M.J. Mandoki's Blog, page 6
December 21, 2016
End of Year Evaluation
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I am in the habit of evaluating my year as it comes to an end. Evaluation does not mean complaining about unfinished projects or unaccomplished dreams. Instead, it is a chance to see where I am in this life at this moment and to appreciate how far I have come.
How did I do? I feel great about the year of 2016. Besides my new publications, I also had a chance to travel to Europe, become a PhD student at Western University and buy a new car. Hence, I have a lot to celebrate!
Yet, I have to say that the greatest accomplishment is the lessons I have learned during the year. The first lesson is that it is possible to become a successful author. It really is possible! It is not just a dream! The second lesson is, however, that being successful takes time. Of course, there are the occasional lucky people in the world who get discovered instantly. (Maybe, I will be one of those soon?! Who knows?) But, most authors just have to be patient. It is one poem, short story, novel or other type of work at a time that most authors succeed. Basically, the lesson is that patience is as necessary as dedication to succeed. The good news is that I am willing to honour the lesson and give it time. Overall, this means that I am now certain of my success, but I am willing to give it time for this success to materialize.
How was your year? How did you do? What are the lessons you have learned?
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December 8, 2016
The Joy of Seeing My Traditionally Published Works
There is nothing like seeing your published short stories and poem side by side. This morning, I’ve got to see all my traditionally published works together. I took pictures. I have to say that this is the greatest holiday gift anybody could have given me! Thank you Polar Expressions Publishing!
This is what makes me happy! This is what I want to do with my life. I am certain now that one day, soon, I will be a well-known Canadian author. I can’t wait!
November 19, 2016
Famous Quotes on Publishing
I collected some famous quotes on publishing. Whether the quotes are inspirational or disheartening is up for debate. Here they are:
“Nothing stinks like a pile of unpublished writing.” -Sylvia Plath
“Publishing is a business. Writing may be art, but publishing, when all is said and done, comes down to dollars.” -Nicholas Sparks
“The publishing world is very timid. Readers are much braver.”- Kiran Desai
“Trade book publishing is by nature a cottage industry, decentralized, improvisational, personal; best performed by small groups of like-minded people, devoted to their craft, jealous of their autonomy, sensitive to the needs of writers and to the diverse interests of readers.” -Jason Epstein
“To write what is worth publishing, to find honest people to publish it, and get sensible people to read it, are the three great difficulties in being an author.”- Charles Caleb Colton
“Because publishing is becoming more business-oriented each day with more examination of the bottom line, it’s harder to break out than ever.” -Nicholas Sparks
“If publishers and editors exert themselves to keep certain topics out of print, it is not because they are frightened of prosecution but because they are frightened of public opinion. In this country intellectual cowardice is the worst enemy a writer or journalist has to face, and that fact does not seem to me to have had the discussion it deserves.” -George Orwell
“It doesn’t matter how good or bad the product is, the fact is that people don’t read anymore. … Forty per cent of the people in the US read one book or less last year. The whole conception is flawed at the top because people don’t read anymore.” -Steve Jobs
“Agents and publishers only want one thing – good writing.” -Jasper Fforde
“Except for a few small presses, most publishers are north of Ground Zero.” -Richard Curtis
November 11, 2016
Why Trump? (An Explanation Without the Yelling and Obscenities)
Why did people vote for Donald Trump? Many shocked people has asked this question, not just in the United States, but everywhere in the world, starting this past Wednesday morning. As shocked as people may be, there is actually a plausible explanation for it.
As in any election, in any democratic country, there are always political, social and economic issues to focus on. Of course, people never agree on what should dominate on any given election. However, this U. S. election was undoubtedly about economic issues. In the past twenty to thirty years, the working class Americans lost their quality jobs due to the globalization and free trade agreement craze of neo-liberalistic ideologies. The top 1% got obscenely wealthy while the standard of living of the other 99% has slid down to the point where the middle class started disappearing, if it has not already disappeared, and people began to struggle just to pay their bills and feed their families. They became the Walmart nation, not because they enjoyed getting cheap merchandise, but because they could not afford to do any better. In this environment, people wanted big changes. The social and political issues became secondary to their eroding economic wellbeing. As the famous saying goes: First we eat, then, talk about morality! People needed to fix the American economy first before they addressed any other concerns.
