Comments on: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Fame…

By: Simon Haynes

Simon Haynes — Fri, 24 Feb 2006 21:17:00 +0000

No prats on your blog, that’s for sure. Yes, the first goal is to get published, but after that you’re not supposed to sit back and declare yourself done with the writing game.
Once published you just face a new set challenges, and while they might seem like unjustified moaning to some of those seeking publication, they’ll have exactly the same issues to deal with if/when THEY become published, and hearing how others overcame them is helpful.
By the way Glenda, you might like to check out http://www.sfnovelists.com/ It’s a forum for published authors run by Tobias Buckell (Karen and I are both on there). You can discuss writer business (publishers, publicity, agents) without sounding like a bunch of whingers. I think there are over 50 people on there now, mostly from the US but including several aussies.
If you do email Tobias to join the group you can mention my name – although mentioning you’re published by HC will be more than enough 😉

By: Glenda Larke

Glenda Larke — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 01:44:00 +0000

For Katskie:

:-D Thank you!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 01:26:00 +0000

Glenda, anyone who thinks of you as an ungrateful prat for admitting the truth, deserves to have their heads caved in =) You’re an excellent writer, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with expanding your horizons, and desiring more! Dreams, just like relationships or anything, grow! So if you want more out of being a writer, then being ‘just’ published, then you go for it! Your fans, like I, will always support you! *super hugs*

By: Glenda Larke

Glenda Larke — Tue, 21 Feb 2006 19:00:00 +0000

Yes, all the best nikki b! I hope it is not quite as long a road for you as for me...I was agented in Jan 1991, by a very experienced, savvy lady (also the wife of a successful published author), whom I am immensely grateful to and would never leave in a million years, but even she couldn't make miracles happen overnight.

My first book was published in 1999. And it wasn't the one the agent started with! That one was finally published in 2003 -yep, 13 years after it was written - and was apparently good enough to be shortlisted for the best Australian fantasy novel of the year.

As I said, there is little that is logical in this business. You just pick yourself up off the floor and try again.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 21 Feb 2006 12:45:00 +0000

Thanks, Nikki B. And congrats on your newly agented status! Fingers crossed it leads to your own dreams coming true.

Karen

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 21 Feb 2006 12:20:00 +0000

This is a wonderful post, Karen. I just jumped over here from Kristin Nelson’s site, and as a newly-agented literary novelist I take your words to heart.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 19 Feb 2006 16:01:00 +0000

This is the sucky downside to the game, and kudos to you for being brave enough to talk about it. I echo all your emotions, with bells on. Writers, like actors and other creative artists, wear their hearts on their sleeves. They peel up a little corner of the psyche and invite the world to have a looksee. And when the world doesn't take any notice ... it hurts. When it goes ewwwwww ... we want to slash our wrists. The creative impulse may be strong but I'm not altogether convinced its always sane. The trouble is, denying it is a sure way to go *in*sane. I guess the only thing we can do is take a deep breath, hold on tight, and ride the rollercoaster as hard and as fast as we can.

If we're lucky, there are fantastic people sharing the ride with us. You're one of them. And that's what makes the scary bits bearable.

As to being thought an ungrateful prat ... well, perhaps some people do think that. But they should think again. There's a big difference between whining and acknowledging the truth of a situation. Many dreams attained prove to have a dark underbelly. It's possible to still be grateful for the dream while recognising the darkness. You know the saying: Take what you want, says God. Take it, and pay. There is always a downside. No matter how fantastic things look on the outside, there is always a shadow. And I think it would be remiss not to warn those folk still dreaming that sometimes it's not all beer and skittles. Which isn't to say you don't still go for the dream. You do. But go for it with your eyes open.

Karen (who still hadn't organised her blog id!!)