For those willing to use their funnybones
Cheryl ODonovan's Discussions
A War Between Bloggers & Writers?
Started Aug 15
Is Print Dead? (Where Can Humor Writers Find Printed Outlets?)
11 Replies
Started this discussion. Last reply by Chuck Lasker Sep 8.
Cheryl ODonovan's Page
Latest Activity
I write tech articles a good bit and I've found a complete reluctance to allow humor, even to make a point. I submitted an article about the consultant-client relationship and they kept all the dry stuff, and edited out the snark. I believe that's...
Found an article on "Newsweek" about Julie Powell, (the author/blogger of "Julie & Julia"). According to this piece, food bloggers have "turned against Powell" because she was never a professional cook or chef.
The comments on this article were p...
Hi, Moon:
We write from passion. We'd do it even if we didn't earn a penny.
Hi, Henry, aka Moon (or Moon),
I have a sinking feeling mediocrity is winning... big time. From the reality show stars, (most of whom have no discernible talent, only shamelessness), to Web personalities, to insipid television shows and films.
A...
Hi, Deanna (and Moon), thanks for the comments.
The challenge with the Internet is the staggering amount of clutter. How can good writers drive traffic to their sites? So far, the successful web sites and blogs are controversial and cynical. Thou...
Interesting discussion. I'm an avid Facebooker, blogger, etc. but I certainly prefer printed things. But they are becoming rarer. I was lucky to land in a national mag earlier this year, but subsequent pieces haven't even been acknowledged to be r...
Hi, Moon:
Isn't it so true about Don Rickles? We saw him in Vegas, nine years ago. When he mentioned Chicago, my husband and I clapped enthusiastically, and Rickles cracked, "Gotta couple of seals up there." I grabbed my husband's hand and glowed...
Oh, Henry aka Moon,
When Perez Hilton was decked, (wasn't he punched by someone recently), I think people cheered. I've heard he's just plain mean. Dooce is a mommy blogger who has a nasty streak, and she just had a book come out this year... see...
Profile Information
- Hometown:
- Schaumburg IL
- About Me:
- I'm a Boomer with two lively kids and married to a Spock clone (he's an IT consultant, super brainy). We own an Airedale that occasionally jimmies the backyard gate.
My background's in advertising, marketing and PR. I also worked as a freelancer, or consultant. In college, I fancied myself as an editorial cartoonist. One cartoonist I met said I'd have to take up smoking cigars and "wait until someone died," because editorial cartooning was (is) dominated by an elite group of talented guys. (I do know of several talented women) Along the way, I met or corresponded with comic strip cartoonists, some very successful. Also learned that getting syndicated is like winning the lottery.
Fast-forward to 2005. "The Estrogen Underground" was published... and my humor writing improved AFTER the book went on sale. To sharpen my skills, I took a humor writing course with Jen, who's a member here. I befriended Laurie and Bridget and learned a lot.
I used to think wit was magic. A lightning bolt from the Gods. Some people are undeniably gifted, (Erma, Dave), but the rest of us work at this. Perseverance and the ability to take it on the chin (rejection slips) is everything in publishing. A writer's life can be humbling.
This spring, I was offered a local newspaper column, "Van Mom Strikes Again." It's great fun and gratifying. Anytime I can combine subjects like theme parks, physicists, the 300 Spartans, "Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader" and "Scott Baio is 45... and Single" -- hey. It doesn't get much better than this.
- Favorite Books / Authors
- So many, but here's a few: "Onion" books, Alfred E. Newman, Monty Python, "The Little Prince," "Seabiscuit," "Mystic River." Several romantic suspense writers. Admire people like Ken Burns and David McCullough. Even read forensics stuff by FBI profilers. Lots of magazine articles, current event stuff.
Comment Wall (8 comments)
- At 1:02pm on June 9, 2009,
Jennifer Helen said…
- I just came across your profile in this network. I would like to extend an invitation to join Allvoices.com. It’s a citizen journalist site. We discuss, debate, post news and report news about everything under the sun. Allvoices also has an incentive program for writers. Register at allvoices.com and start contributing.
- At 1:51pm on May 21, 2009,
Brietta Rosario said…
- Wanna chat with me on cam?, come see me here You'll enjoy it. I promise!!!! realamateurwebcams.info
- At 10:20am on November 5, 2008,
Kip Davis said…
- Hi Cheryl. I write for the Woodruff County Monitor and The Cypress Times (www.thecypresstimes.com). I do a weekly motivational called "Positive Motivation (for the real world)" and a strange history column called "History's Traveling Sideshow." I also do a motivation for the Cypress Times. I mix a lot of humor with my motivation. lol.
Thanks for adding me as a friend, too. I lookforward to chatting with you more. :)
Hope you're having a great day,
Kip
- At 8:32pm on July 8, 2007,
Karina Fabian said…
- my best friend loved Airedales, so I've heard a lot. She loved her Aires, though. Gld you liked me website.
- At 7:52am on July 6, 2007,
- I thought all Airedales are crazed--part of their make-up.
I know all aobut rejection letters, but know what? I prefer them to the long wait while someone "considers" my work. (Which I'm fairly certain involves pcking up the unopened envelope, regarding it blankly, then deciding to handle it later and stuffing it in the "Read in the Loo" pile.
By best friend lives int he Chicago area. Fun city.
Blessigns,
Karina
- At 1:07pm on June 28, 2007,
Cheryl ODonovan said…
- Candy: this is feeling more 'monsoon-y,' and I may be signaling for CNN helicopters from my roof... guzzling straight from the tequila bottle. Thanks for the offer.
Mini-Schnauzer, huh? I have an Airedale. My pooch gnaws playfully at my hand, but he could be getting a taste and wondering if a dash of A-1 sauce would help.
- At 11:19am on June 28, 2007,
Candy Calvert said…
- Oh man, I know the feeling: we've got flash floods threatening in the San Antonio area and I'm lashing my mini-schnauzer down as we speak.
But here--sailing a jacket your way--and a Mai Tai. A little umbrella drink always helps. ;-)
- At 11:10am on June 28, 2007,
- Jen: heh heh! Not only an innovator, the next serious competitor for Dr. Phil!
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