Well, for those of you who don't know me already, which is
probably about 80% of you, my name is Mary.  I've actually already gotten my
degree in professional writing but hopefully you guys don't mind if I stick
around anyway.  I really need the encouragement to actually produce anything
now that I no longer have deadlines for class hanging over my head.  I'm one
of those people who has no problem writing but I find it tough to stick to
any one story long enough to finish it.  I have a nasty habit of writing
about 3 chapters then starting something new.

            Might as well complete my introduction.  I don't know that I've
found my primary interest yet.  My pen tends to lean toward crime and
amateur detective-type stories but I'm trying to branch into fantasy at the
moment.   Actually, I'm hoping to get in on the ground level of creating the
new genre of fantasy romance but I might be too late at this phase.

            I've also got a book to mention.  It's not so much a
recommendation as a point of interest.  It's called Salamander by Canadian
author Thomas Wharton.  I got it in the bargain bin at Hastings as something
to carry around to read in free moments.  Well, this book is so bad that
it's kind of entertaining, especially from a writing perspective.  All the
characters are totally over the top and the author chose to use hyphens
instead of quotation marks.  It makes it a bit confusing but the whole story
is pretty crazy.it's about a madman's attempt to publish a book that never
ends.  As I said, I don't know that I'd recommend purchasing it at full
price but if you happen to see it in the bargain bin somewhere, it's kinda
fun in a silly way.  I'll probably be through with it in the next couple
days so if anyone wanted to borrow my copy I'm up for it.

            I was mainly writing, though to see if there are any meetings
planned for the month of September.  Sadly, I've never been to an actual
meeting as I worked nights when I was in school but now that my evenings and
weekends are free, I'd like to get involved.  I also think it would be neat
to set up a sort of book exchange since most of us probably can't afford to
buy a new book every week.  Perhaps as people recommend books to the group
they could include their personal email so anybody who's interested in
borrowing it when you're done could say so?  Of course, if you have a little
extra cash, it would always be nicer to buy your own copy and support our
fellow authors.

            Well, I think I've rambled on enough.  Even by my standards this
is a pretty long "hi, how are ya?"  so I guess I'm done.  Oh, and if
nobody's in charge of planning the when and where of any meetings yet, I'd
be happy to carry that torch.  Ken, I guess I'm addressing that to you.
Just keep me posted.

~Mary~

[log in to unmask]



PS: If anyone doesn't have plans for Saturday night yet, OU Improv is
performing in the Union at 8pm and I will be hosting the show for the first
time ever.  You guys should really come because they're very funny, even if
I totally blow it hosting. (It's improve comedy, like "Whose Line?" with
Drew Carey.