Is a Book of Cardboard, Copy Paper and Staples Worth $19.95?

Is it jealousy that makes us emotional at the news of another author being published? Is it so wrong to be envious that it isn't us instead? I don't think it's jealousy if we can admit we're envious. But, what if we go on to point out it was published by a vanity house? Or, that we read the first page and found noticeable problems? Are we jealous if we point to the errors? Probably. That anyone can publish a badly written book is one thing, but to put it up on Amazon asking for money makes me slightly angry, It's like a person cutting to the front of the line; jumping ahead of all the suckers working hard to get it right. It leaves a bad odor on all self-published authors, some of which are very good. One bad apple stinks up the whole barrel and the process keeps its bad reputation a little longer.

I wanted to be able to set some of my short stories together, in between two seven or nine -by -five inch sheets of hard cardboard, disguised by a nice covering of contact paper. I wanted words across the front that hinted of the stories inside. I wanted my name at the lower margin, and I wanted my family to love them; to read them. I wanted them to be proud that the stories contained some of my memories of them. Have I asked for too much? But, I will never write perfect enough for publication I will never be good enough to be chosen and sometimes I feel I know nothing about writing. I'm in a deep, dark valley and wonder if I really want to climb out. It's comfortable here. At this point, crafty cardboard, copy paper, and staples are good enough and they're cheap.

I will most likely give Lulu a visit someday; and order a couple dozen copies. At least I wouldn't have to pretend they chose me.

I wish I were more like some of these self-published writers; blissfully unaware of the errors, inconsistencies and plain 'bad writing' in my own work. I don't expect perfection from anyone but me, but I'd be embarrassed to put a price on anything less.

Yeah, I'm most likely just jealous of one more writer who had enough nerve to grab his dream, without slowing for a moment to ask for a good proofread.

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Are you a Real Writer?

I love to write. A few people know I wrote kids-lit for my grand-kids, home made just for them. I write for fun. I have also written some rants, just random thoughts. I write nothing fancy, PC (punctuated correctly), or of novel length.

Since I became a member of a writing group, I’ve tried my hand at other genres, thanks to the prompts. My stories are short and quick to read. No novel is planned for ‘down the road’, no plans for publishing.

Can I then call myself a ‘real writer’? Am I serious enough about writing?

Writing this newsletter has required me to do a lot of researching on the Craft of Writing. Most of what I've learned is because of this newsletter. I read and study in preparation for the letter, and believe it or not, some of it sticks. I've read lots of new writers over the last five years, and believe me, that's an education in itself.

A paraphrased list I came across somewhere of writer’s tips.

A real writer is serious about writing, driven, and writes daily.
A real writer lets nothing come in the way of finishing the novel.
A real writer has a neat desk and keeps everything in the correct folder.
A real writer keeps a notebook with them at all times.
A real writer is well educated.
A real writer writes, he won't edit until the story is told.

Would this describe you? It doesn’t me. Does that mean I’m not a real writer? No, I don’t think so. Real writer’s write for themselves too. I write because I like to. I’m serious about the piece I’m working on, and I want it to be the best it can be. I’m not driven and I don’t feel the need to write daily.

My desk isn’t neat; it isn’t organized in the traditional way. Shoot, it isn't organized in any way. I can find what I need though. Usually.

The most important ‘tip’ I know is ‘write for the joy of writing’. Write for yourself, for those you love. The publishing will happen if you research well and submit to the right place at the right time. From what I’ve read, it’s mainly a matter of luck. I know editors have turned down best sellers. If an author has a good story and is persistent with submitting, it will be published someday.

I have included this excerpt of an article because I think it is important. It is the direct opposite of everything I have read on the subject. I was glad to find it because it validates my feelings. It makes a lot of sense.

Real writers write every day. You've read this advice in every writing magazine, so it must be true, right? Real writers either dedicate a certain number of hours per day to writing, or don't stop until they've completed a certain number of pages. If you don't write every day, your writing muscle will get "flabby." If you don't write today, it will be harder to write tomorrow, and almost impossible the next day. Or so you're told. Alas, I can't recall where I read an article that beautifully punctured this myth, so I'll paraphrase: Do doctors see patients every day? Do sculptors sculpt every day? Do pastors preach every day? No! Folks with ordinary day jobs don't "work" every day, and neither do writers. Indeed, if we do not take time to relax, refresh, walk around, and interact with the world outside our keyboards, we are likely to lose our ability to remain "fresh" as writers -- not to mention the fact that we won't find very much to write about! That doesn't mean that a regular writing schedule isn't important; it is. But a regular "living" schedule is important too. If you're trying to write every day just because you think you must, writing will soon become a joyless chore, empty of passion or inspiration.

Copyright © 2001 Moira Allen
This article originally appeared on Inkspot.

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