Generate Two Ready-for-Publication Short Stories in Six Weeks - SOLD OUT!

So excited for this. I'm entering in with a pretty shanty short story, the sort of story that I always start and can never find the resolve to improve or even finish. I'm quite excited to see what it'll eventually become with all of the new tricks I learn along the way.

Well, after much deliberating, I signed up. It was a lot of money to spend around the holidays, but after having just come into a small amount of money and working around sixty hours this week, I decided to just go for it, see what new things I can learn.

Hope everyone has a blast and I look forward to talking shop, etc.

-Bill

this looks great, if i had the time and $$$ i'd sign up for sure, but heading into my thesis i have about 12 books to read before january 6th, so i'm out - have fun guys

I'm on the fence. Crashed after the Clevenger intensive ended and I know I need to get back in a class, but it's a little tough holiday wise. Contemplating it for a day or two.

The thought of two finished pieces is interesting. I'm not quite sure what that means though since from the description I'm thinking we are bringing one story in with us?

Care to enlighten, Vig?

We'll catch you next time, Richard. Congratulations on heading into your thesis, by the way. That's a lot of hard work -so way to go on that. Keep us posted.

Me?

I'm In! 2 Ready-For-Publication Short Stories sounds great for sure -Who doesn't want that?

Yeah I was in the Clevenger intensive, too. The last 2 intensives, actually, have not only sharpened my game to unbelievable levels, but have also gotten me my first publishing cred, in addition to some notice and praise as a writer. Most important, though, the intensives got me into a work groove of actually producing quality work at a pace that I struggled for too damn long to find on my own.

Mark, I recognize that you were an Integral part in making those classes so successful and fun, so I"m really looking forward to this. Plus you've seen Way more intensive action than I have -I'd imagine you have a Lot of good secrets and knowledge on the craft based on your experience working with all of the talent that's come through.

Not to mention your own. I finally got to read your work in the last class so I'm definitely excited about having some time to pick your brain.

Thanks for making this happen. Bekanator and Bill, I don't believe I know you two at all -so it will be cool to get acquainted. Another thing I didn't mention about the intensives I've taken -both have allowed me some really cool and lasting bonds with other writers -all at different levels. It's a great support system I have now because of these clases, and it's even cooler when I can return the support in whatever way. Looking forward to working with you guys.

I expect them to be rough. Whether fresh pages, essentially a first draft, that has beginning, middle, and end -or-> an unfinished storyline with no real ending, pages where you feel stalled, I'm not asking for those first pages to dazzle me. And I'm not asking for work that needs one quick editing pass and light touch-up before it's ready for publication.

I'm asking for diagnostic material.

It's often an even bigger challenge to revamp a stalled project than to start something new. So, if we resurrect and help you complete a project that's either stalled or just in rough draft stages right now -and-> you generate a second story from scratch during the class -and-> we whip both of these stories into publishable shape for 20 people (40 stories ready to go!) we will have accomplished something damn near Herculean for the endurance required and Promethean for vision and daring.

If we hit even half of the stated goal we'll make the average university workshop look like a farce. You with me?

Well, I'm in and excited to get going. Mark, as always thank you for your hard work in organizing these things... it's greatly appreciated.

I don't have a great track record in completing or participating in past intensives, but I'm in a better place mentally now. I'm finally starting to put the perfectionism that was killing my writing behind me, and I'm fighting my natural urge to edit each and every line as I go.(*) I'm just trying to get the idea out on paper, and shit out that first draft. It's a big change of perspective for me, and I'm not very comfortable with it yet, so I look forward to everyone's help in forcing me to simply complete my assignments and worry about fixing them later.

Regarding the pre-class submission due by the 20th, I'm happy to say that I'm ahead of the game on this one for a change. Instead of tormenting myself for 5 days and then giving up, I got a running head start... and it feels nice! Mark, in one of your emails, you suggested that we send you "hot, bubbling, recent work that still feels alive to you. Doesn't matter if it also has problems. Three cheers for those problems, as each one gives us a point of access or a teaching angle for the class ahead."

