So, in case you didn't know, there's a reason all of those great writers were alcoholics.Check out this post over at author Nicola Morgan's blog. In the post (and later the comments) are real stories of authors out there sorely dissapointed after being published. It got me thinking.
We writers have big dreams, don't we? :) We have Never Say Die attitudes, enormous goals, and lofty expectations. Well, what happens if when we meet those goals, we're not met at Barnes N' Noble with fanfare and hugs?
What if no one cares at all?
Not even our moms... ? :(
Will we still consider ourselves successful? Will reaching our goal of *sparkle* PUBLICATION *sparkle* still be enough?
And if not enough, what the hell are we gonna do about it?
As Nathan Bransford pointed out today, writers are sensitive, emotional freakazoids. We know this about ourselves, and we embrace it :). However, this means we have to not only think about what we're going to do if our books tank, but cope with that idea before it happens. Expect the worst, but hope for the best!
After all, what is the fun of inflating your expectations so much that you're disappointed after you've achieved your dream? THAT'S depressing, people: not the other way around! If someone expected Disneyland to be full of real giant mice dancing about in human clothing, they'd be disappointed, too. And it's freaking DISNEYLAND.
We have to make sure we are prepared emotionally, ready to deal with whatever comes our way.
What are you going to do if you face disappointment?
A) Give up and go get your real estate license?
B) Whine about it on your blog?
C) Get hugs from friends/family and then get back to Kicking Ass? :)
I'm on board for Option C.
Writing is not only a dream for me, it's my favorite passtime. I'm proud to do it, kudos or not! I fully expect the road to be difficult, but I remember one thing: God does not play dice with the universe (I <3 you, Einstein). If it's going to happen, it will happen. I just have to be ready for it when the time comes.
What about you?
7 comments:
Option C, for sure. And you know what, we're done hoping for the best and expecting the worst. If we're going to do this we're going to expect the best and it will be disappointing if it doesn't happen, but we'll never ever give up. We love it too much.
Amen, sister! I'm all for option C. I can't imagine anything else I want to do so I'll write regardless of the praise, or the line wrapped around B&N to get a signed copy of my book. As writers, we have to keep each other from taking option A...unless of course real estate is their calling-lol.
Definitely, option C. Writing is fun and relaxing (writing, not revisions ;D), and that's the main reason I do it. If I get published, that's just a bonus. Thanks for the perspective! Needed that today. :)
Great post! And at least we don't have it as bad as that poor kitty! :)
I prefer the Neil Gaiman expansion on the Einstein quote. :P
“God does not play dice with the universe; He plays an ineffable game of His own devising, which might be compared, from the perspective of the players, (ie everybody), to being involved in an obscure and complex version of poker in a pitch-dark room, with blank cards, for infinite stakes, with a Dealer who won't tell you the rules, and who smiles all the time.”
Deinitely option C...I have definitely learned in life that if you aren't satisifed with who you are NOW....you won't be later. Satisfaction comes from inside, not from things that happen externally. Great post
Isn't it good to not only know what we're facing, but know we're not alone? :) HOORAY FOR CHOICE C!
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