Writing Wake Up

[dreiser]

I've decided to stop focusing on my lack of enthusiasm for any job I have and to focus on my writing. What does that mean? Well, I searched around the web and recalled this fantastic writing program they have in NYC called the Gotham Writers Workshop. I actually wanted to sign up for classes when I was living there but I never got around to it. Turns out they offer all of their courses online for relatively affordable prices.

When I discovered the site I was perpetually logged onto a myriad of chat programs through Adium and messaged liberalista because I recalled her interest in screenwriting and turns out she's also incredibly interested in the courses and will sign up for one with me. So... yay! lol. I like doing things with friends. Even online classes with online friends.


Oh, and liberalista? I just signed up for Creative Writing 101 today. I expect to see your face on the class message board. That sounded mildly butch of me, didn't it? Surprising since I'm such a huge wuss.

I've also been researching lesbian publishing houses which have open submissions for their various story collections. I just found one potential story collection that really intrigues me. The details of the project are as follows...

Call for Submissions - Superqueeroes (tentative title)
Edited by Ellen Tevault
Published by Haworth Press
Submission Deadline: February 1, 2007
Payment: $ 50 and 1 contributor copy

Superheroes are everywhere. Are they among the queer/lgbt community?

I want to read about original superheroes from all aspects of the queer community - drag king/queen, MTF, FTM, transgender, lesbian, gay, bisexual, butch, femme, bear, twink, genderqueer, intersex, etc.

Does your superhero receive superpowers when dressed in drag or because of the transitioning process? Does your lesbian character use her powers to fight rapists? Does your femme get her powers from her nail polish? Does your twink get his powers from surviving a gay bashing? Does your bear grow bigger and stronger to fight crime? Give me humor, give me grit, give me dark - I'm open to differing moods. (I'm a femme. LOL). They can fight against the ex-gay movement (superhero rescues a gay forced into therapy), the Christian right wing anti-gay movement, gay marriage backlash, rapists, or the evil villain ridding the world of nail polish. Don't be afraid to be humorous or get political, but please do so within a well-developed superhero story.

Heroes can be any race, nationality, alien, mutant, etc., but the superhero MUST be from some aspect of the queer/lgbt community. I DO NOT WANT FAN FICTION. No blatant use of trademarked characters or veiled use of them either. Original characters and plots are necessary.

Here's the thing, I'm not sure if I'd want my character to have powers. Although powers could be a cool thing to write about, the problems they cause and such. I'd just have to pick which one. I've always thought the most badass power could be limitless teleportation. Meaning you just think about a place and you can go there, no matter the distance, and the person has the ability to teleport not only themself but whatever they concentrate on at the time. You could be one hell of a bank robber that way, no? Plus you could kill people super easy by like... teleporting their hearts out of their bodies.

Maybe writing a story about a character who had that power would be fun. Or I could do a story about a reluctant superhero who got forced into the job unwillingly. I've had that idea in my head for a long ass time but more in a magical girl format. I could certainly shift it. But either way, I will be thinking up a concept for this contest and entering it. Shouldn't be that hard, the story only has to be between 1,500-6000 words in length.

For now I'm going to watch She-Ra: Secret of the Sword for the first time in countless years and make notes about what stuff I want to comment on when I do my upcoming recap for it. Oh yes, this should be fucking fun.

Comments

[ackemat.livejournal.com]

Have fun taking the class!

[mutedtempest.livejournal.com]

Now this sounds like something that'd be perfect for me to look into when I actually have the cash to sign up. Have fun, and if you do end up writing your gay superhero story, ya gotta post it!

[indigo-veil.livejournal.com]

Ditto. :) I've heard of them and have been meaning to sign up at my boss's encouragement (he's big into writing and thinks I should be, too), but I just never have the time. Lemme know what you think of the programs!

[liberalista.livejournal.com]

Woo fuckin hoo Nic!! I'm officially registered in the Jan 23rd class. Sooo psyched to take a class that has absolutely nothing to do with the law!! Ahhhh, can't wait!**

**I apologize for the overabundant use of exclamation marks. It has mostly to do with the fact that I'm stuck in the library hyped up on diet coke and reeses pieces to keep me awake and alert in hopes of learning criminal procedure.