Second Life Pros

Warren Adler in Second Life

by sbrunozzi on February 28th, 2008

Today I met Warren Adler, the writer (Avatar: WarrenAdler Aeon), at the Amazon.com island.
It was interesting, and fun.
Those kind of meetings, expecially if well organized like this one, can lead to interesting cultural exchanges, and I think that the “book” market can be strongly affected by the potential of virtual worlds… Think about it: PAPER, six thousand years old, AFFECTED by VIRTUAL WORLDS (just thirty years “young”).
Cool.

This is some transcript of the event (”You” means me, of course):

[12:49] You: Warren, sorry to interrupt you: is there a precise moment for questions?
[12:50] WarrenAdler Aeon: Rane: If you worry about your writing not working with readers you will be perpetually disappointed. There is no way under the sun to know what really connects with readers.
[12:51] Leslye Writer: wow
[12:51] WarrenAdler Aeon: Ask away. This is interactive and I would love to hear your questions?
[12:51] Leslye Writer: that’s stunning
[12:51] You: Warren: I need to say that I’m from Italy, and I know you just from wikipedia
[12:51] You: the question is:
[12:51] Leslye Writer: that you would say there is not way to know what really connects with readers
[12:51] You: how much is important
[12:51] You: for a writer
[12:52] Rane Mokeev: I agree, but let’s say you write what you consider a great ending…only everyone else hates it. How and when do you suck it up, give in, and change it?
[12:52] You: to not being in need of money, for writing good things?
[12:52] You: I mean: is the separation between “need for survival” and “desire to write” a good, or bad thing?
[12:52] You: even if, at the end, writing CAN become a profession
[12:52] WarrenAdler Aeon: Even the publishers are certain. They might know all about genre writing, but when it comes to mainstram fiction thay haven’t got a clue as to what works.
[12:53] WarrenAdler Aeon: Oops I meant not certain.
[12:54] Rane Mokeev: So we should go with our gut, write what we believe, and let the story tell itself…
[12:55] WarrenAdler Aeon: If the ending is right for your story, then its right for the reader. By all means, go with your gut. Once you compromise you integrity about your writing all is lost, then you’re just pandering and people discover that
[12:56] WarrenAdler Aeon: I know what you mean about need for survival. But if you are a true writer you can never stop writing and you must supplement your income to stay alive,
[12:57] Star Magne: need for survival is equal to the fear of death which is equally motivating with the “desire to write” which may count for its opposite.
[12:57] Nat Mandelbrot: Just a few more minutes for today’s event.
[12:57] Nat Mandelbrot: How about one last round of questions?
[12:57] Rane Mokeev: Yes, I work a job I can’t stand but keep on writing. On a much needed vacation right now lol
[12:57] Krosstar Karas: What was the easiest work of fiction for you to write and why?
[12:59] Nat Mandelbrot: (also, everyone please join the Warren Adler Fans group so we can let you konw about the rest of the events)
[12:59] You: Last question: what does an 80-years-old-but-energic famous writer think about virtual worlds, and the direction in which they’re going?
[12:59] WarrenAdler Aeon: I don’t think I can answer the question about what was easy and what was hard. I cannot stop telling stories and I never think in terms of easy and hard. I love my work and I wouldn’t choose another way to live my life.
[12:59] Leslye Writer: Please post with other groups because there are only 25 available and there is no room for groups
[13:00] Rane Mokeev: I think the really important question today is…typewriter, or computer? :)
[13:01] WarrenAdler Aeon: I think about it all the time. In fact I belive that I’m in a virtual world o fmy own making.
[13:01] Leslye Writer: what a great answer!
[13:01] Leslye Writer: +laughing and nodding+
[13:01] You: cool! you’re great :-)
[13:02] WarrenAdler Aeon: That is one of the three questions always asked of a writer. I’ve been on a computer for thirty years. I thought going from a typewriter wouild inhibit my work It didn’tn.
[13:02] Leslye Writer: what are the other two questions?
[13:02] WarrenAdler Aeon: Hey. Do you think I look eighty. Look at me, young handsome and active. Its true.

And the best one is:
WarrenAdler Aeon: Just keep writing. Just remember writing is like masturbation. You do it alone and it gives enormous pleasure.

Share This

Related Stories

• No related posts

POSTED IN: second life