I had the misfortune this week to talk to someone about writing and publishing who was so negative that she took my breath away. Not only is publishing changing for the worse, but publishers are going out of business, everything is going to the internet (which she hates), and it’s “impossible” for a new author to get an agent, to sell a book or to establish his or herself as an author. I suspect the sky is falling, too. When I tried to share my thoughts about the changes in the industry, I was informed that it is different for me because I am “established”.
That almost made me laugh. Several years ago, Nora Roberts gave a great keynote speech at RWA National, slicing and dicing the notion that anything had been different or easier for her when she started out than it is for new authors now. I knew, though, that laughing wouldn’t help anything in this discussion.
This kind of negativity is not only debilitating – I’m sure this woman has stopped writing since she made these conclusions – but it’s not true. I have only to look in my teeny tiny local writers’ group to see evidence to the contrary. (I want to teach them to knit, because then we can call our get-togethers “stitch and bitch” meetings. Shh. That’s my diabolical plan for 2012.)
One of the writers in my group is Melanie Card, whose first book, a paranormal YA, was published in August with enthusiasm and to great reviews. She’s certainly launched her career.
Another is a.c. Mason, who has been publishing her work for several years. She’s prolific and picky about her writing, and she, too, is rapidly establishing a following.
A third is Stacey Kennedy, another prolific writer who has appeared out of nowhere in the past year and seeing such success so quickly.
All three of these authors are doing so well at establishing their names, their brands and their markets in a very challenging publishing market. They are proof positive that it is not impossible to be a new writer right here and right now – and they’re not the only writers I know having this kind of success. Of course, their journeys will have ups and downs – that comes with the territory of being a writer – but the sky, in fact, is not falling.
The one thing I do know for sure is that you cannot make a living as a writer (or as anything else) if you believe it to be impossible. Negative thinking makes it impossible for you to pursue and achieve your dreams. So, whenever you feel that everything is stacked against you, take another look around. I’m sure you’ll find something that’s going well, or maybe even an opportunity to move forward. It might be right in front of you, just waiting to be noticed.
End of rant. 🙂
Deborah Cooke: Author 
6 responses to “Negativity”
My feeling is that authors have more options than ever before.
But what hasn’t changes is “Those that won’t be denied will prevail at (fill in the blank).”
a.c. Mason
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I agree, Mason. The one thing that’s consistent is that publishing is a tough business. It has always been hard for new authors to find their market and their footing. (It was in the 1950’s that Dorothy Parker gave an aspiring author the advice “marry money”, so there’s nothing new there!)
The changes that are happening in the business right now are exciting because they provide opportunities to authors, independent of their publishing history. I prefer to see the evolution of publishing as an opportunity than as the end of the world as we know it.
But then, there’s an old saying that romance writers are die-hard optimists!
d
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I LOVE this new publishing environment!! I love writing shorts and novellas, and with ePublishing, that market is booming.
And having worked in many different industries, launching new products, there are no easy industries and very few easy successes.
If we want success, we have to put on our big girl underpants and work for it. Luckily, it is FUN work!
(happy sigh) There are so many opportunities out there.
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I think attitude and optimism play a very important role. (Aside from just down and dirty hard work)
Simply put, I know somebody’s book will be published, so why not mine? It’s just the way I look at it. Think opportunities, not obstacles.
“Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.”
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I remember back a few years Deb when you stuck to your guns because you believed in what you were authoring and there was a few years between novels, so really you kind of started over, you also switched genres.
I happen to agree with all the commenters above, yes publishing is changing, but when doesn’t an industry change and survive they like we all have to change to fit the times, we also have to be true to ourselves which isn’t easy either, especially if it risks a paycheck. I also see and try to feature a lot of debut authors on B&N as well as the authors that I love,. I think I’ll take Ms. Parker’s advice in my next life and marry money 🙂
thanks Deb
Good luck on your release of Winging It next Tuesday
Deb
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Great post, Deb! I think attitude is so important too. The publishing industry has changed and will continue to do so. I love that I have so many opportunities at my doorstep to get my books into the hands of readers. I think that anyone who closes themselves off to *these* opportunities is missing out! And thank you for the mention and the kind words…very sweet of you! 😉
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