Writing – Jeffrey Messineo

Notes By Hand – Feb 20

Ya, I write a lot of these things by hand.

Particularly when I’m stuck. And I have been stuck. On my books. On my bony little ass. Like a stick in the mud…

Ya, I write a lot of these things by hand.

Particularly when I’m stuck. And I have been stuck. On my books. On my bony little ass. Like a stick in the mud.

But I’m learning to give myself grace.

I make progress every single day on the health front. However, the writing hasn’t been robust as I’d like. I’m tumbing around the ideas for Grigsby, Mac – even Kwynn – but pushing each forward a little leaves few measurable pages for you to read.

I did write a great scene with Grigsby but I don’t think it will make the cut. Maybe I’ll spruce it up and release it for you. In the meantime, here’s a link to a short story.

Also, figured I’d share some of what I’ve been putting in my head. It’s both research and fun. If you’re looking for ideas, maybe try one.

Feel free to reach out – It’s grand to hear from readers. It’s proof you aren’t figments of my imagination.

Be well ~ jefe

RECENT READS

For me, the boulder didn’t start rolling until the mid-point but once it starts, you are in for a ride.

Written under a pseudonym, this book does some amazing second act wizardry. A great book.

I was curious about the book that started it all for Lehane and he does not disappoint.

Ever been wrong?

…or how Linda Caroll motivated me to write again…

I was mistaken.

Writing a novel is a lonely, arduous, substantial, joyous experience.

But that wasn’t where I was wrong.

The first one, novel that is, was whipped into the best shape I could and when I didn’t know what else to do, I sent that nugget out.

Wrong move.

I had the naive idea that an agent would see my potential and help me where I needed it. Then, we would send that nugget to an editor who would help me shine and polish before it went into the world as an immediate best seller.

After sending the story to 130+ agents—every single one I thought might find interest—I joined a writing group.

After the first time we shared pages, I told the group what I’m going to tell you now: “The good news is: we can all write. The bad news is: we can all write.”

All the pages were good! Really. Each of us had storytelling ability.

The fact is, anyone who tackles a novel, is probably someone who has been told by many people—teachers, friends, loved ones—that they have talent. They possess something special. Otherwise we wouldn’t suffer so to finish a massive tale to share with the world.

I’m fortunate. A professor once took me aside asking how many classes I’d taken in writing (this is my first), or another tell me I might have a future in this (writing).

I was too young to understand your professors don’t say these things to students to be nice.

I am old enough to understand I wish I had taken them at their word.

I was mistaken.

It’s taken me decades to follow through.

A very successful agent read a script and told me to write the next one so we could get them out in the world and get me started. She wanted more than one. That is a vote of confidence.

I was tired and never followed through. Mostly scared, though.

I was mistaken.

When I finally sent out this novel, I hoped someone would help me get the nugget into the proper shape. I had no idea where to go.

It’s not their job to do this.

Selling stuff is for pros. It is not for finding your feet.

I knew this in previous vocations but not for publishing.

I know this now.

Mistakes notwithstanding.

Here’s the post that kickstarted me today:

How writers gaslight themselves by Linda Caroll

If you’ve ever questioned yourself as a writer, this is for you

Read on Substack

Noir at the Bar

I am excited to share a reading I’ll be participating in on March 22, 2025.

Noir at the Bar is organized by Eric Beetner and this Los Angeles iteration is located at The Book Jewel (6259 W. 87th St.) at 7 pm.

In addition to Eric Beetner and myself, Adam Sikes, Caitlin Rother, Sean Jacques, DC Frost, John McMahon will be reading.

Listen to stories, hang with cool people. It’s a vibe, as they say.