So with that in mind, I've started a completely random new story, just for this submission. While I do have a few other projects that have stalled on me that could use some guidance, I'm really much more excited to take a fresh thought that popped into my head today, throw it down on paper, and see where it goes from there.

I look forward to working with you all and getting to know you better in the weeks ahead. Good luck, and if there is anything I can do to help anyone, don't hesitate to contact me.

Now let's make some magic together!

Dave

PS - 2 weeks from now, when my insecurities have me on the ledge of a building, someone please remind me of the enthusiasm I'm trying to convey here.

(*) My new favorite quote is an attempt at changing my attitude on this subject. It came from a great recent interview with Trent Reznor (of Nine Inch Nails) discussing his own fear of writing in the past, and dealing with his insecurities in creating the musical score for the movie Social Network.

"Staring at a blank page and trying write the best thing ever is a guaranteed way make sure the page stays blank." - Trent Reznor

If anyone cares, the full link is here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i229e11nPfg&feature=player_embedded

Glad to see you're going at it again, Nathan. I'm in too. I've got so much going on, but I just couldn't pass this up.

Looking forward to getting to know you, Bekanator, Bill, and Dave.

Nate, do it. It was cool working with you in 200 Proof.

Thanks for this, Mark. Can't wait to work with you more directly this time.

Good luck with your thesis, Richard. All the best.

-Nic

This looks great but, alas, my plate is full and my bank account empty. Have fun!

My plate is certainly full, what with re-writing my whole novel in anticipation for Write Club, but that's not the issue--the issue is money. I'd really love to do this, and maybe I can scrape together the funds, but probably not, unfortunately.

I have a shiny-new story I'm trying to work on at the moment that is a bit stuck. And I need it ready for a submission deadline of January 16, which seems to be perfect for this class. The deadline I'm working toward is for a pretty prestegious Australian lit mag that publishes work from Aussies under 25 exclusively. I turn 25 in May next year, so I have this next issues deadline, plus maybe--if I'm lucky--the next issue. They're themed quarterlys. The next issue's theme is PULP. Perfect for me, and for this particular story, which is sort of a Choose-your-own-Noir. So yeah, I'm bummed that I doubt I'll be able to make this one because, frankly, I need all the help I can get. I'm pulling out the big guns in the hope of getting noticed and published in this brilliant magazine before it's too late.

Sigh.

Hey folks,

I haven't shown my face around here in a couple years but I did the first couple intensives Craig Clevenger offered. I could sing you Craig's praises all day but I want to give Mark a shout here. Any question you have, any obstacle you face, this guy will be on it like flies on crap, and he will elucidate the unholy shit out of your confusions with an incisiveness akin perhaps to the teeth of a truckload of starving pirhanas.

Bearing this in mind it is with zero hesitation I've climbed on board for this conveniently-timed intensive and am very excited to see Mark Vanderpool offering this class. If you're considering getting on board my advice is do it! You're not getting any younger, are you? Don't have the cash? Sell your X-BOX. Sell your fucking television. Steal your mother's wallet. She'll forgive you.

To those who're already on board, don't be a stranger! I'm fired up to work with you. If you want to chat about writing/the upcoming class feel free to drop me a PM.

I'm in.

The Ketchum class gave me some forward momentum after being stagnant for a couple of years. And Mark's comments in that class were always insightful and helpful. I can't wait to work with Mark and everyone to help me keep moving, thinking, and writing.

I'm in. This will be my first intensive here at the Cult and I'm looking forward to working with you all.

Tom

You too, Tom -Welcome Aboard! Hey, Miraculous -is that an Acid Bath album cover you have there for your avatar?

Thanks Nathan.

Haha. Glad you asked, it is actually a painting by Jack Kevorkian titled 'For He is Raised', one of my favorites. Google images Kevorkian art and you'll be in for some real treats. Name's Casey, nice to meet you:)

I'm selling my kidney now on ebay. I've got to make it in. And if I do, I don't even know what to submit yet. But damn it, every intensive I say the same thing, "next time I'll have more time and more money. Next time," and it never changes. I've got to make this one happen!!

