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 ;)

The Lonely Road

In my last post, I discussed the choice between focusing upon seeking Agent representation versus the search for publishing directly at the source. Today, I am going to consider a more substantial question: traditional publishing vs self-publishing:

Traditional Publishing

The path of Traditional Publishing has been fairly set for a long time. Changes in the industry have certainly stirred things up from time to time, but the larger game still holds today. Money. The big five publishing companies choose titles not unlike the film industry. Big blockbusters and heavy hitters provide the revenue stream while smaller or untested works often eek by on the backs of these bigger sellers. The opportunity for taking chances on untested concepts or authors is certainly there, but largely limited.

The Dreaded Synopsis

So, it's been a couple of weeks since my last post. As it has a tendency to, life got a bit crazy over the past few weeks. Between hectic schedules, car maintenance gone awry, and the close of the tax season; I've been a little drawn and quartered. But, I am still here and I am still chasing my dream; full publication of my book. 

I know that I've not said much about it here, apart from it being finally complete and chronicling the process of getting it into the right hands. In part that is because I am still looking for those right hands and I do not wish to compromise my options in publication. However, I will share something that I have learned along the way: If you want an Agent to read the full manuscript of your book, you need a synopsis. I know, I know, the dreaded synopsis. But, I will tell you, I have queried over a dozen agents and not one to date has requested to read the full book. I get that the premise might not be for everyone and certainly an agent's tastes are largely subjective. But not one even asked to read the whole thing before turning it down? That tells me there is something lacking in my approach. 

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.

Been Some Time...

Good news, everyone! I'm back! Having completed my first full length novel at the close of last year, I feel it is time to dust this blog off and start posting once more. What should you expect? More frequent updates during the search for publication, the process to a final, printed product, and other news. Also, more short stories, further ramblings, and accounts of RPG sessions written and run by yours truly. So, dear reader, stay tuned. There is definitely more to come!

-BRS