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Now what?
Being a published author is a hell of a thing. For many of us, reaching this point is a dream come true. It’s a culmination of hard work, determination, and the courage to follow a seemingly impossible goal. But here we are.
Now what?
I’ll tell you what now. Now we have to write more, write faster, and write better. Writing is no longer a hobby. It’s a job. Granted, it’s a great job, but it’s still a job nonetheless. With being published comes deadlines, promotion, and expectations – because, let’s face it – we’re all only as good as our last book. That puts a tremendous amount of pressure on a writer to produce stronger manuscripts in order to nab that next contract.
Many of us are also a zillion other things besides being a writer. That brings with it a myriad of dramas. Mainly, the art of balancing every aspect of our lives to make time for all of our obligations. Yet, I can pretty much guarantee we all run through our day with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. At least I do. I sit here for hours, giving up time with my family, time for myself, and time to tend to the many demands of my life in order to write and do all the things associated with being published(what? You thought all I had to do was write? Um. No. How about a list of promo stuff each day that’s as long as I am tall?). And I do it all with a smile. After all, this is what I’ve always wanted. This is were I’ve always dreamed of being. Me. Published. Who would have thought it (beside my mother, who swears she’s never doubted it for a second)? Certainly I never thought I’d reach this point. But you know what? Now that I’m here I want more. I want to go as far as I can with my writing…and then I want to push ever farther.
Rene, You’re 100% right about the overwhelming amount of other “stuff” that comes with being published. And you’re also 100% right that it’s still the absolute best feeling, and best job, in the world. To spin stories, to put your dreams on paper and watch the world read them, is exhilarating, to say the least.
I wouldn’t trade it for anything :)
because, let’s face it – we’re all only as good as our last book.
Good Gravy yes!!! I’m terrified I won’t stand up. That someone out there is going to shout to the world what a fraud I am. The pressure to continue to produce is one thing, but to constantly improve…. I need to work on my tombstone inscription, because I’m sure I’m going to die out of sheer stress due to that one pressure alone.
Mainly, the art of balancing every aspect of our lives to make time for all of our obligations.
That is definitely the hardest to do. Since Writers typically don’t JUST write, there’s RL jobs, kids (Big and small) and the other stuff that was there before we tried to write. It’s like having a third extension of ourselves. It’s misery, but don’t ya know? Misery loves company.
Hugs Rene. You do a fabulous job of it.
Wow. Now I really feel the pressure!
:-)
Then there are those of us who “cheat” to avoid the pressure (e.g. Publish the first book under one name and the second under a pen name just in case it can’t live up to the first! Or better yet, switch genres.) Not so great for building a fan base, but it sure does take away some of the pressure to outperform yourself!
Yep, with 2 kids (3 if you count my niece), a husband, housework and a full time ‘real job’, I sometimes have to make a choice. Many times it’s not sleeping in order to get everything done, but honestly, I wouldn’t change any of it. I love being a mom, wife, working professional and a writer. If I could clone me, I would, because that would mean I could accomplish just that much more.
So true, Rene! I never realized the amount of promotion involved before that first book came out! It’s staggering.
And you can never just sit back and take it easy — if you do, readers and editors forget about you. It’s a tough business, but well worth it in the end.
I’m not sure I’ve really got the hang of promoting and as a sweet writer I’ve had to find more creative methods. Like a lot of people I have a demanding full time job, three young children and my husband has chronic rheumatoid arthritis. I love writing and it’s always been my dream to be a writer so I guess I’ll just have to keep working on the time management issues.
That is so true, Rene. I had no idea before I published just how much “other work” came with writing. It’s been a steep learning curve, but I wouldn’t change it for anything.