Comment

Comment by Dr. Kathleen T. Ruddy on August 12, 2010 at 6:53am

I get pure bad. In my case, it's not a case of pure bad. It's a case of betrayal for the sake of profit. But whatever man or woman in Shakespeare can outsmart Iago, well that's me. Like Al Pacino in the Godfather, I have only briefly discussed the fact of the betrayal with my one closest advisor (who couldn't have done it) and am only on the lookout for who it was who scooped my great idea. When I find my "Fredo" I will keep it to myself until it is time to act; and I will act only to exclude him/her from my life, not theirs. In the meantime, I have set up a scheme whereby the betrayer will reveal him/herself. So, whomever in Shakespeare can pull this kind of thing off - that's me. Thanks for the critique of Iago. I do love Shakespeare!

Comment by Ann Roscopf Allen on August 11, 2010 at 6:06pm

One scholar called it "motiveless malignity." Iago was just bad. He was evil incarnate. The only thing he had to gain was the destruction of Othello. The analogy only goes so far -- few people are just bad for bad's sake. It's comforting to be able to categorize people as "Iago types," but most bad people don't have that level of intelligence and foresight as Shakespeare gives Iago. If it helps you deal with your situation, then consider the "motiveless malignity" of Iago -- sometimes there's no logic behind what you're dealing with. Some -- most? -- villains are beyond comprehensibility. They're bad because they can be.

Comment by Dr. Kathleen T. Ruddy on August 11, 2010 at 5:41pm

Thanks for the Iago reference. Life is so interesting. Even the bad stuff has me intrigued. What was Iago's motive? What was he to gain by his friend's demise?

Comment by Ann Roscopf Allen on August 11, 2010 at 6:08am

Kathleen, "Honest Iago" who is Othello's villain is unquestionably the best of the worst. He appears to be the general's loyal assistant and closest ally while betraying him with his lies. Since Othello is a tragedy, it obviously ends with the protagonist's death -- and Iago lives, suggesting to some that he must indeed have some supernatural element to him. Fortunately, analogies only have to go so far, and you've realized what's happening before the murders start! Good luck to you as you remedy this horrible situation in your life.

Comment by Dr. Kathleen T. Ruddy on August 10, 2010 at 5:10am

Welcome, Ann. I have self-published several books and have enjoyed every minute of it. Have you ever thought of posting your grad papers online? I bet there would be many people who'd enjoy reading them. BTW, I am living through a major betrayal (business partner; don't know who quite yet) and wonder if there is a Shakespeare story/character that fits that plot. Kind regards, Kathleen

Comment by Ann Roscopf Allen on August 9, 2010 at 7:14pm

I'm new to the group. I aspired to be a Shakespearean scholar, but after two years of doctoral courses, I decided to move on to other things. I never published any of my grad school papers (mostly on RIII & Othello), but the things I learned in my research continue to inform my life, my teaching (HS at the moment), and my writing. I wrote and self-published an historical novel, so I have some experience in that arena. I was impatient with the whole "getting an agent" thing, knew I had a good story that some folks would enjoy, so I self-published. I prefer the writing to the marketing, but it seems that he who markets best sells the most...(oh, and the only obvious thing that is Shakespearean about my novel is the epigraph).

I'm glad to find this group!

Comment by Priscilla Maxine McGee on April 8, 2010 at 8:17pm

Hello everyone, it has been along time. I have been soooo busy with school, work and then this week I have been ill. I had strep throat and that is a terrible, painful sickness. It's good to see that you all are still at it here. Could you all check out my featured author website, it is http://www.priscillasauthor.blogspot.com Dr. Kathleen was featured last month and I have author spots open, all I ask is that you follow my blog and drop me an email. Bless you all

Comment by Dr. Kathleen T. Ruddy on March 30, 2010 at 6:39pm

I published my first two books on Lulu and loved it. It was grand to see them in print and to share them, and sell a few. I don't think it gets in the way at all if you want to continue down the road to find a traditional publisher - who will likely edit it and even change the title. I say go for it. I really don't think you tarnish your reputation or diminish your chances of getting a book deal.

Comment by Emily Kennedy on March 30, 2010 at 4:37pm

I just don't know a thing about self publishing. The "how to publish" books seem to frown on it. Does this mean one can publish and share the book before selling it to an agent without penalty? Or does this mark you as a renegade?

Comment by Dr. Kathleen T. Ruddy on March 30, 2010 at 4:27pm

Never be discouraged. Water the fruit trees, not the thorn bushes. Best of luck. I am deep into the book proposal exercise myself. Oiy, the fun. Would you consider self-publishing (on, say, Lulu.com) while you're waiting for your big break, so that we can get our hands on it sooner rather than later?

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