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The two faces of writing

FedoraDave

I have a Facebook friend who is also a writer. In fact, he's the one who got me interested in Raconteur Press. He's had half a dozen or so stories published in their various anthologies. And I've read some of them. He's quite good.

I found out a day or so ago that he's going to have a novel published. I don't know who's publishing it, but he's managed to snag the brass ring. I believe it's going to be the first in a series, too.

And I'm genuinely glad for him. I'm eager to read this novel.

But it also kind of hurts.

I don't have any kind of body of work, to be honest. I've put three stories out there, with two rejections and a pending. I'm working on another short story, and I do think it's coming along well, although I'm writing it without any clear place to submit it. And I've got ideas written down for longer pieces. Those are harder to corral. Just a skeleton of an idea is not enough for any story, particularly longer ones. Even a short novel for young readers needs to have a definite shape, so I'm mulling things over on these ideas.

Actually, it hurts because I've always wanted to pursue writing, even when I was a kid. But I didn't, for a lot of reasons. So I never developed the disciplines and skills and, most important, the tough hide you need in order to weather the rejections. And I feel like I've wasted my time, and I don't know if starting now, in my late sixties, is too late. But I can't help it; I have to try.

It's the feeling that I'm running out of time that hurts the most. I tended to what was urgent and neglected what was important.

SaraLuna

It's never too late to take up a new passion! And your writing is good. You just need a bit of polishing here and there - as every writer does - and you will be published. You have the drive and the desire, and I know those will see you to the finish line. You have plenty of time. Slow and steady will win the race. The more you put yourself out there for publication the better. You will get there. I have faith!

The main reason I have never attempted to publish any of my books is because I can't handle rejection. That's why I don't write my blogs under my real name. For some reason it hurts less if people hate them. If that makes sense. I've written several novels and short stories that I think are good, that my friends say are good, but I just can't bring myself to try to publish. So you're already doing way better than me!

I know how you feel with the hurt. Someone I used to work with self-published her trashy romance garbage and is apparently gaining some fans. That hurt to see because her stuff is quite literally garbage. She's a horrid writer with zero talent or imagination, so to see her making money off her trash while I can't even gain a small following on my blogs, which I feel are much better written - and don't use the F word in every sentence - makes me angry. It made me feel like there's no point in trying since I refuse to write complete trash.

Keep your chin up, Dave! You have the talent, the drive, and the desire. I have no doubt we'll see your name on a title page soon!

FedoraDave

SaraLuna
My biggest challenge is that, like many other businesses, a lot someone's success is immersing oneself in the business aspect. Cultivating a presence within a somewhat insular community takes time and a lot of persistence, and I honestly don't care about that. I like the creative aspect of it, and it ends there.

And that means I've got to rely on talent and output and happening to hit a home run at some point.

Many publishers don't even want to know you exist unless you're represented by an agent. Some won't even consider stuff from an agent they haven't worked with before. So the deck is stacked against a lot of new writers.

It's just a grueling mind sport a lot of the time, and I don't have the ability to deal with that.

SaraLuna

I completely understand. I've done a lot of editing on the side, so I know how difficult it is to get your book in the hands of a publisher. It's becoming more and more difficult as well with cutbacks, etc. for new writers. Self-pub is a way to go, but then all of the financials and promo work fall on you, the author, which isn't great for a lot of people. That's why I've started to recommend people use blog platforms that allow you to set up a paywall and post their stories one chapter at a time. But even that is hard work. It is difficult, but I know you can do it! People think because I'm a librarian, writer, and editor that I have a magical way to get them published, but sadly that isn't the case. I wish I had the financial wherewithal to open my own publishing house, but alas. Maybe when I win the lottery I don't play.... 🙁

FedoraDave

SaraLuna
That's why I'm interested in Raconteur Press. They're new, they're founded and staffed by published writers, and they have open submissions. They're more geared to sci-fi and fantasy pulp, and that's not necessarily what I'm most interested in, but it's been good exercise for me to try those genres. I am learning a lot by doing so. And you never know where even a rejected submission may lead. There's such a thing as name recognition.

I won't even consider self-pub, because that's more work concerning marketing, etc. that I care to do. And, to be honest, I kind of see it as "slumming." I'm on Substack, and have a few subscribers, but I haven't set up a paywall, and I actually see that as an author potentially eating his own tail. If I'm publishing there, what does that mean for my rights as an author? I don't even want to investigate that; too sketchy.

You know, even if I just get one story published in an anthology, I'll be satisfied. Seeing my story in print with my name attached is my goal. Having a lasting career doesn't have to happen; I just want the satisfaction of getting in the door just once.

Hellhound69

You two can both write better than most people out there.
The biggest thing is to not give up.
I've had a rough week with interviews for jobs, and not one thing is sticking. But I gotta keep trying.
You two need to do the same.

FedoraDave

Hellhound69
Hey, good luck with the job interviews, bro. I know it can be discouraging and it's a pain in the arse too. But you're right; you gotta keep plugging away.

SaraLuna

Hellhound69 I'm not having any luck in my search either, but I need to find something soon. I can't stay where I'm at much longer for so many reasons. I pray we both have luck soon!