Nothing Like The First...
By Charlotte Bennardo
One of the themes this month is about mentoring. Honestly, I can't say a single individual has mentored me. Yes, there have been those who've encouraged me, and author organizations which created resources for writers, and those in the business I've asked for advice. But that's not the same as mentoring.
So that leaves the other theme of "The first time I..."
As a multi-decade writer, there are a lot of firsts. I'm grateful to have achieved a number of them:
Getting a job as a newspaper reporter/photographer then seeing my articles and photos in printGetting that call from an editor who wanted to publish SirenzAppearing at Book Expo America, and seeing over 300 people lined up, waiting for a copy of SirenzHearing from fans who loved SirenzGetting a gift from a fanFinding an agentBecoming a member/committee member of the NJ SCBWIGoing to NYC for the SCBWI annual conferenceMeeting so many authors and agentsHaving an agent (not mine) say, "I read your book."Seeing Sirenz, Sirenz Back in Fashion, and Blonde OPS in bookstoresGetting shutdown notices of my browser from the FBI because of the research I was doing for Blonde OPSGetting roasted in a review that was so vitriolic, the org had to post an opposing viewpoint for balanceDedicating my books to those special people in my lifeIndie publishing my Evolution Revolution trilogy and it getting awardsHaving a launch party for SirenzMeeting famous writersGetting dumped by an agent. And an editorHaving books go out of printHaving Sirenz stolen out of the library (which, to me is a compliment)Beating Dr Suess in the number of rejections for 1 book (he had 50, I stopped counting at 60)Going to a book festival/signing/event and NO ONE shows upI'm sure I could list more, but you see that an author's life is a combination of both good and terrible firsts. Just something to keep in mind when you see only the 'glamour' (ha ha) and not the reality. If you're a beginning/aspiring writer, don't let the bad outweigh the good, and if you're an established writer, hey, we're all simpatico to each others' disappointments. If you're a reader, there is an unpleasant underside when we create art and put ourselves out there, so be kind if you don't like the book, and be a hero and post/talk about a midlist writer.
One of the themes this month is about mentoring. Honestly, I can't say a single individual has mentored me. Yes, there have been those who've encouraged me, and author organizations which created resources for writers, and those in the business I've asked for advice. But that's not the same as mentoring.
So that leaves the other theme of "The first time I..."
As a multi-decade writer, there are a lot of firsts. I'm grateful to have achieved a number of them:
Getting a job as a newspaper reporter/photographer then seeing my articles and photos in printGetting that call from an editor who wanted to publish SirenzAppearing at Book Expo America, and seeing over 300 people lined up, waiting for a copy of SirenzHearing from fans who loved SirenzGetting a gift from a fanFinding an agentBecoming a member/committee member of the NJ SCBWIGoing to NYC for the SCBWI annual conferenceMeeting so many authors and agentsHaving an agent (not mine) say, "I read your book."Seeing Sirenz, Sirenz Back in Fashion, and Blonde OPS in bookstoresGetting shutdown notices of my browser from the FBI because of the research I was doing for Blonde OPSGetting roasted in a review that was so vitriolic, the org had to post an opposing viewpoint for balanceDedicating my books to those special people in my lifeIndie publishing my Evolution Revolution trilogy and it getting awardsHaving a launch party for SirenzMeeting famous writersGetting dumped by an agent. And an editorHaving books go out of printHaving Sirenz stolen out of the library (which, to me is a compliment)Beating Dr Suess in the number of rejections for 1 book (he had 50, I stopped counting at 60)Going to a book festival/signing/event and NO ONE shows upI'm sure I could list more, but you see that an author's life is a combination of both good and terrible firsts. Just something to keep in mind when you see only the 'glamour' (ha ha) and not the reality. If you're a beginning/aspiring writer, don't let the bad outweigh the good, and if you're an established writer, hey, we're all simpatico to each others' disappointments. If you're a reader, there is an unpleasant underside when we create art and put ourselves out there, so be kind if you don't like the book, and be a hero and post/talk about a midlist writer.
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