Tis the season - to be busy! With so many projects on the go its hard to keep things organized and on track. However, when you've got the motivation it can be a rewarding experience. Recently I began writing a western novel that I had hoped to get published via a New York publisher. I've revised that idea - not because its hard, or an out of touch idea but simply because at this stage in my career I don't feel confident enough to win an agent over to my talents.
Having said that, I don't think my writing is poor quality - I wouldn't get published if it didn't hold up to industry standards. No, I simply have come to the conclusion that the smaller publishing houses are a good experience and will help me create my name before I launch into a larger market so to speak.
If you get the chance, I highly recommmend you read the book The Career Novelist by Donald Maass. It's an excellent read and it will help you figure out where you want to go. Having a plan for your career is invaluable and necessary. You wouldn't start a business without a game plan, and your writing career is the same.
As an author you're making a product to sell to the consumer. It's a business plain and simple. Does it keep a person busy? For sure. Edits, rewrites, research, all take up time that you, the owner/author, must manage. I don't believe that it should consume every waking minute but a good five hours a day shouldn't be unheard of.
Am I guilty of spending more than that on the computer? Yes, I'm afraid so. What do I have to show for it. Three contracts ( The last came in yesterday for a full length western), my novella has been released, and the production on Master's Mistress - my Viking romance - has begun. That however is a tale for another day. I'm learning how to manage my time, how to juggle being a full time mother, wife, employee for another company, business owner - I do my own craft thing - and writer with a bit more finesse.
Its not always easy but it is rewarding. When I hear back from a fan that my work has touched them, that they've enjoyed what I've written I'm grateful that I've been able to do that. I'm touched that as an author, my work is an inspiration to others. Busy - yes, insane - probably...regretting it? Not for a moment.
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