I can't be the only writer who doesn't dream about getting on the NYT bestseller list.
I really don't want to be on that list. I think it would be too much pressure.
I don't need to be on any lists to be happy.
I really just want to handle my book in ... book form.
Sure, I could have it privately published, there are lots of companies online that would do that.
But it's not the same.
My dream would be this: A medium-sized brown cardboard box delivered right to my doorstep from a well-known publisher. I bring the box inside and stare at it for a while; I don't want to rush the moment. I carefully slice open the tape, pull back the sides, push away the packing material and there it is.
My book.
It smells good; like toxic glue and fresh cut paper.
It sounds good; the paper is still stiff and the spine crackles in anticipation of being opened for the first time.
It looks good; it has a really awesome cover, not cheesy!
It feels good; smooth and shiny new!
I personally don't feel it will be necessary to taste it, but to each his own.
So, is that so much to ask?
Really at this point I just want someone to read it!
I got some good feedback about critique partners and groups from the HQN forum. I am still debating on sending it.
One of the responders said (paraphrasing) the need to get feedback outweighed the worry of sharing.
I may be at that point.
Didn't write this morning. Wondering if I'm just too distracted or if my writing brain is trying to tell me something. Just have to think on it a while.
The weekend will once again be busy so we shall see if I have the willpower to sit down and get some pages written.
I completely agree with you. I don't care about being famous or having my name on bestseller lists at all. I too, only want my works to be read and hopefully liked by others. Sure, if you can make a living from writing that helps too, but just being able to write and see your finished product on a bookshelf somewhere would do it for me.
ReplyDeleteBut stay strong. It sounds like you truly have what it takes to be a published author. So, keep at it. One of these days it will be your turn to tell the rest of us what it is like to be a published author.
Thank you for that. I'm trying to keep my chin up. Thought I would have heard some good news from someone by now. Alas. I read on the HQN forums that some of those ladies are waiting months after they get accepted and do rewrites and such. Could be up to two years from acceptance to print. It sounds like trying to swim in molasses! Now I know why publishing online is such a draw for people.
ReplyDeleteKeeping positive thoughts for both of us!
I totally get this. I just want to hold my book in my hands. I don't want fame or all the rest of it, I just want to be one of those quietly successful people who writes (and gets paid for it) all of the time.
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely into this. Oh, turned down from another job? No problem, I'm going to be a best-selling novelist! Well maybe that is a lot to ask, and requires a heck of a lot more work on my part. But hey, we can dream, can't we?
ReplyDelete