Tayari's Blog: Read This With Some Caution, Okay?
Posted by TayariJones on May 3, 2007 09:51 AM
Filed under
The Writing Life
There is an interesting event taking place on May 5, here in the DC Area. It's called "Conversations and Connections: Practical Advice on Getting Published." I am a little ambivalent about posting about this.
On the one hand, I sort of feel silly about being apprehensive. I mean, what's not to like about this event. It's affordable ($35!), and sponsored by really reputable organizations like Johns Hopkins University and the Bethesda Writers Center. So, it's not like this is just another plot to scam money from aspiring writers by promising them to magic word that will open the doors of publishing.
Also, I know that publishing advice is important. People need to know how the system works. They need workshops of writing query letters, on using the web, etc. So this workshop is a wonderful opportunity and it's even accessible on the Metro!
So what is my problem?
I guess what I want to do is tell folks about the conference, but I am always worried that too many folks care more about publishing than actual writing. My own philosophy is that I don't discuss publishing with people unless they have a polished manuscript in hand.
Think long and hard before going to the "How To Get Published" party. I have never heard one piece of news from the publishing industry that has encouraged me in my writing. I often say that I never would have finished my first novel, Leaving Atlanta, had I known what I know now about publishing. I wrote it not knowing that publishers tend not to like adult books with child protagonists; I didn't know that books with all black characters are not thought to be "universal". Who knew that the 2nd person point of view was a huge no-no? I didn't write Leaving Atlanta purposely climbing uphill. I didn't know I was working on a long-shot. All I knew is that I was telling a story, the story, my story. (Well, I knew my classmates didn't dig it, but that's a different matter.)
In truth, I think the biggest impediment to my current efforts is that I know to much about what happens in NY. It's so hard for me to keep my eyes on the page I am writing, to keep my heart with my characters, and not think about all manner of random issues like, "When I finish, will it be considered marketable?" or "Can I summarize this plot on one concise sentence?" or "Is it too literary?" or "Is it literary enough?" or any of the other good, but not writer-friendly concerns that come about when I think about publishing.
So, if you're ready to send out, go to the conference in Bethesda. Arm yourself with all the info you can to have a happy publishing experience. But if you are still working, stay home. Write. When you are all finished up, there will be another conference.
(thx. t.r.o.y. )
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There are 2 comments on "Read This With Some Caution, Okay?". If you'd like to leave a comment, click here to jump down to the comments entry form.
Comment #1, by Judy ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.tayarijones.com/blog/nav-commenters.gif)
Wonderful advice!
May 3, 2007 01:12 PM
Comment #2, by olufunke
tayari, i so appreciate this post. i published my first short story just a few months after i began my journey as a writer, and hadn't even received any 'not yet' (rejection) letters on the story.
had i entertained the negativity that seems to pervade the literary world, i should have expected many rejection letters before acceptance. my focus has always been on my purpose--which happens to center around the use of words.
i think it's critically important for the emerging writer to stay focused on the purpose for which s/he writes. it's the commitment to the art & craft of writing that leads the writer to where s/he is meant.
i'm always amused at well-established writers who have little to nothing positive to say about the writer's journey. certainly some good things had to have occurred if that writer has published well, and is creating art as s/he wishes.
i certainly appreciate writers being honest and sharing practical considerations about the writing process. i think though that this information ought to be shared in a way that supports and encourages the new writer's growth--much as you've done. thank you.
May 4, 2007 12:13 PM