Writing Q&A with Sharon Menu Bar Sharon's Writing Background Sharon's Other Writing Services What Others Say about Sharon and Her Writing Sharon's Writing Background Q: Where did you study writing? With whom have you studied? A: I got my degree in sociology and women's studies. However, my college, Tufts University, placed an emphasis on strong writing. So even non-literature classes had a very heavy writing requirement. This suited me fine. I developed excellent nonfiction writing skills at school that were sharpened post-graduation by several years of technical and informational writing for my human services job. Additionally, I studied poetry and theater in college, which led me to be a playwright and a poet. My writing teachers, mentors, and colleagues have included poets Marie Howe and Harold Bond, nonfiction writer and editor Linda Hillyer, author and business writer Teresa Esser, playwrights Ginger Lazarus and Cat Brenn-Bear, and poet and playwright Debora Seidman. Due to my disabilities I have been able to attend very few classes, readings, writing groups, and other venues that would have allowed me greater access to writing mentors. For this reason, I have mostly "self taught" by readings books, listening to books on tape and to National Public Radio, and talking about writing with writer friends. And I try to squeeze in as much writing practice as possible. Once I picked up a steady stream of freelance gigs, I began to receive guidance from a variety of gifted editors, which is invaluable on-the-job training. Q: Where can I see some of your writing? A: You can check out my links page at http://www.SickHumorPostcards.com/links.htm. I also have a monthly humor column at abilitymaine.org. The most recent column is always up at http://www.abilitymaine.org/sharoncur.html. The archives of all the past columns are at http://www.abilitymaine.org/Sharon.html . I also post notices about articles and stories of mine that have been recently published to my Sick Humor Postcards e-bulletins mailing list. To get on my e-bulletin list, drop me a line at sickhumor2@aol.com. Sharon's Other Writing Services Q: Do you offer other writing classes? Do you provide one-on-one consultation or student conferences? What about editing assistance? A: Yes, I am available for a variety of writing-related teaching and assistance. Please e-mail me at SickHumor2@aol.com to discuss any of the services below. Freelance editing and proofreading. I edit all kinds of documents, short and long, paper and electronic. I have edited one-page biographies for artists to submit to galleries. I have helped people create catchy personal ads that show off their personality to its best advantage. I edit magazine and newspaper articles, Web sites, and school papers. I can adapt the type of editing I perform to fit your needs and the needs of your document. Contact me to discuss details and get an estimate. Individual consultation and mentoring. I know from personal experience how important it is to have writing mentors and teachers and how hard it can be to find them if you are unable to attend individual classes. I am happy to discuss an individual mentoring or consulting situation with any writer who wishes to study with me. This could be a one-time conference about a particular piece of writing, or it could be an on-going mentoring or tutoring relationship. Classes and workshops. While I am currently offering only one class, I hope to offer additional writing classes in the future. Some of the topics I'm considering are poetry, erotica, writing through chronic illness, and writing as a spiritual practice. If you are interested in any of these writing courses -- or have other topic suggestions -- please e-mail me at SickHumor2@aol.com. Often the greatest hindrance in launching a new class is insufficient enrollment. Thus, if there's a class you want to take with me, let me and all your friends know, and chances are good we can make it happen. What Others Say about Sharon and Her Writing Q: What do other writers have to say about working with you? A: JB, a free-lance writer says, "Sharon has been very helpful with specific, concrete advice on how to make my writing clearer. She has been a great source of support and encouragement." LS, a graduate student says, "I was overwhelmed by an independent study my senior year. I couldn't narrow my topic and, as a result, was inefficient in my research. I couldn't figure out what I wanted to write about, much less begin the writing process. Sharon sat down and listened to my ideas, then helped me pick out an area of interest. She helped me refine the entire paper-writing process, from identifying my thesis to sketching out arguments and writing a first draft. Through example and suggestion she encouraged me to edit my work and improve the quality of my academic papers. Without her insight and support, I would not have graduated from college on schedule." GL, a playwright, says, "I have heard Sharon respond to a wide range of writing styles and genres, each time with attention, interest, and generosity. She has the teacher's gift for giving honest, specific feedback in a supportive way; she always honors the writer's efforts while gently encouraging her/him to push onward to the next level." Q: What are some responses from readers to your humor column? RHB says, "Sharon, you are a terrific writer and funny. Thanks for being selfless to the cause!" CW told me, "You made me wet my pants. Thanks a lot." BR exclaimed, "WOW! I read 'Letting the Puppy Out of the Bottle' and I have not laughed so hard in a long time. It was fantastic, thank you! You are an excellent humor writer. I read Dave Barry every week, amid many groans. While he often makes me chuckle, he has nothing on the 'laughing out loud' I did when I read your article." DW glowed, "How do you think of these things? You are a genius. It's hilarious! Each time I think, this is the best one. You're a wonderful humor writer. If I weren't your mother, I would be even more lavish in my praise. Did you ever send anything to the Reader's Digest? You might have to clean up some of the language a trifle, but it seems to me so funny that even a middle-America, lowbrow magazine would want to publish it. You should be able to find other outlets, really! But, the main thing is -- it's brilliant writing! Love you! Mom." .
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