICTION!<BR/><BR/>BTW--if you wanted to 'call me' on something, it should be the belt sander or the blow torch. Humans can't survive with that much skin damaged.<BR/><BR/>As an RN, you should know about the Rule of Nines and Lund and Browder charts. :)JA Konrathhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08778324558755151986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-1140069922546010282006-02-16T00:05:00.000-06:002006-02-16T00:05:00.000-06:00FYIThe situation in the story GUTS really does hap...FYI<BR/><BR/>The situation in the story GUTS really does happen. If you own a pool or if you allow your children to swim in pools, make sure the drain is well-protected.<BR/><BR/>I'm an RN, and I've seen more blood and guts and death and insanity than most of you will ever dream of. If you're going to write about it, do your research. Those of us who know will always call you on it.Jude Hardinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09994813046526310594noreply@blogger.com