tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1674510287177469473.post7894172595371520474..comments2023-06-06T08:13:43.101-07:00Comments on Vanessa Gebbie's news: TANIA HERSHMAN, STAR - GORE VIDAL, NO STARVanessa Gebbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00833187671441310234noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1674510287177469473.post-18805804869773384742008-08-25T18:44:00.000-07:002008-08-25T18:44:00.000-07:00Congratulations on your successes, Vanessa!On a se...Congratulations on your successes, Vanessa!<BR/><BR/>On a separate note, having conversed with Gore Vidal on a number of occasions, I am certain that he made that comment in jest.Shelley Marlowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10528423182294732575noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1674510287177469473.post-28016523165827160142008-08-14T09:07:00.000-07:002008-08-14T09:07:00.000-07:00Oh to have furniture like that. Then I would get ...Oh to have furniture like that. Then I would get twice as much done...Vanessa Gebbiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00833187671441310234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1674510287177469473.post-60394655605365924222008-08-14T08:41:00.000-07:002008-08-14T08:41:00.000-07:00Satanist! lol.Should I confess...I queried nothing...Satanist! lol.<BR/><BR/>Should I confess...I queried nothing. Twas my furniture, see, that's what happens when my furniture does my writing for me. <BR/><BR/>There'll be a big old bonfire tonight.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05978149758992770117noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1674510287177469473.post-38562704723192099042008-08-14T06:08:00.000-07:002008-08-14T06:08:00.000-07:00Hello Davina! Nice to hear from you.I have to laug...Hello Davina! Nice to hear from you.<BR/><BR/>I have to laugh, when I read your post, I thought you said, "Gore Vidal is a satanist"...<BR/><BR/>what on earth is a "non poetic epigram using literary paradox..?" good old Wikipedia! what did you put in the query box to find that one??Vanessa Gebbiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00833187671441310234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1674510287177469473.post-585841389173350492008-08-14T05:52:00.000-07:002008-08-14T05:52:00.000-07:00“One of the last discussions on The Workhouse, one...“One of the last discussions on The Workhouse, one that really upset me, was when someone posted Gore Vidal's quasi-famous quote:<BR/>Every time a friend of mine succeeds a little part of me dies, <BR/>- of course loads of us went 'huh'??? We were a group who supported each other, celebrated and commiserated together. Like a family.<BR/><BR/>-- I hadn't heard this one before. And it did upset me. And I cant get it out of my head. It seems evil, to me.”<BR/><BR/>Hi Vanessa,<BR/><BR/>Great discussion. I hadn't heard this one either. The trouble with Vidal, as I’m sure you know, is he’s a satirist and he can’t always be taken at face value.<BR/><BR/>His is a rather contagious and provocative quote and - to get high falutin' - I think a non poetic epigram using literary paradox. Thanks Wikipedia! <BR/><BR/>Puts a different spin on it but I know nuffin' else. <BR/><BR/>Best,<BR/>DavinaUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05978149758992770117noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1674510287177469473.post-47988355715797738992008-08-14T04:01:00.000-07:002008-08-14T04:01:00.000-07:00Hello Mrs Z! Nice to see you on the blerg. (my new...Hello Mrs Z! Nice to see you on the blerg. (my new name for a blog)<BR/><BR/>We've all met both types, I guess, no names no pack stuff. <BR/><BR/>Thank you for the lovely words.Vanessa Gebbiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00833187671441310234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1674510287177469473.post-55377168437042019152008-08-12T13:47:00.000-07:002008-08-12T13:47:00.000-07:00It pains me to say it, but I've met writers who su...It pains me to say it, but I've met writers who subscribe to this school. Petty jealousies, overfragile egos... with friends like this? And as for you, Vanessa Gebbie, being 'thick', and poorly read, well hell, I hate to begin to think about the rest of the population. <BR/><BR/>I know you've met this kind of shallow response in the past, but those of us who know your work... well, we 'know'. Trust that. And BUGGER the rest. <BR/><BR/>ZxxxZoe Kinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03214564583831484385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1674510287177469473.post-2449189159919457272008-08-11T06:39:00.000-07:002008-08-11T06:39:00.000-07:00Hi Kate... I guess, maybe in high falutin' busines...Hi Kate... I guess, maybe in high falutin' business, you get winners and losers every day. Writing... you can't compete against other people. Its not a race, or a mountain climb up the same mountain with the same equipment so someone can yell 'winnah!' when one of you gets to the top.<BR/><BR/>All you can do is your best. And bow to those who do it better.Vanessa Gebbiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00833187671441310234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1674510287177469473.post-72007840848900370472008-08-11T06:20:00.000-07:002008-08-11T06:20:00.000-07:00I haven't heard that very unpleasant remark but I'...I haven't heard that very unpleasant remark but I've heard it's little brother:'in order to succeed it's necessary that others fail.' So much poison. It has always seemed to me that the success of others, especially one's friends, is encouraging and opens the possibilities for others. There's room for everyone and the more success the better.<BR/>I'm sorry someone as generous as you, Vanessa, had to suffer from what sounds like pure envy of your talent.katehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08519864226127457118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1674510287177469473.post-47740567829443207012008-08-10T13:36:00.000-07:002008-08-10T13:36:00.000-07:00Sorry Nik, just saw your last post.It is, it's unn...Sorry Nik, just saw your last post.