Saturday, September 15, 2007

Why We Do What We Do...

It is a question to ponder sometimes. I am on nine different publisher author lists and I find all have several things in common.

Drama. Confusion. Questions.

Most of us set out to do what we love. Write a good story so we can enjoy our craft. I, myself, love to go back and read my own work. Call me narcissic, but I like what I write. I enjoy the stories and I love it when my readers do too. Then, other stuff comes into play. Promoting, dealing with editors, reviews and a myriad of other things no one told you about when you did the rabbit dance over the first acceptance.

I've been in the business a relatively short time. Two years come December. Long enough to have some experience, but I haven't been around to learn all the important ins and outs of promoting. And I tell you, it is overwhelming. All I want to do is write, but in all truth, to do this right...I can only give 1/3 of my time to writing. The rest belongs to the promotion side of things.

It's a balancing act, and when authors on the lists cry out for help, it doesn't matter if you're with the biggest company, or the newest...you are starting from scratch and it's a rare day where one of my loops aren't helping out a newbie.

I know some pubs are more willing to work with new authors than others, but the sad fact is...if you want to learn, you have to do it yourself. Publishers don't have the time. I discover something new every day, but because I love the writing part so much more than the promoting, I have to force myself to take the step to get out there and do what needs to be done.

But...no matter what the drama, worry, or insecurity, we just keep on, keeping on. If you're a writer, you don't have a choice. You HAVE to write. And that answers the question...Why do we do, what we do...

Hugs and have a great weekend!!!

2 comments:

Jodi said...

And, I for one am very greatful that you do write! (My dh is always thankful when he gets the credit card bills though! LOL)
I love to read and generally have a book with me everywhere I go. You just never know when you'll get stuck somewhere with nothing to do!

Ava Rose Johnson said...

I have to agree with you there CJ. I'm pretty passionate about the differences between porn and erotica and erotic romance.