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?

And Another Flame War Begins

Very interesting post going on at Dear Author. First, I have a thing for brainy woman, and that is Jane of Dear Author. She speaks legal.

Anyway, the post started off just mentioning that Ellora's Cave, big erotic publisher, was suing Borders. And then the owner showed up, and then her attorney, I presume her attorney, and then all hell broke loose.

Grab a drink and popcorn, you might be there for a while. http://dearauthor.com/wordpress/2009/01/08/elloras-cave-sues-borders-for-1000000/

The Writing Process

For a while there I thought I had mine nailed down. I get the first line and then I'd write the story like a maniac. And then the next book came along and I stalled out by chapter three. I became more cautious of writing down that first line. I figured if it came back to me--like the old adage goes--then it was meant to be. Of course, that worked only once and then I found myself plotting out the first turning points. Of course after a longer while that didn't work.

So, now I'm on the brink of finishing an unfinished ms and seeing that this process is going to be different, again. Starting smack-dab in the middle of the book doesn't excite me as opening up a blank document. I'm going to have to fall in love with the story to care enough to get to The End. I'm going to have to find a way to get my characters out of limbo.

Strange, but it's the reason why I love writing. Each book is another challenge. What worked before sure as hell isn't going to work again. I hate the same-ol-same feeling. But, I can admit it's irritating to find what works for this book.

So, tell me, do you have a different writing process with each book or has it stayed the same since you first started writing?

My Worse Nightmare...

Is never selling again. I know how trite. But when I think of never holding another one of my books again...I break out in hives. I can deal with lulls. Those times just makes my writing stronger. So, I think B.S. when someone comes along and says, "I'll keep writing for myself even if I never published."

I've said the same exact words, but deep down, on the inside I'm thinking, "Pfft. It's never going to be an issue for me 'cause I'm going to get/stay published." Yup, I admit ego-maniac voice inside my head crops up every time I get a rejection. Every time I get a sucky review.

It's the only way to stay sane in this business. Either lie to yourself when you need it or get friends who can do the same. Honesty is great, but some days you need that white lie to get your through the next day. Because you never know that might be the day you get the call.

So tell me, what is your worse nightmare?

And More Reasons Why I Won't Let This Blog Die

Gauche: 1 a: lacking social experience or grace ; also : not tactful : crude b: crudely made or done 2: not planar (gauche) *(definition provided by Merriam-Webster online dictionary)

Someone recently accused me of being gauche for bemoaning a delayed response to a query. The issues wasn't the amount of time, but the fact I said something publicly about my disgust.

And then it just made me curious what got this taboo started. I'm very aware publishing isn't your normal work environment. You could have a grade A lawsuit for being black-balled in the corporate world for speaking, truthfully, about grievances of your work environment. In essence it's called retaliation.

But what I am fully surprised by is that most people black-balled in this industry are by other authors. Yes, some people should have thought better of what to say in public. Also, IMHO, some things were just blown out of proportion.

My questions to you: At what point was it okay for authors to be bashed for unprofessional behavior *publicly*? When did it become a faux pas for authors to speak of industry professionals for the same type of behavior? *not just their peers*

There Is Something About the Holidays...

That makes me want to write less. Seriously, I want to hibernate, but of course I must eat my weight in chocolate first. I've only been writing four years, but it happens like clock work. I'm writing like mad and then all of a sudden the words kind of fade out of my head.

Writing = pulling teeth without whiskey.

It got me to thinking--do authors have writing seasons? It is all in my head or do you find yourself writing more/less during a certain time of year?