So, the Americans decided that they needed big changes to the economy and they needed it quickly. Who was going to do it? Of course, Bernie Sanders quickly rose to fame, once it turned out that he listened to people and has heard their concerns. A political doctor has finally attended to the bleeding nation’s wound. He listened and searched for meaningful solutions. Many in the nation sighed of relief, knowing that they would get a break. There was a ray of hope. However, as quickly as the ray of hope appeared was as quickly as it was gone when the super-delegates decided that they wanted to push Hillary Clinton forward, ignoring the people’s wish.
Why not Hillary Clinton? Certainly, she is smart, educated and sophisticated. If this had been an election about who has the best personal qualities, she would have easily won. But, this election was not about her personal qualities. People were afraid of her, not because she is a woman, but because she was too close to the corrupt and bankrupt political system that put special interest groups first and forgot about the rest of the 99% of the people. She was too close to the Washington corrupts and too close to the Wall Street, morally bankrupt billionaires who were sucking the nation dry. Whether the accusation is correct that she, herself, has become corrupt is a secondary question. Even if she is a decent woman, people questioned her ability and willingness to do the meaningful and great changes that people wanted. Basically, it is difficult to hold a bag of ice over the nation’s wound when standing next to a bone fire.
In the absence of Bernie Sanders, people had to search for someone who was willing to listen and make those big economic changes they wanted. They looked and found Donald Trump. He understood their pain and was willing to heal their economic wound. He said out loud what people talked about quietly around the dinner table. The political elite has been corrupted and they put the special interest of their billionaire friends first. The system is broken. Trump promised to put the nation’s 99% of people first, by stopping the system where the jobs are emigrating out of the country and more poor people from the south and cheap goods from elsewhere in the world are coming in without paying any taxes. The flamboyant, television show host has captured people’s attention. They saw a ray of hope again.
Yes, he may not have been an ideal presidential candidate. He has made racist, sexist, misogynistic and, generally, ugly comments just about everybody. However, people are not looking at the wrapping their holiday gift is coming in right now. Remember, first we eat and then talk about morality afterward! They are ignoring the wrapping paper and focusing on the gift inside. They want big economic changes and they want it now, before they slide down too far into dept and misery. The flamboyant character is anything but ideal, but he was willing to deliver the big changes they crave: jobs and economic wellbeing of 99% of the population.
In the absence of Bernie Sanders, by process of elimination, Donald Trump was left. This was a great lesson for both Democrats and the political elite in general. Don’t ignore the people! Give the people what they want or, else, watch your job disappear! The political power belongs to the people. You ignore them, you will be fired!
At the end, people voted for big economic changes. They chose to send a message to their leaders. They want to be listened to. They want out of globalization and free trade agreements. They want drastic changes. They want Brexit, in an American style.
November 4, 2016
Living In A World Where Writers Are Not Just Writers
The writer takes a comfortable position on a beach with a notebook or computer in hand, looks out onto the ocean for inspiration and starts writing. Or, a writer takes a seat in front of an old-fashioned typewriter or modern computer in a quiet office on a leisurely afternoon with a smoothing cup of tea on the desk and starts typing away. How many people recall such movie images when they think about the world of writers? A lot. Unfortunately, this is a dream for most writers. The reality is that writers are not just writers anymore.
Actually, nowadays, writers are multitaskers in a sense that they are expected to be experts on almost all areas of writing, editing and publishing. Independent authors are especially expected to do so. They write their book. They proofread and edit the work. They hire editors to comb through the book again. They hire designers and graphic artists for the cover. They learn to upload the finished material onto the publishing website and learn to follow exact specifications. They hire publicists, if they have the money.
Then, the advertising part begins. Independent authors need to learn to create their own website, Twitter account, Facebook account, LinkedIn account and other countless accounts. But, it is not just a matter of creating them; they have to put energy into constantly increasing the number of people they are in contact with to effectively advertise their works. They also have to offer the printed books to independent bookstores and libraries.
Writers who chose the traditional route of publishing are not in any better shape. Once a book is written, they research agents, publishing houses and write endless query letters. If they are lucky, the book maybe picked and published. But, then comes the negotiation of the material. Often times, they are asked to rewrite the book to follow trends to make sure that it has a chance to sell. The process is time consuming and frustrating. And, it pays very little.
In addition, most writers have fulltime jobs or are fulltime students, or both. They have to find the time to writer after their other job is done. Sometimes, the house never gets cleaned and the leftover pizza from the night before is the only lunch to eat.
How did writers end up here? It is difficult to say. There may be several reasons for it. First, historically speaking, a lot more people are educated than ever before. This means that there are a lot more people out there who can write decent books. The competition has increased. Second, due to technological advancements, less people read books. (Ironic?) Lastly, with the profits of publishing companies shrinking in the world, writers are asked to do more for less.
