What I'm reading: "Tom Finder" by Martine Leavitt--currently my idol.
Song of the week: "Iridescent" by Linkin Park. If I could write stories like they write lyrics...
So, there's been a lot of talk about self e-publishing. While I believe that e-publishing is the future of writing, I'm not sure I'm ready to try it yet.
I look at YouTube, which is a form of self publishing, and see that some are famous simply because they uploaded their own work and it miraculously caught on fire. Who doesn't know "Charlie Bit Me" (100,000,000 views)?
But then, that's the exception, right? A regular Joe (and I mean that in the generic sense) like me can't expect such fame. But is fame what I'm really looking for?
I read an article by Phil Cooke, which was summarized in publishing terms quite eloquently by author Roni Loren. The main point of these articles is that we should carefully analyze our dreams, or in other words, what it is we really want out of our writing career.
If my life-long dream is to hold a set of my own hardcover books in my hands; have people lining up in droves for a book signing; or be the keynote speaker for a writer's conference; maybe I should stick with traditional publishing.
If what I really want is to enjoy writing; share my stories with others in whatever way is most plausible--maybe earning a little spending money on the side; and attend conferences holding my head high as a self published writer; maybe e-publishing is the way to go.
Stay tuned for the results of my self-analasys. It may take some time, but I'll get there eventually. In the meantime, I'm still sending out queries (at the rate of three per year--is that a sign?) and still writing everyday--and loving it!
And just in case you haven't seen it...here's "Charlie Bit Me."
I've been having a similar conversation with myself for a while now. I'm finding it very difficult to decide which route I should be focusing on. I'm very afraid of making the wrong decision. But in the meantime, I keep writing.
ReplyDeleteI like Linkin Park, but I haven't heard Iridescent. I'll have to go give it a listen. I love it when song lyrics inspire.
Having had children with teeth, I got a big kick out of "Charlie bit me," the first time I saw it. It never gets old, either. (My son can quote it from beginning to end with a somewhat English accent, so I get to hear it often.)
ReplyDeleteIt's been interesting seeing self-publishing come out of the dust. Things sure are changing and it's very good that there's new options for writers. I'm looking forward to your results!