I had a nasty head cold this week. It was damn near impossible to think through. So instead of working (or, more accurately, typing three words then staring at the screen until I dozed off), I finally gave in to all the folks who've told me to watch Downton Abbey. Holy crap, people. My biggest problem with this show is that I got well enough to work again by the fifth episode of season two and I haven't been able to finish it. And it's likely to stay that way for the next three weeks or so. Argh!
Le sigh. It's better than still being sick.
Anyway, down to business.
What They Said:
Chance is always powerful. Let your hook be always cast; in the pool where you least expect it, there will be a fish. ~ Ovid
What I Heard:
Put your bad self out there, yo. ~ O
There are tons of moments about which writers fantasize. Getting an agent! Selling your book! The blurbs! The cover! The ARC! OMG! Every one of these moments seems greater than the last.
But none of those are the biggest. The biggest moment is the moment you first submit your writing anywhere, because that's the moment you know you're serious. You've sent your writing to a venue where, if accepted, it will be made available for public consumption. That. Is. Huge.
Now I know, I know, some people are saying, "I don't need to submit. I'm self-publishing." To do this, though, you will need to submit your work to a reputable editor* and then market the hell out of that sucker. Same difference. You're still putting yourself out there.
It's a litmus test. You let other eyes see it. You make it available for others to purchase.** You value it enough to seek payment. This is the moment you know you mean it, and none of those other moments will happen without it. If you don't put it out there, no one will ever discover it.
Cast your line.
*Please, dear God, get an editor. Don't sell yourself short. Don't buy into the fallacy of quantity over quality. Everyone needs an editor, even special snowflakes like you and me.
**I don't understand the whole "I'm putting it on Amazon for free" thing. I mean, a free short story to promote the novel you're selling? Okay. But a whole free novel? Forever? Don't you feel your work has worth? I don't get it.
If you're a writer, what's your dream moment? If not, what's your opinion of Downton Abbey? (No spoilers!)
I've sort of been making my "career" up as I go along, mostly because I didn't know any better. I entered a lot of contests, and for the most part that was a good thing. It gave me the confidence to move forward because it was validation that non-family members thought my work was worthwhile. Now, I understand my mistakes and know what to do, so the MS will be even prettier the next time I trot her out.
ReplyDeleteI just watched the season finale of "Downton Abbey" last night! I love the characters, especially Mr. Bates and Lady Grantham. It's beautiful. I hope you can sneak some time to watch it!
I think we all have to make it up as we go because there's no real way to plan this. Too much is at the mercy of others. Unless you self-publish, but even then, your sales aren't up to you. Best we can do is write a good book.
DeleteI love Bates.
LOVE Downton Abbey! But being well is even better. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, yes, OMG YES!! Um, on the editor, that is.
It never ceases to amaze me that people put their stuff out there without editing. Why would you want to shoot yourself in the foot like that? It doesn't make sense.
DeleteI have so got to watch Downtown Abbey!
ReplyDeleteAnd I completely agree with your moment.
Make sure when you begin that you have an entire weekend free, because you'll want to finish.
Deleteahahaha That's what I did with my Sunday. I've just watched season one... must go in search of season two.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear everyone is getting better.
Season Two is available on PBS.com.
DeleteI kind of understand why people would put a novel out there for free. It's a lot of work to get published. Sometimes you just think - sheesh - I just want to write and have people read my work.
ReplyDeleteYou did that with your blog, and that's fine. What I don't understand is going to all the trouble of formatting for Amazon or B&N, putting it out there where people could buy it, and then putting free in the price when you could at least put $.99. What's the point?
DeleteOh, and you could compile that book and make it available for sale. You know, if you wanted. Just sayin'. ;)
DeleteI see what you're saying. Why do all the same set up work to be able to charge and then not do it? You're right, that doesn't make a lot of sense.
DeleteOne, no jinxing, you guys have GOT to be all better now!
ReplyDeleteAnd B: no new shows! I don't have enough hours in my life as it is. Stop trying to tempt me.
(Hanna loves it though, and she is SO picky. It must be amazing.)
It's a Masterpiece Theater show on PBS and it's very well done. Lovely.
DeleteDream moment number one was having my character (YA story) speak to me as I was typing. Dream moment number two will be; to have an editor work with me toward publication. Just started to watch D. Abbey. Love it. Love PBS television. Hope all sickness is gone for the winter and onto the spring.
ReplyDeleteDitto on the editor dream. It can be hard to get those teenagers to talk, can't it? Even the fake ones. :)
DeleteFunny Delia. The fake kid just blurted the words out. Teenagers will do that if it's important. It was important.
DeleteI'm a Masterpiece Theatre monkey so oh yes, Downton from the start!
ReplyDeleteYears ago I wrote an historical romance, and I knew it had structural flaws, but decided to query it anyway--just to make myself go through the process. And did actually get one manuscript request! :-) So yes, agree completely.