I'm back!!! Literally. I was in Connecticut for a while. I'm back from my hiatus too. And hopefully taking on some new adventures.
The MFA residency was great. I learned a lot about the business side of things including things like work for hire, which I'm checking into. And the writers I met there have a whole different mentality than most of the writers I know from everything else I do. Some of them are working on professional writing or creative nonfiction (memoirs, and historical storylines) and lots of them are working on fiction or poetry. But where as in the blogosphere I feel like a hack if I haven't hit 2000 in a day, many of these writers spend years working on one book. And lots of them are more concerned with the process than selling it. It was interesting to see a new perspective.
I also realized that I need to put my focus on getting a PM "very nice" or "good deal" and try to start moving away from digital deals and self-publishing. I still don't think there is anything wrong with self-publishing if you are professional about it (use an editor). But because I want to work in academia I need some strong publication credits. And as for moving away from digital presses, I'd pretty much already decided that. It puts the risk on the writer. You'd usually be better off self publishing.
I'm anticipating some changes this year, and I hope things work out.
It's very intriguing to me that some of the writers you met work years on one project. Dedication. :) I'm so glad you got so much out of your residency. Looking forward to hearing more. Welcome back, Beth!
ReplyDeleteSheri, I got so much out of it. It was more valuable than any other conference I've ever gone too. But I guess at the grad level and for what I'm paying it should be.
DeleteI'm glad it was a good experience for you, Beth, and I'm crossing my fingers that you get that good deal.
ReplyDeleteKelly, it doesn't even have to be a good deal. I just hope something works out. And soon.
DeleteInteresting perspective, although not a new one, the idea that the process is more important than the selling aspect. I think in today's market and ease of publishing, some writers are rushing to publish before the book is ready. So, taking time with a story is not such a bad idea. Of course, there are some writers that write quickly and brilliantly right off the bat. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
I think that sometimes a writer can get soo caught up in their own creative process they lose track of the story, and THAT can be a very bad thing. I think a mix of both views is good which is why I'm glad I've met so many people over the years.
DeleteIt's so important to have goals - and I think yours are doable because you're motivated and learning all the time. That's great! (FYI, a hack writer is one who vomits out lots of words, but doesn't care about quality.) Good luck with everything, Beth!
ReplyDeleteI hope they are doable. And doable sooner rather than later.
DeleteWelcome back. It's great that you learned so many new things at your residency. I can relate to spending years on one story. That's me, slower than a three-toed sloth. :) I get there eventually.
ReplyDeleteSome days, I think I need to slow down and catch my breath.
DeleteGreat to have you back! Perspective is a wonderful thing. It changes though, so reevaluation is crucial. Good for you for starting the year out doing just that. Can't wait to hear what you've got in the works.
ReplyDeletePS, no decisions yet at UB. Are you still interested?
Yep. Definitely interested.
DeleteI think it's great you were able to get a lot out of your residency. I would fall into the took years on one story category also. I write fast but I edit and revise slowly. And I'm constantly on the look-out for new perspectives on writing. Good luck with making your wishes come true this year.
DeleteI lean both ways on this, I guess. I have some books (early books) that it feels like no amount of revision is going to fix and I've been working on them for years. And others I write quickly and edit just as quickly.
DeleteGlad you had a great time and learned a lot. I feel as if a balance between craft and the business aspect is the way to go. Most things are a matter of balance, aren't they? I've been published traditionally, and independently. And my latest venture IS digital-only through a new model pubber, which I am really looking forward to. I think one can have a good experience any one of these ways... or not. It's a mix of how amazing the book is, marketing, and timing. I believe in the hybrid author.
ReplyDeleteI agree a mix of both is good. As for the digital only publisher you know more about your deal than me and it might be good, but in my experience self pubbing digital only is very easy and more lucrative. (That's why I was starting to move away from that idea before residency). One of my instructors thought just thought it would be easier for me to get a teaching position if I had print credentials on my CV. (But you already have a position, so you wouldn't have to worry about this--I"m not at that place yet).
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