PamInNC (Thanks, Pam!) mentioned in the comments section that the last person who had tried writing her own version of a Redbook blog was given a cease and desist order, which was something I was already worried about as a possible outcome if I went ahead with more entries for DoE. I'd like to continue, but I'm concerned that Redbook/Hearst Women's Network would not appreciate my borrowing their "intellectual property" for my own use. Big companies tend to be sticklers about things like this.
I can also understand from Laura Dave's perspective that she would want control of her own characters and that she might not like my take on her story. (Laura Dave is the author of DoE, or at least she was when the diary started).
So, I'm thinking I may just ask Redbook if I can write this little blog with their blessing. (It would be great if they said yes because I've got about a million ideas on where E's story could go). My hope is that Redbook might consider my request since I am not seeking to gain anything financially from my writing using their characters.
I'm not overly optimistic, however. Hey, maybe I'll get lucky and they'll offer me a job! One can wish....
On a side note, because of all of your wonderful praise and encouragement, I am considering starting a blog of my own. I still haven't decided for sure if it's something I could commit to because my life is very busy right now (whose isn't, I know...), but it's definitely something I would enjoy doing. So, I will let you all know if/when I hear back from Redbook, and I'll keep you updated on whether or not I'll go ahead with a new blog.
And I want to say thanks so much for all of your compliments on my writing! I am seriously blown away with the positive response I've gotten from all of you, especially since I am so rusty at writing fiction these days. It put a smile on my face today knowing that what I'd written seems to have pleased so many of you. It really does mean a lot. Thanks again.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
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8 comments:
I'm guessing that the powers that be at Redbook know who you are (and possibly stole your idea for the latest DOE post!). I sure hope you start your own blog, because you, my dear, are VERY talented! I look forward to reading more from you!
I know your life is obviously VERY busy, but have you thought, if this is something you want to do, about committing just one entry per week and only post on a certain day?
That way, you aren't over using your time here when it's better used elsewhere, and people might not get so snarky if they know it's only a once per week thing?
Perhaps you could just change the names of the characters? I'm sure your creativity will make this story your own. At least your story line is progressing! The author of DoE might even start coming here for ideas! Ahem, Redbook! Take a hint!
I would suggest changing the names of the characters as well. How about 'Diary of Elaine'? :)
I doubt that Redbook would give you any type of permission to use their characters, especially when your story is so well done. And it should continue, your story line is a winner. A few minor changes and you have it!
I'm w/srob & hope - There is no way in H that Redbook is going to allow you to continue using the character names and calling it doealternative; however, if you just continue on with your post, it is going to so much better than DOE that they won't be able to compare the two. Change the character names just enough so we know who is who and leave Redbook in the dust!
mum
I for one will have your blog on my "Favorites" list if you decide to continue! Once a week would be wonderful as long as I know that on that day we'll get an update. Remember, that's how the DOV started out - every Friday morning bright and early, regular as clockwork, we had our weekly fix with Val.
Through a bit of encouragement from the Redbook readers, I've written to Hearst a number of times offering my 'services' to pick up writing DoE. The silence is deafening which ultimately was a blessing in disguise. (Read on) A few notes on writing on a regular basis -- its WORK! Oh yes, I know, you start out shooting out of the cannon like a bat outta Hell and then... the days tick by; life happens and before you know it, you feel the dreaded D-E-A-D-L-I-N-E approaching. (what IS that smell? :-) ) In my case - I told my employer to bite me (it wasn't pretty); I decided to take an ex-boyfriend to small claims court for money owed (He doesn't have a leg to stand on - THE LOSER!) and I have some health issues to deal with. And... oh yea... my blog. OKOKOK, enough of my sob story; you get the idea here. Best of luck with whatever decision you make, Ceferian. We're rooting for you!
ok, Cefarian....ready for an update!!!
mum
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