Whatever the reason is, the fact is that most writers do not end up on a sunny beach or in a quiet office to write with a cool drink or cup of tea in hand. It is a dream realized for the privileged few who made it big. And, unless the capitalistic machinery changes where everyone wants books for dirt cheap or even free, this dream will remain a dream for most writers. For now, writers are simply frantic, exhausted multitaskers.
October 17, 2016
Please Share This Post!
Friends, my third book, House of the Hanging Jade, is just 99¢!
It’s also a Featured Ebook Recommendation today on BookBub. That’s an honor and a big deal for an author, and I’ve watched my sales numbers climb today as a result of the book’s exposure from BookBub. I hope you’ll consider sharing this with your friends and family and that you’ll reblog this post so we can get as many eyes as possible on the sale price and promotion.
Here’s the BookBub link: https://www.bookbub.com/books/house-of-the-hanging-jade-by-amy-m-reade?ebook
Here’s the Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/House-Hanging-Jade-Amy-Reade-ebook/dp/B0138NHCMO/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1476655599&sr=8-1
Here’s the Barnes & Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/house-of-the-hanging-jade-amy-m-reade/1122454903?ean=9781601835581
Here’s the Kobo link: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/house-of-the-hanging-jade
Many thanks!
Amy
October 12, 2016
It is Short Story Contest Time!
I would like to remind writers that most short story contests are taking place right now, at Fall time. I enter at least three of them every Fall: 1) CBC Short Story Prize by the Canadian Broadcast Corporation; 2) Writer’s Digest Short Story Competition by Writer’s Digest; and, Canadian Tales Short Story Competition by Red Tuque Publishing. However, there are many more contests out there. So, dust off the stories that are hiding in the drawers and participate! They may be winning stories waiting to make a name for you. Good luck everyone!
October 5, 2016
Do you want to be a great writer or do you want to sell a lot of books?
All writers are impatient. They are hungry for success. But, what does it mean to be successful? I faced this question when someone asked me about my goal. An English teacher and long-time reader asked me the following: Do you want to be a great writer or do you want to sell a lot of books?
It never really occurred to me that there was a difference between the two; however, the question makes sense. Writers who want to sell a lot of books turn to those who have been successful before them. They copy their style, write in their genres and pick their favourite story lines. They follow the successful trend.
The problem is that trends change almost as quickly as people change their underwear. In the technologically advanced Information Age, everything happens at the click of a button. People now move almost at the speed of light. What was in yesterday is irrelevant today. Tomorrow is always unpredictable. In a social media age, publishers or writers have no control of trends. Anyone can change the trend, anywhere, at any time. It is futile to even try to chase trends.
Writers who try to keep up with the trends and have some success doing so have to change constantly. They also have to write fast. Since trends change constantly, these writers have to put their books out before the trend moves on. They may be successful at selling books and making a living, but their works are the product of marketing strategy. They write what appeals to the largest audience; basically, the lowest common denominator. They are not writing what they want or what defines them. Instead, they write what the trend happens to be at the time. They are market-slaves. They are never free.
As opposed to the market trend chasers, there are writers who are inspired to write something meaningful and worthy. They would like to create, inspire, communicate and touch something deep within others. They would like to be their authentic self, doing something wonderful and contribute something meaningful. They want to share a story or an argument because it matters and because it has to be told. They are the great writers.
The good news is that those who remain authentic are more successful on the long run. Since they have a sense of self, they can continue to produce great works. They defy trends. In fact, they often create trends by refusing to follow them. They are the true creators who usually get recognized. It just takes a longer time for them to get there.
So, do you want to be a great writer or do you want to sell a lot of books? Do you want enduring success or fast success? What kind of a writer do you want to be? It’s up to you.
September 26, 2016
My Favourite Quotes From My Own Works: It’s fun to be a writer!
I love being a writer. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than reading out loud my favourite quotes from my books and stories. Here is a list of my favourite quotes from my creative works:
“‘You are cursed,’ she stated with conviction. ‘Your enemies put a death-wish on you. You are going to die soon’.” The Curse, p. 18
“‘In the name of black magic, may the man vanish into thin air!’ Snake joined in the fun.” The Curse, p. 85
“All right, Professor Snake! All I can say is that most people in the world are superstitious. This includes your scientists. Do you know how many scientists find an excuse not to show up on Friday, the 13th, to work because they believe that something terrible is going to happen? ” The Curse, p. 127
“Yes, it’s him. We are in business,” he confirmed. He positioned himself ready to shoot.
