Monday, February 02, 2009
Let's uncomplicate writing!
I was just reading "Mad Utopia", another blog. It is filled with great advice, writing contests, etc. Now, if I could figure out how to link Jon's site with mine, I would. But, I digress. Reading his site made me wonder, when did writing become so complicated? Used to be a pen and a piece of paper, a few brilliant thoughts, then in an envelope and off it went to find a home. Now, it seems one must have a blog, a web-site, a following, before an agent or editor will even look at what you have to say. Do you think we will ever get back to writing because you are inspired, and reading because you are curious to see what this unknown author might have to say?
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5 comments:
Hi Deborah. I am certain there are many who agree with you, me being one. I can tell you that coming from the music business side of things, I don't know how hard it is to convince people to read untested authors. On the music side that would mean some whose music video we haven't seen (we don't even know what this guy looks like), music we haven't heard on the radio (yet) or at least someone we know or source we already use (magazine for example) that tells us to check it out. I imagine in the book publishing world, with fewer marketing outlets than music it is even harder to get people to take a chance on a new author. However, new authors have new media on their side nowadays so in a way, it can be easier to reach potential readers. Relationship marketing and use of the internet if tapped into correctly can be HUGE for new authors seeking to develop an audience. Finding out what your potential readers are into and tapping into that will be the key to making it work. Yes, it is complicates things further, meaning the writer has to become a marketer as well, but desperate times...
Unfortunately, I think that one must be a damn good writer and a damn good marketer. GREAT writers might get away with a less-than-stellar platform, but for first-timers, I do beleive both skills will be imperative. MHO, from what I'm reading, what I've absorbed from agents and editors at conferences.
On the other hand, I think if writers are willing to be flexible about how to get thier writing out to their readers, then there are more opportunities than ever. Just need to think out of the box. Peace, Linda
Hello Deb! I'm just starting to explore all the blogs of the forumites from Editors Unleashed. You've got the 'write' idea with yours - are you still having trouble trying to link other sites? If so, I may be able to help you out...
As for yuor post - I think it all still comes down to the writing. If what you are writing is good and from the heart, than the writing will stand for itself. No amount of 'internet savy' can buy an acceptnace letter from a publisher. I've read on an agents blog that he (and others he works with) do not have the time to look at a prospective clients blog/website. So who knows?
I, for one, am starting to miss simpler times...
Cheers,
Sandra
Hi Deborah. Thanks for the call out on Mad Utopia. I appreciate it.
We certainly are living in interesting times. With the changes going on in the publishing world, and the advent of Internet distribution (both of short form content like blogs and long form content like e-books) we have entered both the best of times and the worst of times. New avenues are open to authors like never before, but so too are additional chores.
I think the whole platform issue is much more important for non-fiction writers than for fiction. Just yesterday I read an agent (sorry, can't find the link) who said as much. I think for fiction writers it is much more important concentrate on our creative writing than in building a platform.
I'm not saying we should not blog, but I think it is something we can quit stressing over.
~jon
Wow, it certainly seems like there are a lot of writers with platforms. I've been on the computer all morning researching blogs, as I want to start one for my writing. I had no idea how massive it is! I do think there are exciting opportunities for new authors like myself to network and learn about the industry through social media. It's a great way to open doors and meet contacts I otherwise would not have the opportunity to meet. But it can be a bit overwhelming.
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