  igeons, Pigeons, Everywhere
Dear Editor, Sarah Emma Edmonds is certainly entitled to her belief that historical research for fiction is a waste of time. However, she would do better to support her position with sound reasoning and a more mature perspective. If I may: a) What’s this about counting pigeons on an obscure streetcorner a century ago? If this ridiculous scenario is to serve as an example, she needs to remind us where it came from. Otherwise, she appears to be knocking down a straw man of her own invention. If an author did write of this subject, it may have been the sort of detail that enhanced the story. I’ve no doubt the actual data was, quite appropriately, invented. b) Her complaints about the responses to her letter are either unclearly reasoned or unclearly communicated. A single use of a four-letter word does not tar the entire writing community. The lady who called her a crazy woman appeared to be lumping her in with the pigeon-counters; nothing I’ve seen would contradict this. Finally, the writer who spends 95% of her time trying to keep historical facts out is doing her readers a service, as they want character and action, not dry information. It’s an excellent way to spend one’s day,” if you realize she only means 95% of her writing time. It means she is always aware of the need to separate her love of history from her task of providing entertainment. c) To complain of mean-spiritedness with more of the same is churlish at best. “It’s time you writers spent a fraction of your underused brainpower working toward a noble cause.” Ms. Edmonds seems convinced that writers do nothing but write, and that the other things in their lives if any are equally worthless. This may be a projection of her own life but there’s no data to suggest it applies to any other. Every one of us may be working as political volunteers, or helping with autistic kindergartners, coaching soccer teams, holding day-jobs as nurses or research assistants, helping our church distribute food, etc. etc. She knows nothing of the lives of the targets of her wrath. d) The internet is full of “trolls,” people who use the relative anonymity just to start arguments. Ms. Edmonds seems too articulate to be one of those, but some of us may start to wonder. In closing, thank you for an inspiring magazine. My life’s way too full now to craft stories, but I do brief research now and then just to squirrel away useful or interesting facts that are relevent to my historical interests. I’m happy to see a market for historical fiction is struggling to stay alive. Best of all is your remark that publishers do scan magazines such as yours, on the lookout for new talent. Best regards, D. Teeter
To the charming Sarah Emma Edmonds: Why? That is all I want to know. Why do you keep up this argument? If writing historical fiction is a waste of one’s time, why keep up an argument with those who hold historical fiction near to their hearts? Continuing this pointless debate is a waste of both your energy and mine. Why don’t we ALL let this “rest in peace?” Yet again, Rachel Hullett |
 ow Dare You?
Dear Editor, How horrified I was to read your last editorial. Whatever will I do if this magazine closes it’s doors, or doesn’t continue as a monthly magazine? I am beside myself. Yes, I understand you might be too busy...this happens in most of our lives from time to time...but did you ever think of hiring a staff? Please think about it, I beg you. Not to pry, but with the increase in traffic the magazine has received and awards you’ve won, I should hope that some income from the magazine has come your way, no? Perhaps this can be used to hire a staff. Cheerio, and please try to keep up the good work. I depend on it for a monthly fix. :) Sandy
Editor, what can I say? I knew it was too good to last! Yes, I knew it! Although I commend you for keeping the monthly issues coming throughout this past year, I am still praying you find the help needed to keep this venture going another year—or ten!!! How gratifying it was to happen upon this site—the only one on the net (as far as I know) that dedicates itself to my favorite genre—only a few short months ago, and now to think that it might not exist in its present state is very disappointing. I can understand how time contraints might cause you to want to forfeit the daily duties of this site, but maybe extra people can help. There is another outlet. Sincerely, Chantelle
Dear Trace Edward Zaber, I certainly hope you reconsider altering the magazine to a bi-monthly or quarterly issue. I truly look forward to the first of each month just so I can see what new items you have on offer. I understand the decision is yours and yours alone, but please consider us “little people.” LOL Connie
Editor’s Note: Thanks to everyone who emailed their concern over the magazine’s future. It truly is appreciated!!!
Unfortunately, with all the changes in my personal life, not to mention the changes at Angelfire, I must admit Of Ages Past’s future is still very much up in the air.
As for hiring a staff?....Hahahaha. I wish. I should only be so fortunate to have any income from this magazine in which to do so. Indeed, I created it and have run it on my own time, and for no financial gain whatsoever. Again, I wish.
Although I will certainly do my best to see to its future welfare, I can guarantee nothing at this point. But, as always, I will keep you informed as to the future of the magazine once I decide how to play the game to best suit my present situation. What with editing for two e-publishers, being a webmaster for various websites, preparing my own first novel for release, and indulging still in that Rock ‘N’ Roll craziness with my new recording contract, I find very little time to actually write any fiction. Indeed, I have been unable to do more than dedicate a handful of hours to writing, and, unfortunately, that time is reserved for the editorials each month.
Nevertheless, I will continue to do my best for the “Cause.” Keep the faith, all. Hopefully things will work themselves out!!!
And, again, I thank you for your words of encouragement. |
