I'm wondering why people want to get published? When people find out that I'm an author, there's a good chance they'll say to me, "I've always wanted to write a book." Or they'll say they know a cousin, aunt, uncle, son, daughter, or some other relative who wants to write a book.
I'm wondering if people mistakenly think that when you write a book and get published, you get tons of money and can quit your day job, writing pages and pages of prose everyday?
Or, I wonder if they think they'll be famous and admired, like Stephen King or J.K. Rowling or Stephanie Meyer?
Why did I want to get published, and why do I STILL want to get published? I've been reading books practically all of my life. Reading has given me an enjoyment that surpassess all of my other hobbies. When I was twenty-eight, I was at my lunch break at work and I didn't have anything to read. So I decided to write a book.
I've been writing ever since.
I guess getting published just gives me a jolt of happiness because I've accomplished something that I've admired others doing my entire life. Books and reading have always been a big part of my life and the people represent a community that wasn't really a personal part of my life - meaning, I didn't have direct contact with authors, publishers, etc. I just read and enjoyed the books. Now being a part of the community that has brought me such joy over the years just gives me a feeling of warmth? I guess that's why I want to be published so much. Also, I love just knowing that thousands upon thousands of people have read my books and I've gotten several letters and emails from readers, stating how much they've enjoyed my work! Hearing those words gives me a euphoric feeling and I'm glad that others have enjoyed my books!
I didn't want to get published for financial reasons, that's for sure! Most writers are poor, barely able to make a living, which is why most of us have day jobs or we're living off of our spouses. Initially, I'd thought that writers made about as much as full-time workers. After I became acquainted with the writing community I've found that it's a rarity for writers to make a steady income from their published works.
Now it's your turn. Why do you want to get published? This inquring mind wants to know!
Also, I want to remind everybody that Chesapeake Weddings is now available at Christianbook.com for only $2.79! Do a bit of your Christmas shopping early and purchase multiple copies to use as gifts and stocking stuffers! Where else can you get a brand-new 367-page, trade-sized paperback book for such a low price?
~Cecelia Dowdy~
10 comments:
My reason was because I grew up hating to read. So, I decided to try to write the kinds of books that I would have enjoyed as a boy. I'm now writing manuscript #36, with many to be published over the next several months.
Author Web Site http://www.maxbooks.9k.com
Books For Boys Blo http://booksandboys.blogspot.com
That is a good question, and I believe the general public has a misconstrued idea that writers are famous and rich. I still can't convince my brother of the truth, but he lives in Texas and everything is bigger in Texas, even misconstrued ideas! LOL! I write because I love telling stories. There's a sense of accomplishment each time I write "the end." I love hearing from readers who are moved emotionally by what I write. It's the feedback that keeps me tapping away at the keyboard. That's the true reward!
I have read Christian romances since I was a young girl. When I married and started having kids, I had strange dreams - like I was watching a movie. One night after watching a good romance with a bad ending, I went to bed upset because I didn't get my Happily-Ever-After. That night I dreamed again, and when I woke up I realized my dream could have been a book. So...I picked up a notebook and pencil and started writing. That's all it took for my muse to kick and and my muse hasn't stopped in over 15 years.
I wanted to be a writer because I enjoy writing. It was my getaway from the real world. After a few years I decided to see if I could be published. I was, but with small, electronic companies. That definitely didn't make me any money, so I shot for the bigger publishers. Finally, this year I found one! I have two books with them now and one in a few momths. Do I think I'll make enough money to quit my day job? Maybe, but not for several years.
People who I have told about being published think I'm going to quit my day job now. They don't understand that it takes a while to build up to that - unless we take off like the Twilight series or Harry Potter. But I think it's the accomplishment of being published...because it IS a struggle. It's a hard climb, and anyone who reaches their goal should feel proud of themselves!
~Marie~
Hello Cecilia:
I am just now going to bed- days & nights are realllly mixed you. But w/i the last year, I truly and firmly belive that Romance writing is a ministry. If I could buy back the books I have sold, I would do so and rewrite them in a manner I be Our Blessed Lors would appreciate.
Have a blessed day!
Mary
It certainly isn't to make money - I won't be quitting my day job any time soon! You also mentioned the 'fame' aspect. The paradox for me (and many writers, I have come to gather) is that we want people to read our work, but at the same time there is a sense of fear and/or inferiority that comes with that, so we'd rather remain anonymous. (Maybe why some authors choose a pen name) The real answer for me is, after twenty five years of writing compulsively, (I just HAVE to) I knew It was time to try to seek publication. It took lots of hard work, many rejections, and more time than I had anticipated, but I now have three works in print and many more to go. There is certainly satisfaction in that.