<BR/><BR/>It is, it's unnecessary, far too small minded for any person aspiring to be a real writer of good fiction(!) and also, it is not my problem in the end. I knew I didn't enter things without sticking to the rules. <BR/><BR/>Whoever it was has to live with themselves. These things will come back to bite them on the bum at some point.Vanessa Gebbiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00833187671441310234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1674510287177469473.post-83828783274772557652008-08-10T03:06:00.000-07:002008-08-10T03:06:00.000-07:00Hi LauriIts such a tough world out there, isn't it...Hi Lauri<BR/><BR/>Its such a tough world out there, isn't it. Yes, it is great when someone you've helped does well... it validates you too... that your advice, feedback, whatever, was of positive benefit.<BR/><BR/>The thing with the quote is the resonsnce it leaves in my head. It is what is unsaid, the next logivcal thought.<BR/><BR/>That no one voluntarily opens themselves up to hurt, 'a little bit dying' as he puts it... and therefore there must be effort on his part and people like him, to actively scupper the chances of others. <BR/><BR/>That's what sticks in my throat. <BR/><BR/>Even if writers do rush around trying to make trouble for others, it will not make them better writers, or help them succeed themselves, will it!!!?<BR/><BR/>vVanessa Gebbiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00833187671441310234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1674510287177469473.post-30962049881843020902008-08-10T02:46:00.000-07:002008-08-10T02:46:00.000-07:00That is appalling- I'd never heard the quote befor...That is appalling- I'd never heard the quote before. You are right V to say he is no friend. When writers I've helped succeed I always see it as partly my success.Laurihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11112458658109887868noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1674510287177469473.post-11925315449055313852008-08-09T13:26:00.000-07:002008-08-09T13:26:00.000-07:00Hi JuliaI am glad you posted it. It was one of tho...Hi Julia<BR/><BR/>I am glad you posted it. It was one of those 'aha! moments, and the strange behaviour of many people over the last few years fell into focus. <BR/>And there was me thinking they were true originals, and a bit strange cos they were fellow writers!!Vanessa Gebbiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00833187671441310234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1674510287177469473.post-46265504502996329762008-08-09T13:22:00.000-07:002008-08-09T13:22:00.000-07:00Yes, that quote has always stuck in my craw..that'...Yes, that quote has always stuck in my craw..that's why I posted it up on The Workhouse initially. It is simply an alien concept..being close to writers who are shining literally warms me. I smile when I see their news and get excited for them.<BR/><BR/>I do not want to 'gore' fellow writers who have the gall to do well; instead I put them on a podium and tell everyone: 'I know them...friend...workmate....really do know them.'<BR/><BR/>Most of all, it does not disminish my own 'ambition.' That belongs to me and if I crave someone else's then it's second-hand - like those baggy old bras in the charity shops. No, it looks best on the original owner.<BR/><BR/>Tania looks fab in her bra of success....I hope she floats and floats on the plaudits she is receiving fast and thick.<BR/><BR/>Looking forward to the launch of her book in September too.<BR/><BR/>Those who 'gore' have dark hearts and I am keeping mine light.Julia Bohannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04256768387861899456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1674510287177469473.post-4163324190116945232008-08-09T11:41:00.000-07:002008-08-09T11:41:00.000-07:00PS I blogged about something similar a while ago h...PS I blogged about something similar a while ago here:<BR/><BR/>http://nikperring.blogspot.com/search?q=Us+Jealous+writers<BR/><BR/>PPS I think anyone writing in to ask a comp to disqualify you is an utter disgrace.<BR/><BR/>NikNik Perringhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07426321804560400335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1674510287177469473.post-16830789677027224912008-08-09T11:04:00.000-07:002008-08-09T11:04:00.000-07:00Excellent post, V. True, true, true. And, of cours...Excellent post, V. True, true, true. And, of course, HUGE congrats to Tania.<BR/><BR/>NikNik Perringhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07426321804560400335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1674510287177469473.post-33273290052913439362008-08-09T10:46:00.000-07:002008-08-09T10:46:00.000-07:00Perzackly!! Let him go and be that sort of 'friend...Perzackly!! Let him go and be that sort of 'friend' to whosoever will have him.Vanessa Gebbiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00833187671441310234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1674510287177469473.post-49778776652933642452008-08-09T10:29:00.000-07:002008-08-09T10:29:00.000-07:00V - your post is so wonderful, thank you, and I am...V - your post is so wonderful, thank you, and I am so grateful that neither I nor you nor any of our writer friends & colleagues is of the Gore Vidal school of thought. That made my stomach churn, because I am always so delighted for everyone else - more so than for myself, generally - as are you, I know. It's not a question of winners karma or luck, there not being enough to go around. It's a question of hard work, perseverance, getting our work out there, with an enormous amount of help from our colleagues. This story that won two prizes has the fingerprints of you and many others on it.... That's why we all delight in each other's triumphs. May it always be so - and may the spirit of Gore Vidal's quote never darken our blogs!<BR/><BR/>TTania Hershmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15781460794034586895noreply@blogger.com