I AM A WRITER.
Some people have written their entire lives, I only started writing in 2001. Oh, I would write sporadically in my younger days, but I took almost 20+ years off before I started writing again (horses, ya know). And no, I'm definitely not one of those overachiever writers who claimed they were born with a pencil in their tiny fist.
I started writing romance and it took me until 2007 to realize that I suck at romance writing. I LOVE to read romances, but I'm simply not able to delve (2nd time in two blogs that I've used this word. Must be my 'word of the week' word) into the emotional psyche of the hero and heroine. I like external motivation. Now, this isn't to say that my writing lacks internal motivation for the character. It's there, just not the conflict between the hero and heroine.
So were all those years of writing wasted when I switched to writing middle grade?
NO. I learned writing craft. And if I have to say so myself--I'm a damn slow learner!
With every book a writer writes, their ability to craft word pictures improves.
I have to say that I was just as impatient as the next writer to see my name on the cover of a book. I queried books that weren't ready--and probably never would be ready for prime time. I didn't believe in 'practice' books. (Yes, y'all can laugh at me now, AND I'll even join you as I snicker over my naivete) I had to write many books and receive HUNDREDS of rejections before I realized I wasn't ready to publish.
I believe I'm ready now, BUT I can wait. :-) I've become patience personified.
WHY?
Because this is my CAREER. Getting my name on a book isn't good enough any longer.
--I've always wanted to suck a reader into my make-believe world.
--I want the reader to have a fun/scary/sad adventure.
--I want the reader to LIVE the story through my characters.
--I want my readers to fall asleep dreaming of Kyte (my 11-year old heroine), or Piper (the hot pink faerie), Rory Leafhopper (gnome extraordinaire) or Taffy and Toffee (the Sugar Plum Fairy's brownie helpers), or Zinzara (the dragon).
--I want it ALL.
So many writers are so anxious to get published, they sign the first contract they see (Granted, if I EVER got a contract, I'd probably be the same way--but as I haven't been offered one, then it's a moot point, isn't it?) without thinking about the big picture of their career.
Would signing a contract for a small erotic e-publisher help your career if you have no intention of writing erotic stories? Maybe, but it could also stop your budding career like a hard freeze, nipping it off at the bud.
Something to think about.
A couple of years ago on one of the RWA loops, writers started using the the term 'pre-published'. I HATE that term. It's right up there with 'paying your dues'. I worked night shift (11-7) in a hospital for NINE years 'paying my dues' when some other yahoo would immediately get on days. Or, how about, "dieting is a 'lifestyle change'".
THOSE TERMS SERIOUSLY BITE!
Pre-pubbed sounds like a little kid trying to walk in her mother's high heels. It's immature and unprofessional. Grow up and decide how you visualize your career. A career isn't one book with your name on it. A career is long term and using the term pre-pubbed denigrates your career.
HI! I'M MARGARET AND I'M A WRITER . . . albeit a non-contracted one.
Peace out!
I hate the word pre-published too. I'm glad I don't see it to often anymore. Yes, I'm a slow learner, too. And I hadn't been struck by the lucky stick. I finally realized I needed to make my own lucky stick. lol
ReplyDeleteBut you've had a lot of writing experiences behind you, Edie. I think you were ready to publish, it was just that the NY publishers weren't willing to take the risk.
ReplyDeleteI recently read a blog on Rachelle Gardener's blog that was eye opening. To paraphrase, she said that there are far too many 'good' writers who won't be published by traditional means. Just being a good writer isn't good enough any more.
Publishing is a frustrating business in general, but knowing that so many 'good' writers won't get a break is down right debilitating.
OMG, I HATE "pre-pubbed." I've had arguments with people who embraced it. It's like calling a used car "pre-owned." You're pubbed or you're not. Period.
ReplyDeleteTwenty-some years ago at my first RWA conference, Jayne Ann Krentz made the statement that talent has little to do with publishing success. I sat with my mouth open, thinking that couldn't be true. Unfortunately time has proven her right. There are so many factors that determine success in the publishing business, and talent is only one.
But you gotta keep trying. The only SURE way to fail is to give up.
I KNEW you were with me on the 'pre-pubbed' crap, sista Marilyn!
ReplyDeleteJAK never spoke truer words. There are so many people who are truly talented writers, but they lack the thickened flesh it takes to get published AND REMAIN PUBLISHED.
Writers are creative people, BUT publishing is a business. A great writer realizes this and learns the biz while studying writing craft.
I would like to mention that I AM one of those who was born with pencil in hand. I was folding up paper to make "books" and writing/illustrating stories in them from the time i could write the alphabet. I used to get in trouble in school because I'd finish my homework quickly and pull out my latest writing project while the other kids were still struggling with their english assignment or science reading. NOT MY FAULT, teacher!!!
ReplyDeleteI AM a writer. Being a writer is something you ARE or AREN'T, regardless of your "published" status. Being a writer is NOT defined by being published. I do not need a publisher's blessing to validate me, or my talent. I do not need commercial success to validate it. Being published is not the end-all, be all.
But wait, I AM published. My artwork, poetry, essays and stories have appeared in newsletters, journals, magazines, periodicals and online publications since I was a child. So many people think it's only about catching the eye of one or two "big" publishing houses. I don't have more respect for a writer who's published. I have more respect for the ones who so love what they do that they follow their own path.
I'm a writer, and a good one, and whether I'm self published, or never published again, it doesn't take away from that.
I knew I hated you for some reason, Jods! You are such an uber-talented person that it doesn't surprise me you were born with a pencil AND paint brush in your hand. I can imagine the pain your mom went through birthing those pointy implements.
ReplyDeleteYou said: "I have more respect for the ones who so love what they do that they follow their own path."
Ditto! Kyte, Rory Leafhopper and Piper thank you for that since I would never have invented them if I hadn't followed my heart.
Margie, the fact that you even KNOW your own heart puts you way ahead of the curve! Most people go through life never having a passion or knowing their heart's desire. Knowing my own heart is what I consider my greatest accomplishment.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jods! But I have to admit that it took me quite a few years to figure it out! :-)
ReplyDelete--Heck, I don't even want to think about how long it took me to learn what "heels down" felt like!
Remember: slow learner.
It doesn't matter how long it took you, the important part is that you did it!
ReplyDeleteYou're not slow. TRUST ME. I've seen slow. :)