I’m still trying to come down from last week’s conference. I met so many wonderful people and gained a tremendous amount of knowledge from the publishing talks. It’s certainly made me take a look at my writing schedule. I want to take advantage of these opportunities while they’re out there, which means I have to write A LOT faster. I also have to be smart about what I write. Currently, I’d like to get into two different markets. That means I have to finish two books of at least 75K in length by the end of August. That’s still taking longer than I’d like, but some things cannot be rushed.
On a completely different note, I wanted to say I appreciate all the thanks you guys have sent my way for posting the publishing info. I think it’s interesting that people hold this type of information back. I experienced this sort of behavior when I lived out in California. I used to think it was extremely selfish of people when they didn’t share their knowledge, now I realize they were just scared. They thought if they shared what they knew that someone would ‘beat’ them to the opportunity or take their place. Not particularly logical, but then again, fear never is.
My acting coach used to say when you kept knowledge inside of you, you were keeping your power. And to a degree he was right, some things shouldn’t be shared…at least not right away. That said, I never want to get to the point in this business where I’m so insecure that I can’t share basic publishing news without worrying that it’ll take something away from me. How can something be taken away that I don’t even have?
What do you guys think? Should info be shared freely or only with certain people? Should you keep it to yourself? I’m genuinely curious to hear your opinions.
May 6th, 2005
Knowledge is power. =)
and I like to think that people who go out of their way for others (like you did posting all this stuff) get it back three-fold (and of course the opposite also applies).
So that’s my total, non-ass kissing, no bullsh*t story and I”m sticking to it *g*
by Cece May 6th, 2005 at 11:30 amI think info should be shared. I’ve shared info about writing contests with friends who would never have known about them had I not told them and directed them where to go, because they just aren’t net savvy. Though they should be! I really believe in karma, and that it’s like a boomerang. It always comes back to you
by Trace May 6th, 2005 at 11:34 amLOL! Cece, You crack me up.
by Jordan May 6th, 2005 at 12:28 pmTrace, I’ve always shared contest info and stuff like that too. It seems like you and Cece both have the same idea about sharing. Karma can definitely be great or a true bitch. Let’s hope it’s the prior.
by Jordan May 6th, 2005 at 12:30 pmI believe in Karma, too. Sharing shows what kind of person you are, Jordan. It means you’re open and willing to be a friend to others. That means the world to me to have met such a really cool person! ((HUGS))
by Patrice Michelle May 6th, 2005 at 5:22 pmWhat Cece said (and so eloquently too!)
by Amy K. May 6th, 2005 at 8:32 pmIf a person thinks she has to keep information to herself, I have to wonder if she’s got what it takes to succeed in the first place.
Yep…ditto on the karma/sharing/threefold thing. I can’t remember keeping anything back, but then, I’m also not the type to keep my mouth shut! *g*
by Larissa May 7th, 2005 at 5:58 amWell, I’m not an author or even an aspiring author, so my perception is different, but I don’t think anyone should think this info shouldn’t be shared. I mean, those who got to go to RT were fortunate and blessed. There were plenty of people left behind who didn’t get the same opportunities.
I did send a friend over this way Jordan, to read your industry news because I thought it was awesome to see it so plainly laid out and she’s an aspiring author. Thanks for being so generous and sharing! I had no idea there are people who would hold this type of thing back on purpose!
by AngieW May 7th, 2005 at 6:56 amYes, yes, a thousand times yes.
Info should be shared. So should power, wealth, and success.
It’s this non-info sharing crap that has our government deceiving us, and religious institutions manipulating their supporters.
It’s also what makes starry-eyed novices think they can write & sell a book in no time, quit their day jobs & live happily ever after.
Thank you for the info.
~Dream
by Dreamweaver May 7th, 2005 at 9:24 amAbsolutely share. We help each other ‘up’, right?
Like you I have to step up my writing. A lot of my ideas fall into Rom Suspense or Rom para, with lots of heat. Sounds like the market is ripe for me, but I have nothing finished to submit!
Good luck, hon!
by jaq May 7th, 2005 at 10:24 amAdd me to the Karma Line up. What goes around comes around, and by sharing with us so generously, I hope you get some GREAT rewards!
by Sasha May 7th, 2005 at 12:11 pmThanks, Patrice.
I agree, Amy.
I seem to have that problem too, Larissa. LOL!
Angie, Oh the stories I could tell you. People do strange things when they feel like they’re in a competition.
You’re welcome, Dream.
Jaq, I’d like to think that was the case. If you figure out how to step up the pace let me know.
Thanks, Sasha!
by Jordan May 7th, 2005 at 8:57 pmI’m a little late coming into this, but I wanted to add my two cents. I think you hit the nail on the head when you said not sharing information like this is a sign of insecurity. One of the wonderful things about being an aspiring writer connected to the internet is the amazing community of helpful, supportive writers you encounter. We’re all rooting for each other, so why not share, right?
by Lynn May 13th, 2005 at 11:10 pm