Product vs. Art

Clear cut answers bores me to tears. I like to discuss things were I'm just as likely to be right as I am to be wrong. So this week I want to explore if you think your books are a product or a work of art?

*For purposes of this discussion I'm not talking about the creative process. The sit your butt in chair and write the story. That's another bag of apples.*

Personally, I think when I put my book out there it's a product. With my book I am supplying the market with a demand. I want to get paid for supplying the product. I also consider myself a small business. *So small you have to find it with a microscope* But still a business. I have to make decisions that is best for the business: what is the best publisher to go with that will provide my book with the best outlet. What review site is going to get my name out there to as many readers as possible.

Where to do you stand? All business? All art? Or something in the middle?

You Can Teach An Old Dog New Tricks

See even I can learn something new. When I started this blog I thought everyone should have the right to there opinion. Now the flaw in that is I wanted people to hold my same opinion.

HA!

Now how have I changed my mind. Well after reading the comments in the flame war I came across this question:

The only question I have is regards to when is it a good time or place to speak about your bad experiences. So many times I’ve come up against “you’re unprofessional” for saying MY experience was bad. When is it okay to say it? Where is it okay to say?

The answer, which opened my eyes:

I think speaking up is a matter of personal preference. At the time you think is right, when the topic is essential for you, and at a place you think you will be heard. If you have issues with your publisher that are important to you and you think important to others (other than “I don’t like my editor because her hair is blue”) you have a right to bring them out publicly. It’s your experience. You can’t worry about what anyone else thinks.

The answer sums up what I've been struggling with myself. It really does come down to personal choice.

To speak or not to speak, that is the question. What's your answer?