Fuck, I love words!! And I want to be able to put them together in such a beautiful and artful way that others begin to love them as much as I.

Do it. Sell a kidney. You can always buy another.

You are both right.

Also, someone twist my arm to take the course... push me off this fence... please (insert appropriate metaphor here)...

Hey, I know that fishbowl. Get in the game, Clint:)

...Didn't know anyone had used Kevorkian's art for a record. I'll have to give a listen for this 'acid bath' you guys speak of! hehe.

Twisting Your Arm, Clint: TAKE THE COURSE. It's going to be a Lot of fun on top of a Lot of Work, meaning you'll Get Work Done and you'll have some ready for publication. Go for it!

Hi Mark!
For some reason I always called you Vig in the Zen Workshop. Do you prefer Mark or Vig? Just to know - protocol. Anyway, awesome to be back & great to see you again. Very much looking forward to this.

Hi Beka!
Awesome to see you again!

Hi guys! Nice to meet you all! Just wanted to say hi to you all. Gonna be tough remembering some of your usernames, lol!

Anyway, great to be here & a pleasure to meet you all.

I'm in.

I had to think about this one a few days and almost didn't do it. Still having some hesitation, but it helps when the money has already been paid. The problem, you see, is time. There is always too much on my plate and came to the conclusion after some thought that there will never be a perfect time. So it's just time to go for it. Maybe I can't do it perfectly and perhaps at times my posts will be succinct, but I plan to do the best I can as time allows.

For anyone thinking about the class, take my advice and do it. The Zen Mind class was fantastic. Mark is great instructor and you will make lasting connections with other writers that will last beyond the last session. Our last class transformed into a community of writers.

Now, is the first story really due on the 20th?

The class hasn't started and already behind on the homework. Jeez. Where do we post it?

Nice to meet you, shocktrooper. I'll be there right next to you working my ass off. I liked this here what you wrote: "you will make lasting connections with other writers that will last beyond the last session. Our last class transformed into a community of writers."

It's true. You might think you're paying for a class and it'll end and that's it. But it goes on and on -people you work with in the class help you out after, you help them -places to get published get shared, insider experiences, and so on. It's a wonderful thing.

doireallyneedausername, I understand your confusion. Mark has 4 identities that I know of, so far... Let's see.. There's Mark. Vig. VP. Home Boy. And those are just the ones I know... I hear there's about 7 or 8 more.

Otay, I fell off my fence, intensively. Thanks guys.

@Casey: Acid Bath was a band from louisiana. Mostly heavy metal, but they could actually pull off some lyrical stuff as well. I think it very telling that their second album cover is your avatar, and their first was a painting by John Wayne Gacy. Also, good to be working with you again. I like how each intensive is like a little mini-reunion (i'm a repetitive tautologist, so what?) of previous intensives. (I see you there Dave/Nathan/Nic/Eric.)

Also looking forward to working with all of those I haven't before. Now I have to go play catch-up like shocktrooper.

Jairo: I answer to Mark, Vig, VP and variations. There was even a time I was known as Max, but that goes back to before The Cult existed, a radio name.

Ken: Don't get stressed over the early submission. I need it by the 20th (today was the 17th) in order to evaluate and build those into the design of the class.

Emphatically, it does not have to be perfect. You have a choice between fresh pages or a stalled project, and it's fine if it doesn't have an ending. Just limit your submission to no more than 5,000 words and send it as a Word .doc attached to an e-mail.

Send it to my name:
firstlast with no spaces or punctuations at Google Mail.

(You know, the big G, without the "oogle" mail dot com.)

I'd rather be just cryptic enough to keep the bots and spiders at bay. Got assimilated by the Borg once. It sucked.

Glad to see such a great mix of seasoned students from previous cult eras and different classes combined with the shiny and new.

