“I want more than anything else in my life to be published – to read my reviews and to see people buying my book. That would be a thrill on a par with losing my virginity, getting married and getting my first job.” (from Pile ’em High by Simon Trewin, The Independent)
Yeah, writers are that crazy. Emily Dickinson was an anomaly (and, heck, she submitted to publishers, too). We do this because we have something to say (not to mention voices in our heads) and, at some point, we really believe we need to share it with the world. For those who think they might someday slip a novel into a busy life schedule, please note that writing isn’t a choice. We’ve never met a writer who could be just as happy doing something else.
Perhaps it’s because we grew up with visions of artists starving in garrets (which always seemed so fashionably…artistic, especially when compared to suburbia), but we’ve always expected an Oliver Twist/Fagin sort of relationship between authors and publishers (one which we would accept gratefully if a bit cynically). This is not a job for the faint-hearted. If you can’t take, well, rejection, humiliation, comments on the ugliness of your baby (aka book), abandonment, competition with the television and/or other forms of entertainment, and plain, old-fashioned popularity contests (which you may or may not win), you may want to take a long look at your chosen career. But we bet you’ll stick with the writing anyway. As noted, you don’t have a choice.
Confessions of an Idiosyncratic Mind comments (and has comments) on agent Simon Trewin’s article. The article on Southern authors is a testament to the perseverance of artists. It is our belief that this writing thing is worth it; and as much as we dislike reality (and we really, really dislike reality), we believe knowing the business is important. It doesn’t have to ruin your fantasy life…but it sure helps with long-term planning.
- Pile ’em high… then let ’em die
- Publishing hardships
- Bursting the bubble
- Made in the Shade: Many fine Southern authors thrive in the shadow of Grisham and Conroy