Hi Cecilia,
As a child I was an avid reader and I loved to write things inspired by the books I’d read or things I’d seen on TV. Mostly I wrote short plays to perform in class at school (when the teacher allowed).
The only ambition I ever recall in my early life was to be a writer.
Somewhere along the way every day reality and family experience directed me in more conventional directions.
However, every so often the desire to write re-emerges and I try to do something about it. In the early 90s I left paid employment to spend three years studying writing at University with the aim of starting all over again, making a living somehow from writing.
Unfortunately a year after graduation my dream was no closer to being realised, so I found myself returning to the same kind of work I’d wanted to leave behind.
Around 16 years later (if my math is right) the desire to be creative is stirring again.
Now to deal with your question: Why do I want to get published?
1) It would mean I’d actually WRITTEN something.
2) It would mean that “something” was of sufficient quality to impress a publisher.
3) It would give my childhood (and continually renewed) ambition some kind of validation (not to mention the investment of time and money that went into my studies).
4) It would mean what I had written had been read and that someone thought it was worthy of having other readers.
5) There would be the chance of at least a little payment for my writing.
6) It would mean I AM capable of remaining focused on one thing for long enough to bring it to completion.
Regarding my fourth point above, I have found that having no realistic expectation of being read has been one of the biggest disincentives to writing.
I therefore thank God for my blogs, where I have a place to “self-publish” and occasionally receive a little feedback to prove that a few people are reading what I write.
Hi Cecilia,
As a child I was an avid reader and I loved to write things inspired by the books I’d read or things I’d seen on TV. Mostly I wrote short plays to perform in class at school (when the teacher allowed).
The only ambition I ever recall in my early life was to be a writer.
Somewhere along the way every day reality and family experience directed me in more conventional directions.
However, every so often the desire to write re-emerges and I try to do something about it. In the early 90s I left paid employment to spend three years studying writing at University with the aim of starting all over again, making a living somehow from writing.
Unfortunately a year after graduation my dream was no closer to being realised, so I found myself returning to the same kind of work I’d wanted to leave behind.
Around 16 years later (if my math is right) the desire to be creative is stirring again.
Now to deal with your question: Why do I want to get published?
1) It would mean I’d actually WRITTEN something.
2) It would mean that “something” was of sufficient quality to impress a publisher.
3) It would give my childhood (and continually renewed) ambition some kind of validation (not to mention the investment of time and money that went into my studies).
4) It would mean what I had written had been read and that someone thought it was worthy of having other readers.
5) There would be the chance of at least a little payment for my writing.
6) It would mean I AM capable of remaining focused on one thing for long enough to bring it to completion.
Regarding my fourth point above, I have found that having no realistic expectation of being read has been one of the biggest disincentives to writing.
I therefore thank God for my blogs, where I have a place to “self-publish” and occasionally receive a little feedback to prove that a few people are reading what I write.
@Max - You're one of the few writers I've ever "met" who said they hating reading while growing up. I usually read a lot of romances and secular fiction - Christian fiction didn't exist back then!
@Carol Ann - I know what you mean. When I see people that I knew way back when, before publication, they automatically assume that I'm no longer working my day job since I'm now published! They need a reality check, quick!!
@Marie Higgins - Yes, been there done that! I wish Titanic had a happier ending for Jack and Rose, don't you? I also recall, before I started writing, about dreaming about a movie - a made-up movie in my mind! LOL! It was about two? young teen-aged girls and they were in high school! I can't recall all that I dreamed, but it was a sure sign that I was a writer!
@Anonymous - writing can be a ministry, but, I'd still like to get paid for my work. I do minister to other writers via answering questions on this blog and I've also done a few speaking engagements for free. Don't think I could write entire books for publication and not expect any money in return!
@Tracy, yes, there is a fame aspect that people incorrectly perceive about writing! But, I don't want to publish my works anonymously/pen-name. I want people to know that it's me writing the story. However, sometime down the road, that feeling could change for me?
@Onesimus - yes, getting published does give some writers a sense of validation...they now have a book in print that others may want to read and is already approved by an editor. I think that gives the writer the euphoric rush that I mentioned in my post.
I did not go into this for the money. I've been an avid reader my entire life. Once I was bitten by the writing bug, I wanted write the stories that reflected me and my culture. Most of all I wanted to write works that glorified God.
Linda!
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