How many spots you got left, Mark? I might be able to scrape enough dollar up, but it won't be for a couple of days, at least. There's some good people joining this class. Not to mention Mark running it. It'll be a good one.

At the moment, it's 12 taken and 8 remaining. I hope you grab a spot.

Yeah, me too, mate, me too.

Max, eh?

Max Ruckus, radio d-d-d-d-dj! Bringin' you the latest in rough beats and mixin' it down for all y'all in the streets. Max Ruckus. Don't you forget it, baby.

Thanks Mark/Vig,
Somehow I like calling you Vig. Sounds cool. Quick question: what genres? already have ideas for the two stories - fresh pages, but they are very genre specific & different genres between 1st & 2nd stories. Is science fiction alright? Also have an idea for a spy thriller loosely inspired on an article I read - not on real events, though, it's 100% fiction.

Hey Shocktrooper! Cool to see you again. Hey, I forgot to mention when I commented on your surf/sniper story - coolest story involving surfing & combat since "Apocalypse Now"... "Charlie don't surf!"

Hi Matthew Fist Typist... uuuhm... hope you don't really type with your fist. That would be kinda difficult, lol! Best use your fingers; much easier lol!! Nice to meet you.

Hi, again, Beka! Cool to meet you again in another workshop.

Hi Claudelives/Nathan, Hi XyZy, Hi Miraculousmeaning, Hi Tom78, Hi SethCo, Hi Persecution Martinez, Hi Misterwoe, Hi NickYoung, Hi TopGun, Hi sneakypete, Hi Wickerkat, Hi dasbilj, nice to meet you all.

Hey doireallyneedausername (can we shorten that?),

Nice to meet you too, glad you're on board. I like the fact that you're bringing some different styles to the table. It'll be cool if between us we cover different genres and methods of storytelling; we'll certainly learn more that way.

I look forward to working with everyone who has signed up. This will be the perfect start to 2011.

Tom

Username guy, yes you really need a username, and, no, I don't actually type with my fists; however, my typing can bring up some highly questionable typos, so I have been known as The Fist Typist as a result. Really, though, I'm just a bad typist.

Hopefully I can get the cash sorted for this in time. I really want to work closely on this noir story. It's very Baer-esque. Even to the point of there being a girl approaching a guy in a bar. Though, I like to think I'm doing my own thing with it.

I don't know what my second story would be because I'm not really working on shorts right now. I'm in the middle of re-writing my novel. And the shorts I have been working on have all been under 1000 words, some under 500, so, yeah, I'd probably just see how it went.

That's if I get the cash sorted before this thing closes. 20 seats isn't a lot, and they seem to be filling fast.

Hi Tom,
LOL!! Yeah, maybe I should shorten that. Would have to change my user name. See, when I first signed up for the Cult, the Zen Workshop, I was just to tired too come up with - ok, I'll admit it: I was being lazy... (sigh). "Do I really need a user name?" I asked myself. Flickering lightbulb, moth fluttering around, buzz of electricity - smash! - Yes, yes! That would make a great user name! Then I woke up the next morning, face on keyboard, finding I had to buy a new one. Drool messed up the board so - ok, that's disgusting, so gonna shut up now, lol!! How do I change my username? Think maybe I should to make things easier. Also thinking of changing my profile photo.

Yes, bringing different genres & styles to the table would most certainly be awesome! And yes, we would most certainly learn a lot more that way.

Hi, Fist Typist.
Whew. Glad to read you don't really use your fist, lol !! See, I once fell asleep on my keyboard, despite countless cups of coffee, woke up the next morning with drool all over - ok... that's disgusting. Gonna shut up, now, lol ! My point being, you really don't want to mess up your keyboard, lol!

Awesome to read you're rewriting your novel. As I once wrote to some friends: "Writers write. Good writers re-write. Great writers re-re-write until they finally get it right." And you're giving yourself greater chances of being published.

