I want to encourage other people’s writing. I really do. This is why I put up a lot of these links, advice sights, etc. I share your desire to see the writing craft improved upon. For those of you who read this blog and don’t write…well, maybe you read, and so I’m trying to help any books that I or others put into circulation to be the best they possibly can be.
It is with this in mind that I present a critical piece of advice by way of the following article:
The odds against your and my getting published can look staggering at times. The slush piles are thick. Publishers and editors tell us that publishing is a business, but at the same time we know that if we pursue writing for the sake of money, it’s pointless and we’d just get burnt out. You must love it. It must be your craft, something you are devoted to in the spare minutes of the day. Does it actually require this dedication, you wonder? You betcha. I know, I don’t even have a book on the market. Who am I to give this kind of advice? Since day one, I’ve tried to take a realistic approach to what I hope to be a writing career. I know it’ll take a while to build up. I know the hourly wage is lousy. After almost five years of working on my writing, I have yet to rack up more than a hundred bucks in payment. If you count the money I’ve doled out for books, conferences, etc., I’m pretty far in the hole. But if someone could prove to me today that I will never get published ever in my life, would I stop? No. I don’t say that out of any bravado or high-falutin’ artistic dogma. It’s just the truth. I love it too much. In some strange way, I see this life a bit clearer through ink-smeared glasses.
I do my best to persevere, despite the odds. My hope and prayer is the odds will get slimmer each day, and I will eventually beat them. If you are writing for fame and fortune, set down the pen and walk away. Please. Otherwise, let’s take the next step, and then the next, until we see what’s around that corner up ahead. This should be fun.
I see that smile.
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