Writers Life – it’s not glorious and the most part not rewarding to everyone. However, it’s part of me. Writing and art drives my inner soul – it’s me.
The above photo says it all :
10 THINGS People Say to Creative Writers ( But shouldn’t)
1. So you’re still writing your little book/poem/etc.?
2. Must be nice not having a real job.
3. Writing doesn’t sound too difficult.
4. I always thought I’d write a book after I retire, once I have some time to kill.
5. Wait a second, creative writing degrees are a real thing ?
6. Have you been published yet ?
7. Can I be a character in one of your stories?
8. So I have this great idea I think you should be using in your book…
9. Aren’t writers just professional liars ? They tell stories for a living, after all.
10. You’re writing a book ? Tell me everything.
Here’s more :
11. So what do you do in real life ?
12. How many books have you published so far ?
13. How come you’re not famous, like Stephen King ?
14. Oh, com’n ! Everyone knows how to write a story.
I believe all writers can relate. I’ve heard it all. A writers life has little support unless it becomes a blockbuster movie or a Best Seller. When I first decided to publish a book, I was pretty naive of the whole process. On top of that I wanted to write a cookbook.
What was I thinking?!
Getting sucked into self-publishing by dishing out $5000 to a self-publisher, I was still optimistic. Had these grandeur thoughts of becoming a Best Seller, selling millions of copies across Canada and United States.
The reality is more prevalent ; “Canadian Recipes of the Great White North” sold just enough to get my money back. On a positive note, it reached the UK, Australia, Germany and Japan. In Canada it sold locally and I also received requests from United States.
I found out quickly, self-publishing is thrown into the mix of hundreds of millions of other cookbooks. Not only is it expensive, your book selling on-line or a conventional bookstore takes a whopping 40 – 45 percent of your earnings. On top of that ( this may happen to you) the publishing company is constantly up for sell to larger publishers. On an average, self-publishers either sell or go bankrupt, due to competition. To add insult to injury, if the publisher is sold ( which happened to me) to an American publisher, the USA will make you pay taxes on any book you sell. Sure – you can get it back, however the process is daunting. You must fill out a five page report w/ all your personal information and then send it to a box office number. No way ! A Box Office Number ? That just doesn’t seem legit to me.
SO – You see, it’s not worth the hassle. I’m sure they do that on purpose. If it was a lot of money I would go to a lawyer, that way you’re protecting yourself.
The above “10 Things People say to Creative Writers” is so true, it’s scary – lol.
When I say cookbook, they go…”Oh…it’s just another cookbook. You’re NOT a writer.”
Meanwhile I write tons of science-fiction to reality short-stories that could possibly be made into a book. But now I’m pessimistic to the whole publishing routine. It’s clear, the only way to get your manuscript out is to send it in for submission. Submissions sound promising doesn’t it ? Sorry, it’s not that simple. First and foremost you have to find a publisher willing to take your manuscript. Second, it most probably lay on a pile of emails or deleted, due to the first couple of sentences they may read. The reality is, you may never get your manuscript to publishing.
What I’ve learned :
- Write because you want to tell your story. Never write thinking you’re the next J.K.Rowling.
- Write for yourself, maybe others will appreciate your work.
- I write not to impress others.
- I write because it’s my inner soul, it’s what I feel inside. It’s part of who I am.
- Writing is a burning passion others may not understand. Only writers understand.
- Try NOT to become disillusioned or depressed. Just realize the ‘Arts’ is extremely competitive and the most part unrewarding.
- Only write if it comforts you. YOU find it personally rewarding.
- Don’t expect to become the next best seller. There’s a ton of politics involved in that scenario.
- Write from your heart. Never mind what others may think. It’s your story. Tell it as it is.
- Read and read more…
I believe I’ve covered everything. You may want to add on to this list. I would love to hear your story.
Have you read my short-stories or screenplays ?
My Stories
My Art
Anyway – I thought this post of “10 Things People say to Creative Writers” is a prefect example.
Do you know, if Stephen King didn’t get notice for his book “The Shining” by a movie producer, he wouldn’t have become as famous as he is. However, his horror genre was a big hit to cult followers.
Getting your written work or art recognized is like winning a lottery, or its politically driven by artsy-class people and publishers. IF by chance your book is recognized by a movie producer or director, then it’s easy-street for you.
My Thursday Thoughts…
Bari Demers – screenwriter and storyteller
Dreams and Reality 