Do you write to fulfill something within yourself or to offer something of yourself to others? Is your project being fueled by your emotions? Is your desire to be read actually getting in the way of your success?
I think we are all at least a little guilty of narcissism when it comes to our writing. We want what we want—the joy of seeing our words spill out over the paper. YOUR words! Of course, they’re everybody’s words, but the way they are strung together makes them your words. Isn’t that satisfying? So you get to revel in the lovely phrases and paragraphs that come from your very own head and heart.
Have you ever felt the thrill of writing? I sometimes quiver with a sense of delight while in the process of writing. I say to myself, “I love what I do!” I must be the luckiest woman alive. I have spent my life doing what I love—writing, day in and day out! I am blessed.
But I don’t stay in this state for very long because there is another side to the coin. With every pleasure, there is a consequence. With every dream, there is an awakening. And for most of us who want to spend our days writing, there is the reality of survival. Most of these writers find regular jobs. Some of us find ways to make writing pay. As many of you know, that’s what I did!
I wrote for fun during the time I was raising small children. Because of my make-up or something I was taught—I’m not sure—I couldn’t continue writing purely for pleasure. I love to sew and do needlework, but I do it only when there is a reason—a goal. I make things for others, mostly. Of course, I used to sew clothes for my family. But, again, this was a necessity. I made clothes rather than buy them. That was my justification for getting to sew. I love to garden, but I do this with neighbors and visitors in mind. And there came a point with my writing that I had to justify spending time doing something so enjoyable. So, in 1973, I began writing for publication.
During the mid 1980s, it became necessary for me to contribute financially to the household and I found a way to do that through my writing. I’ve been supporting myself through writing ever since. But my writing business has changed shape a few times. I earned my living by selling articles to magazines for many many years. I have 31 books to my credit, so I earn money from royalties and book sales. But now my focus is YOU and your writing projects.
I have books to help you make the best decisions for your publishing projects, of course. I teach online writing courses. But I’m also available to work with you personally at many levels. I do book editing. I also edit articles. I help you write your book proposal and walk you through the process of choosing the right publishing option for your project, etc.
Let my experience influence your success as a published author or freelance writer. Contact me and let’s talk about your project. Every author needs an editor—some more than others. Sometimes the writing is fine, but the scope or focus of the book is off for the market the author hopes to reach. Perhaps you have a query letter that is falling flat with publishers. Let me help you re-create one that will address the publishers’ most pressing concerns, which may not be the concerns you have addressed in your letter.
Writing is a craft—a heart thing. Transforming your writing project into a publishing project takes more than simply going in search of a major publisher. I can make your transformation from closet writer to successful author less painful and more successful. Contact me here: PLFry620@yahoo.com. Learn more about me and my work at
http://www.matilijapress.com
Hi, Patricia,
I don’t often reread columns or blogs. My free time is too valuable to do things twice. But I read today’s column twice. I was a bit surprised to hear you echo my delight in writing.
Write on!