Ouch.
Ouch.
Ouch.
This was written about me—unprovoked, I’ll add, and out of the blue—on another blog:
she’s a literary editor?
I’ve seen better writing on the middle school bathroom wall…
What a dick, huh?
Some clarification for the dickhead:
- I’m not a literary editor. I’m the managing editor of a literary magazine. Learn the difference. My job is to see a manuscript through the publishing process—from the contract signing through copy editing (which I don’t do myself, so don’t expect my grammar to be perfect either) to the final proof. I also do all of the budgeting, marketing, and grant writing. I’m really good at my job. Our magazine’s budget has grown by 300% since I started working there five years ago. I’m not the editor. That’s my boss’s job and he’s really good at it. Were he to leave, I would not get his job. I don’t have a PhD. I don’t even have an MFA.
- This is a blog, which is not all that different from writing letters to my Aunt Mae—at least, not yet. I’m not writing a book…I’m not even writing “creative nonfiction.” I’m just writing.
- I can’t argue with the “middle school bathroom wall” standard. I’m surrounded by genius authors every day—trust me, I know where my writing stands in comparison.
- Prior to my current job, I was executive editor of a regional visual arts magazine. I didn’t go to art school. If you think my writing is bad, you should see my drawing! What I know about art and art history I learned on my own.
- What I know about literature I learned on my own. My college education consisted of journalism and magazine editing; life since then has followed an unpredictable path including such detours as auto racing, house cleaning, and mystery shopping. I don’t regret these detours (except the job at Cooker’s—it really did suck). I’m humbly aware of how little I know about the world, about the people I love, about myself.
- I didn’t want to make a declarative statement about why I started this blog, but I feel compelled to now, just to clear up any misconceptions about my motives. I’m doing this because I love to write. And writers, like all artists, love an audience, even if there are only a few people reading and even if those few are family members.
- Should I even refer to myself as a writer? Who cares? I’m 46, for god’s sake.
- I want to become a better writer and the only way that happens is by writing.
For the record, I was tempted to fill this post with invectives suitable for a middle school bathroom wall.
Ugh. Whoever wrote that about you sounds like sour grapes to me. But, you know, I’ve seen some good stuff on bathroom walls, so maybe your dickhead should reconsider the comparison. So, write on. I’m looking for new blogs to enjoy, and yours is a good start.
Puddlehead
Why, thank you, Puddlehead. Welcome to Pigspittle. Puddlehead, Pigspittle. Pigspittle, Puddlehead. Sounds great, doesn’t it?
Pigspittle, Ohio: A Place for Writing
Has anyone mentioned lately that “drok” is a worthless little cunt?
What’s not to like?
I like the layout too. Understated and easy on the eyes. Needs a touch more middle finger though.
I really hate how people have to be so hateful towards otehrs hobbies and enjoyment altogether. I had a guy tell me that I was perpetuating verbal diareah on the interent which was the biggest threat to “real writers” like himself.
My response:
Wow, how humbled I am to have a real writer not only take the time to visit my meeger web site, but to crtique it with such thought and emotion.
Thank you Mr. Real Writer, without people like you, the rest of us would never truely understand how insignificant we are!
Thanks to all for your empathy and humor. And for making this the highest day of traffic EVAR at Pigspittle. Drama drives, people. Remember that when you start your own blog.
Seriously, thanks for being good eggs. Means a lot to me.
“I was tempted to fill this post with invectives suitable for a middle school bathroom wall.”
You must have considerable more self-restraint than I. I would have shouted out an angry “Fuck you, fuckface!” in the opening paragraph.
To reiterate some earlier comments, I too enjoy reading your blog. Don’t stop blogging, my favorite bloginator.
Hi, Meg. I love your blog; checked out via the OUListers link. I was only going to read a little and ended up reading it all. Now I wanna start a blog too, but I don’t have time.
I especially like your ruminations on 9/11, and 1968. And your memories of your parents. I’m wondering: Is that park in Worthington named after your father? Was he a Somebody? (I mean I know he was somebody–namely, your father–but I mean a Somebody, like a Very Important Person, a Government Official perhaps.) Just curious.
I saw The Patsys played at Surly Girl recently and I was all set to go but my escort (an OU alum by the way) blew me off (again). I didn’t want to go alone. I need to just go, and heck with people who keep making and breaking dates.
If you ever leave Pigspittle and come to the Moo-opolis, look me up. I’d love to get together for some hot chocolate and chat. I’m lonely in the Big City (moo).
All the best to you and yours. And keep up the good work. I’ll check in from time to time and maybe even leave a comment once in a while.
And to your detractor: Fuck you! (How “literary” of me…)
Thanks for reading and commenting, Jake! I’m planning to blog about my pop this week, so I’ll answer your question there. And I most certainly will let you know the next time I make it to Moo-opolis. Moo.
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Meg, your job sounds soo interesting! Im sure you must be 100% at it.
Your wtiting, I can for myself- I’m LOVING it. Your ideas, creativity, words are all reflections of your thoughts. You have a beautiful mind giving birth to handsome thoughts! Just keep believing in yourself as you’ve done till now. We all beleive in you. We all love you!
Lots of love,
Soumyaa
I can say* for myself
Awwww, Soumyaa. You are so generous and kind. Thank you for posting this. I needed it. The love goes both ways. I feel so fortunate to have connected with a wonderful, talented, supportive group of writers. Love you back! <3
Well this really sucks because: (1) I’m a huge fan of your writing and I don’t like anyone knocking what I like to read; (2) since your writing is leagues better than mine I think I know what that commenter would say about my writing. That commenter didn’t even deserve the dignity of this post in response. I’m with Soumyaa on this one.
You’re so sweet, Melanie. Thank you. Fortunately, this was 7 years ago and I’ve since gotten over it — but man, was it hurtful at the time. I’m so honored that you like my writing. I love your writing and photography.
I noticed only after I posted my comment that this was an old blog entry. I think I came by it as a suggested link on one of your more recent posts. Anyway I’m glad it didn’t bring you down for too long.
You didn’t bring me down at all! You made me very happy. <3