“Just don’t blow his head off!” I instructed him.
“Okay. Just don’t make me laugh then,” he said politely. The Curse, p. 136
“The word ‘soul’ could not really do justice to it. It was more than that. It was an animating principle, a commanding presence, a timeless spirit, an everlasting essence and so much more.” The Hermit’s Journal in Real Life Choices, p. 135
“The revelation stunned me. Was the long-faced woman a manifestation of God? Was she The Goddess, the female form of the Ultimate?” The Hermit’s Journal in Real Life Choices, p. 175
“The smell of baked goods hit my nose. The golden-coloured, toasted substance with smooth, creamy butter melted on it, emanating its aroma from behind the counter, awakened my desire for breakfast. I walked up close. I was amazed to find out that my gynaecologist worked as the sale’s person.” Lucidity in Real Life Choices, p. 181
“I hate my job. As many people do, I work for a living. I go to my workplace because I need the money.” Transporters Wanted
“Snow? You mean, outside?” Luna posed the question, surprised.
“Yes, outside. I’m old enough to remember the time when snow fell and covered the Earth’s poles. Snow is beautiful. It sparkles under the sun,” the professor explained. The Philosophy Assignment: A Life Worth Living
“With every step, colourful flowers fell away from the soles of their feet. I was speechless and frozen. The fairies came to dance.” The Dance of the Fairies
“The demons are simply dragging me down deep enough to entertain my greatest fear. It is just possible that I am a terrible writer and I am wasting my time!” The Tormented Short Story Writer
September 20, 2016
Emerging Writers Should Not Read A Lot About Their Future Career
It is widely advertised that humanity has entered the Information Age. It is true that more and more “stuff” is out there on the Internet. With a click of a button, any subject material could be looked up. Despite the fact that so much is available at anyone’s finger tips, it is still a little bit of a mystery what information really mean. Is everything information that is available on the Internet? What is information anyway? And how does it influence a writer? I am not actually trying to focus on the content of the writing, here, but the information that can inform a writer about her career.
According to the most common dictionary definition of information, information is “knowledge that you get about someone or something: facts or details about the subject”. According to Frank Webster, “information is meaningful; it has a subject; it is intelligence or instruction about something” (Webster, 2014, p. 29). Hence, it appears that not all “stuff” on the internet is information. After all, the gossips on Facebook or an attempt at bullying a classmate or co-worker is not information. It is useless junk.
What separates information from the rest of the junk out there? It seems that it is certainly not the quantity or speed at which all the “stuff” is out there. Gossips are available in large quantity and bullying is happening with almost at the speed of light nowadays. Rather than quantity, it is the quality that makes all the difference. If a person is capable of gaining a meaningful detail or fact about a subject material that enriches her knowledge, it can be considered information.
How does the distinction between the “stuff” and information out there influence a writer’s career? Looking at the available reading material; that is, the “stuff” out there; for example, about the possibility of making it as a successful writer, an emerging writer might never actually pass beyond the emerging stage. All the statistics about the possibility of getting published or getting an agent is so discouraging that most potentially talented writers might give up before they ever begin to write. The story about independent publishing is not better. Scarring emerging writers away by explaining them that most writers never sell more than one hundred copies of their books is not exactly inspiring. Feeding people the image that it is too hard to make it is not necessarily a matter of realism, based on fact; rather, it can be easily construed as pessimism, based on opinion.
Statistics are statistics, they say to defend themselves. However, these are just selective statistics and selective presentations on the matter. For example, these presentations almost never include the so-called reality about the details of succeeding, such as persistence, solid educational background or practice. Hence, writers almost never get a meaningful prognosis about the possibility of their future fate. The available material on the topic of a writer’s career is fragmented, selective and biased. The “stuff” out there is simply not informative!
What can writers do? Do not read a lot to get the big picture! More is not better! Remember, it is quality that counts and not quantity! Focus on sites that are reputable, as opposed to sensationalists, and focus on reputable writers who examine all sides of a question, as opposed to scaremongers who are trying to shock emerging writers with their so-called reality! Being informed does not mean reading greater quantity of “stuff”. It means reading meaningful details and facts presented in a fair and balanced manner. In short, it means being informed.
The Information Age is not always informative. So, focus on quality and not on quantity! Avoid the unnecessary stuff on the Internet!
Reference Notes:
Webster, F. (2014). Theories of Information Society, 4th ed. London: Routledge
