Hiya, Gino. I was fortunate enough to get a couple of books out via the traditional method (I'm serialising one of them on substack now - Must Try Harder - it's 10-ish years old and isn't selling much, so I'm putting it out to a new audience). But I much prefer being an indie writer, putting stuff out myself, publicising it myself and, slowly, mostly via word of mouth and decent reviews, picking up an audience.
My point is, you don't need a 23-year-old lit grad in a barely surviving agency to tell you your work is acceptable. Keep writing, and don't judge your work by other people's responses. If you get picked up and published, great, but if not? Keep writing. Your work is your work.
Hey Geno! First some reason caused by my touch of ADHD an the ‘tism you need to start watching mythic quest. It has a writer in it that narrates and builds the lore and canon of a video game. CW Longbottom. His backstory is amazing its better to watch the whole of season 1-2-3 but pertinent to this substack, season 2 episode 6-7. I sm a big Asimov fan (foundation being my favorite ) if you like Asimov you will get a kick out of this backstory and the price we pay for our rise to glory at any cost, the selfishness of our ego, in matters of what we believe we are entitled to. The key to fame is staying humble and grounded, and like Ceaser keeping a close muthafawker nearby telling you “ you ain’t shit, bitch!” When the workd is trying to persuade your inner child to be a douchecanoe.
Ego and all are surely a thing that come up when we think of publishing.
But then just like a movie is not complete unless people watch it, a few sentences of poetry, prose or musings expand simply by having 'other' minds engage in it. Just a basic organic...need.
A mother cooks so the children eat (we've all heard of mother complaining that children prefer store bought foods even though the one she cook is healthier). Being published is like that. It feels like interaction. Like someone's eaten what we cooked, someone's put the painting we made on their wall.Don't feel bad about it. But also, know that so long as you enjoy writing, and continue to do it....you will gradually attract your audience to yourself. Just a belief...a good one to have... :) continue to write.
--more very good stuff Geno! Maybe try what I did, approaching some small UK literary houses. Your writing could catch their eye!
I love you, Geno! You’re an amazing husband and writer, and I’m so proud to be your partner and wife! #teammerryman
Hiya, Gino. I was fortunate enough to get a couple of books out via the traditional method (I'm serialising one of them on substack now - Must Try Harder - it's 10-ish years old and isn't selling much, so I'm putting it out to a new audience). But I much prefer being an indie writer, putting stuff out myself, publicising it myself and, slowly, mostly via word of mouth and decent reviews, picking up an audience.
My point is, you don't need a 23-year-old lit grad in a barely surviving agency to tell you your work is acceptable. Keep writing, and don't judge your work by other people's responses. If you get picked up and published, great, but if not? Keep writing. Your work is your work.
Keep trying. You're not alone!
Hey Geno! First some reason caused by my touch of ADHD an the ‘tism you need to start watching mythic quest. It has a writer in it that narrates and builds the lore and canon of a video game. CW Longbottom. His backstory is amazing its better to watch the whole of season 1-2-3 but pertinent to this substack, season 2 episode 6-7. I sm a big Asimov fan (foundation being my favorite ) if you like Asimov you will get a kick out of this backstory and the price we pay for our rise to glory at any cost, the selfishness of our ego, in matters of what we believe we are entitled to. The key to fame is staying humble and grounded, and like Ceaser keeping a close muthafawker nearby telling you “ you ain’t shit, bitch!” When the workd is trying to persuade your inner child to be a douchecanoe.
Ego and all are surely a thing that come up when we think of publishing.
But then just like a movie is not complete unless people watch it, a few sentences of poetry, prose or musings expand simply by having 'other' minds engage in it. Just a basic organic...need.
A mother cooks so the children eat (we've all heard of mother complaining that children prefer store bought foods even though the one she cook is healthier). Being published is like that. It feels like interaction. Like someone's eaten what we cooked, someone's put the painting we made on their wall.Don't feel bad about it. But also, know that so long as you enjoy writing, and continue to do it....you will gradually attract your audience to yourself. Just a belief...a good one to have... :) continue to write.
Janet J. Sept 24
You truly are an amazing person and deserve to be published!