Girl approaching a guy in a bar. A femme fatale? Of course you can do your own thing with it - I'm pretty sure you can pull it off. Originality comes now, not so much in WHAT you right, but in HOW you write it and give it a different twist - I'm not saying one shouldn't be completely original; it's always good to strive for originality in subject matter, form, but yes: you can take a convention from any genres and give it that something which makes it totally different & stand out.

Anyway, speaking of genre, in this case the crime/noir genre, if you can get a copy at your local library - or have them order it to you from another library - or take some time to go to a big chain bookstore like Borders or Barnes&Noble and read it over a cup of French vanilla mocha frappuccino, I'd recommend "Hard-Boiled: An Anthology of American Crime Stories" edited by Bill Pronzini and Jack Adrian. Of course, there are many others. Was quite overwhelmed at the many choices of different anthologies of short stories in the crime/noir genre.

Hope you can register real soon. Would be cool to have you join us.

Mark,

Is it alright to have something to you this upcoming tuesday, the 21st? Didn't realize we needed to send stuff so soon and I've been working a lot of overtime this week and haven't had much time to write anything. I have a story that's almost finished, but I wanted to hand in something completely new instead of something I've worked over a bunch of times. I figured that was the point of this- to see a story from start to finish.

-Bill

I am still trying to figure out if I have internet for sure in January (1st two weeks).
I see Beka, Jairo, Nathan, Nic, Ken, maybe Matt. I'd love to go another round with y'all and with Vig of course!
Since there are a few spots left, I will try to decide fast.

Jairo, Tom, and others: genre stories are fine by me. Every story fits one or more genres, right? It's just the French word for "type" and every story could be considered of a certain type. Even literary fiction and mainstream fiction would be earmarked as such by the presence or absence of certain conventions. I don't consider the science fiction story inferior de facto that it appears in its own little ghetto section in the bookstore, separated from the "serious" fiction.

You may test out a story of any kind.

That said, I may not be able to go on an extended exploration of various genre considerations. You would certainly learn more, but the class might need to last six months instead of six weeks. And several people might grow bored or distracted by life and disappear from us before getting the most from it.

There could come a day when we have a class dedicated entirely to science fiction writing, for example, and led by someone much more experienced in that area than myself. A class just about one type of story lets you have a deep and extended exploration of what works within that form of storytelling and why.

For this class, in contrast, I'll be focused on principles that apply broadly, if not universally, to any genre. A story needs believable characters the reader can care about, for example, regardless of Western or Sci Fi or Thriller. And a writer should be able to introduce and explore a theme, regardless of genre and sub-genre.

While stories of any kind are welcome, expect more focus on the universals of good storytelling and effective fiction and less emphasis on elaborations of any given genre that may pop up.

Bill,

It's fine to get your first pages to me on Tuesday instead of Monday. As long as they start coming in and I can begin reading them soon there doesn't have to be any hard line in the sand.

Thanks,

Mark

Be there or be square, Liana.

And hey Cool quote!

"There doesn't have to be any hard line in the sand."
-Max Ruckus.

Let's see if I can avoid getting kicked out of the house this time.

Nathan, I made up the last name. Not sure if it actually was "Ruckus", though that would definitely kick some ass. Not as much as as ol' Doc O'Donnell, but still, plenty of asses will be kicked.

Oh I "got" that you made it up, but like you say, it kicks ass and it sticks!

Doc O'Donnell and Max Ruckus -Definition of double-trouble -Better Watch OUT!!

Trifecta trouble.

Shall we start a new nickname for the V-man (ooops, there's another): Marky Mark.

Done.

Sorry, that one isn't new.

What about V-man?

Zhat's okay. I likes ze v-man.

Jairo, thanks for the compliment. That's a story that I hope to actually do something with someday. I'd put it up for this course, but it would be a retread.

High hopes.

Liana, it would be really great to work with you again. I mean, as a fellow South Texan I can attest to the backward nature of the place, but it sure do have internets everywhere now.

Do it Liana, we need you.

I am looking forward to getting acquainted with the rest of you.

Don't worry Mark, I have something for the 20th deadline. Another story with high hopes.

Ken