Okay, if you base success on being able to write books that sell (both to houses and to readers) then what does it take to make it?
My answer to this question is you have to want it. You have to have the drive to keep going when you get kicked down in this business. You have to be able to set goals and see them through. If you make a goal to write at least two full length novels a year something has to push you in order to do it. It could be deadlines, the advance check you just received and don't want to HAVE to payback. Writing is your livelihood, but to me it has to be more.
I've seen people chuck this writing business. I used to wonder how they were able to. And then I became published. The pressure went up more than a few notches. There is a difference when you are in essence writing toward getting published and knowing the book you write will be published.
It goes without saying that wanting it enough is loving the writing part of the process.
Trust me, you don't HAVE to love the publishing process, because it will kill you eventually or just suck out your soul.
What do you have in your arsenal to keep you going?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
I have to disagree to a point. Yes, perseverance is important, even the best writer will fail if they never send an MS out, but wanting it isn't enough. I think it's got to be that magical combination of things.
1. Talent. That's number one because without it, you're dead in the water. Sure, a book some people think is poorly written will occasionally become a bestseller and make us all WTF, but by and far you must be *good* in order to make it in this business.
2. Knowledge. A writer has to arm themselves with knowledge of the business of writing, not just the creative side of writing. Know who to sub to, who to avoid, keep up on trends and guidelines, what houses are buying, what houses are closed, etc etc.
3. Perseverance. In terms of importance, this is where I'd put perseverance. Because without the first two, they're just spinning their wheels for the most part. But it *is* important. I could write the most amazing story ever told and if I don't have the balls to send it out again and again, it most likely won't ever be published.
and last, an author has to believe in themselves. I know you hear a lot of people saying how they suck and they hate their writing etc, but deep down those authors have to believe they're *good*, because otherwise they wouldn't be asking anyone to pay for their work. Deep down, they believe they have what it takes or why waste their time?
I mean, when you think about it, being a writer *is* a pretty egotistical kind of thing. "I wrote this, and I expect you to pay me for the pleasure of reading it. No, you cannot have it for free, it's good enough to be paid for." That's pretty ballsy when you think about it. :)
It is true that to become successful in any area one chooses you have to have a certain degree of talent, but other factors include persistance, perserverance and the desire deep within to succeed.
It is that desire which will bring you to the top. :)
We may say we wern't satisfied with someones novel, that we didn't really like it. Well, who loves every novel they read. Some novels appeal to some people, other novels to some more. We can't please everyone because everyone's taste is different.
mean, when you think about it, being a writer *is* a pretty egotistical kind of thing. "I wrote this, and I expect you to pay me for the pleasure of reading it. No, you cannot have it for free, it's good enough to be paid for."
Maybe I generalized "what it takes". In my head perserverance does include believing in yourself or even just your book. You wouldn't keep going if you thought you sucked. You'd believe each rejection and just quit.
Talent is where we'll have to agree to disagree. I think someone with no talent can learn to be a good writer. Craft is really what separates the chaft from the wheat. You can be a damn good storyteller, but can't construct a sentence to save your life.
But if you have both talent and craft...
Some novels appeal to some people, other novels to some more.
And, this is why publishing houses are still in business. They try to please every reader with thousands of titles each year.
Also, I've read some books that were raved about. I walked away thinking I could have had a V8.
I have nothing to say here. I thought when I got published "I made it" but then there was the next book.
I thought when I had better sales and made the best seller list a few times "I made it".
Now, I'm thinking if I get to NY I'll make it.
Perhaps it never ends. And if that was the only reason I wrote it I would have quit.
I write because I love to write. Not because I think my writing is fabulous. Not because I think I've "earned" it.
I write because there is something in me that is driven to create.
But publishing isn't an easy profession.
It ain't for the faint of heart, baby.
Perhaps it never ends. And if that was the only reason I wrote it I would have quit.
It sounds like what is important to you is getting your book to your readers. Some may have issues with that, but if it keeps you writing I say go for it.
Maybe one day you will find the happy medium of getting your books to your readers and making LOADS of money.
Best of luck.
Post a Comment