Redirection

With the inception of my Author site, the direction of this blog is going through a change. I've debated upon using it as a vehicle for my rants, my political views, all the things I don't want to overcome the new home for my work. However. eh. I think it will be far more fun and interesting to use this blog as a vehicle for creative expression separate from my publication work.
That means; freebies, gaming recaps and concepts, fun shorts, etc. I'd like to have more interactivity with my readers here too. In the meantime, keep an eye out for more ;)

To Agent or Not to Agent?

I've discovered a few things in my quest for publication. One thing I've discovered is that there are some publishers that will not accept unsolicited manuscripts, period. These publishers require an agent representing the author to directly reach out and provide the submission. I'm sure that this provides the publisher with valuable benefits as they do not have to sift through hundreds, if not more, of submissions, paying interns and entry staff to find the diamond in the ruff. Having a trusted name in the form of a known agent telling them everything they need to know about the manuscript up front is by far cheaper and simpler.

However, there are still publishers who will accept unsolicited manuscripts, allowing the author to submit their work directly. Sometimes the open callings are only for a short period of time to limit the likely deluge, but this still offers the author direct access without the need of a representative. This being the case, it is fair to ask, Should I find an agent to represent me or go at it alone? 

My Writer's Journey

Everyone has a story to tell. So many lives intertwined through time and circumstance, so many funny stories, heartbreaks, and struggles waiting to be shared. We all have something to say, something to contribute, and something to share. And in today's world; with social media, e-publishing, and micro-publishing, there are so many ways for us to share openly. The world has become a sea of voices, a forest of talking heads. Some more popular or sought after than others, but each as important.

For me, starting out with a fresh manuscript, a hope to be published, and the desire to be widely accepted as the writer I am, this sea is intimidating. If we all have a voice, if everyone is talking, who out there is looking to hear what I have to say? What chance do I have? I suppose this self-defeating aspect is partly why it took so long to complete my tale. That negative voice inside that whispers just loud enough to stifle the enthusiasm to write, that questions the validity in just the right way for doubt to grow. We all have that self-doubt, it is part of being a person.

What I have found through years of struggling to trust myself, to finish the piece for the sake of the story, and to give my characters the voice they deserve, is that it boils down to probability. I have seen an inspirational poster many times that depicts an empty basketball court, stating "you miss 100% of the shots you don't take." Who can argue with that? If you don't try, you won't succeed; if you don't ask, the answer will always be "no". Taking the chance doesn't mean you will always succeed, no one makes 100% of the shots they take. But, if you want the chance at succeeding, then you have to take the shot.

Thoughts on Emotional Intelligence

I find the very concept of emotional intelligence, or EQ, to be interesting. Not in the sense that we have developed our psychological understanding of humanity to a point of harnessing the wild torrents of emotion for our own benefit, as advertised in business settings. But in that we've continued down a path of discounting anything that doesn't fit into the purely logical structures of our present society to the point of finding a new and rational way to tout the benefits of suppressing or manipulating emotion as a healthy practice.

I have recently seen emotional intelligence summed up in the following statement: The ability to experience an emotion without reacting to it. A very grown up concept. At face value, it should certainly seem mature and beneficial. How many immature outbursts, tantrums essentially, have we seen thrown by people who should know better? Individuals overcome with emotion in moments and in places where such outbursts disrupt the feeling of safety and security of those around. Though, this take may be more a result of the boiled-down, buzz word aspects of our society more than the actual study of the subject. So what is the study of EQ?