I've been reading a few recent articles about how writers need to be huge self-promoters these days if they hope to be read at all, and watching my compatriot Lena Roy (http://www.lenaroy.com) work to promote her first book, and wondering about the purpose of it all. Then there's a long list of literary magazines to which I am supposed to be sending stories. And I am, but the responses are slow, like glass is really a liquid slow -- and so far, negative. I have this nice vision for myself, involving publishing a book and a few stories, or a book or two, and becoming a writing instructor at some nice writing program. I really enjoy teaching. I think I'd like that. Teaching and writing.
Flitting from there to here. I'm thinking about Dave Eggers' article on The Writing Life. As I dither, I like to think about Dave Eggers staring at the sheet tacked over the window in his writing shed. I like to think I share something with him. It's heartening to know that someone legitimate like him also butterflies around sometimes. Of course, Dave Eggers has earned his writing shed. Literally and figuratively. I have not. It's a viciously risky thing to put out there, the desire to write, or more specifically, the desire for recognition for writing. Just about everyone out there could spit on that goal. So impractical. Totally unremunerative. A chapbook of potential failure. Still, I do it.
Last night, leaving my novel beginnings workshop at the New York State Writers' Institute, one of my classmates shook my hand - very strong, dry, earnest, and overlong shake - and told me she really appreciated my insights, and that my comments were always very helpful to her. This made me feel good, if an understatement can express the pleasure of believing a few heartfelt words. I had something useful to offer the writing world. I felt good all the way home.
The president of the ad agency I used to work for gave a speech to the creative department one day, talking about his appreciation for us. He said that he'd had one good idea, to start the agency, and it had been his life. What he admired about us was that we had good ideas all day, everyday. That we came up with hundred and thousands of good ideas in our lives.
ReplyDeleteThat's what creative people, writers included, do - come up with ideas and flit around between them until one grabs hold of us strong enough to make us focus for a minute and follow it through.
We are all creative butterflies and that's a wonderful thing. Don't feel bad about flitting around, that's what makes you the incredible writer you are. The ability to have your attention captured, sometimes by the simplest things, to realize that you see those things a little differently than most, and the desire to share your perspective with the world - that's what writing is. Enjoy it!! Revel in it!!
I share your angst! But I always go back to the page. Who am I NOT to write? Who are you? The world needs your creative energy, Hope. Thank God you ARE a butterfly, beautiful in your flitting, connecting the dots. Don't stop flitting! Because it will happen. Because if you choose not to write you will become stagnant. Sure, you won't flit, but your beauty will be gone. Wow. I guess I needed to say all of this to myself as well! Pep talk for me included.
ReplyDeleteJulie and Lena,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the support - I wish I didn't need it, or plead for it so blatantly. Heart on the sleeve as usual.