It’s A Slow Journey (And I Don’t Care)

It seems like an eternity since I have written for this blog. And no wonder. With one measly follower and not a lot of writing going on, what could I possibly have to say and to whom? Nevertheless, some changes have occurred. So why not throw it out there?

I recently picked out an old story from my earliest days at Columbia College with the intention of polishing it and submitting it to any publication I thought might want it. As soon as I began editing, an entire new world presented itself. Characters appeared out of the ether and situations never previously conceived flashed in my mind’s eye. “Write this down,” they begged. “Give us life.” And so it has become a mission for me to spend time with these characters, get to know them, and tell their story. Consequently, it’s a slow process but just like the Confucius quote I recently read, "it does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop."

I will not stop. I’ve spent far too much time questioning my talent and the market and the supposed impossibilities of making a good living as a fiction writer. I’ve adopted a strict I-really-don’t-care attitude and it suits me. I’ve stopped beating myself up and comparing myself to others. The blinders are on and my resolve is set soley on finishing this book. By this time next year I’ll be in the money, making a comfortable living doing what I love.

The second point I’d like to make here is that anyone out there thinking ebooks and epublishing is just a passing fad needs to wake the heck up. It is the present and the future of publishing. In fact, as you read this, the entire publishing paradigm is taking on a new shape and I refuse to be left behind. I highly suggest that anyone who is serious about writing to do your research on this. There are lots of fantastic opportunities, particularly for new authors hitting the scene. Don’t say I didn’t give you heads up.