I'd Love To Comply

I truly respect reviews... but I cannot change history

 

 

I would love to comply, 

But I cannot tell lies.

They tell me to change my story.

 

“It is both implausible and impossible as written,” state they.

 

“It is neither erotica nor this month’s Hustler (style) story," 

To me, it's a mayday shout out think I.

 

“There’s no need to invent crappy and unbelievable reasons

why the protagonists get naked.” 

Unless it's the truth,

No need to be lewd

Not with abuse.

 

“Be classy,” 

 “Present a dramatic story.”

 

“Don't give your readers any reason to put it down, exclaiming: "Crap!".”

 

“Thank you for your review,” I say, 

Ever pleasant and polite, to be sure.

 

“Unfortunately, for me, the story is true,

 

So your points made while appreciated, are moot.”

Author's Note

Blue are the comments made...Red my responses to them

Reviews

[redflutterby]

Well said my friend. I read so many types of books both fiction and non. I really enjoy what you write. Just as with the publishing world I think there are some on here who review based on their preference rather then quality of work. Yes relating to a piece helps to incite interest but there's all kinds of content out there. Keep doing what you do...it is appreciated by many here.

[Renée]

Wow.. people will be who they are, where they are...

[CecilA]

You know there are times that I write a review and I feel like crap for having expressed my novice understanding of the piece presented. But like you, I simply tell the truth. It could be a faulty review but it will always be true. I only know about what I know and that's inadequate a lot of times. However, my intentions are to help and usually I learn something from the writing which benefits me.

Fortunately I'm not driven by the almighty (?) dollar like most publishers are. Maybe that's unfair to say because businesses have to make money and they make money on what sells; even if a lot of it is crap. Sometimes though I wonder why they don't purchase more truthful work.

As you stated in your poem a lot of published material is just words; incoherent jibberish and no truth in it. Why does it sell? Conversely, some of us put together great, truthful prose and poetry which gets rejected as you described. Could it be fair to say that the general public wants to purchase mediocre literature? I've seen a lot of it in the book stores; both published and e-books. Tis a puzzlement.

My writing is simply an expression of my thoughts, feelings, experiences, desires and dreams just like every other writer. But it's the truth; no pretense.

Anyway, I agree with your poem. I especially like the last sentence: 'So your points made while appreciated, are moot.'

So, with you, I resolve to keep writing the truth whether or not I ever get an accepted piece. I guess we can hope for a posthumous publication at worst. Now there's a truthful theme to write about.

Great write; like the red vs blue concept. Almost political.

As usual, thanks for sharing this poem with us. Gutsy.

[kimmy]

You have a message here for all to hear, I loved your little rant. I write sometimes about real life and it don't always come out in the end happily ever after. Who's real life is perfect like that? Not mine, lol
Thanks for sharing:)

[Ahmad Cox]

I definitely agree with you. This poem has a powerful message.

[Claire Twinn]

Sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction. I think the problem with fiction is that it tends to fit into neat little boxes, with definite endings. Real life, of course, isn't like that and therefore not all writing should have to be.

[Gray Witch]

Thank you ... your eloquence puts it into the proper perspective - Me? I just wrote a rant ...LOL

[EllenMichelle29]

Nice ranting :D

[william keepers]

I'm not really sure how I should respond to this one GW, but none the less I shall... I am reading the slightly malevolent sarcasm of someone with a split personality. There, I said it!! However, having said this, I love the rant.

[Gray Witch]

Actually I am just quoting from a review that stated all the words in blue ... I don't feel I can change my story just because this woman doesn't believe it could happen as I have written. I write autobiographical fiction - when I'm not writing about salt

[william keepers]

Nor should you change your story. Some may just have to take it with a grain of salt! (pun intended)

[Gray Witch]

... Glad you explained that - I still tend to self-loath, a learned behaviour, when discussing this subject....and at first read of your initial comments I thought you were referring to me ...

[David Scott]

I do not know the context of this write. However, I found this poetic rant very "naked". I never did like fashion...
Great use of your writing skills dear Gray!
The truth is ugly and it is raw. Let those who crave gourmet bake their goods...

[Gray Witch]

Usually I am very accommodating and do make many changes based on the advice of those who are more grammatically correct than I...However, I do draw the line at those trying to alter my story to meet a perceived audience comfort level. It was never comfortable and will not be through my pen either. Thank you for seeing that........

[DrD]

Delightful! I love this. I have a collection of about a thousnd rejection letters so I understand the message all too well. How about the one, "This isn't writing, it's typing!"

[Gray Witch]

OMG - really? Now I kinda feel like I might have over-reacted...LOL