Cool Things About Being Published
My desire to be published stemmed primarily from a perceived need to justify my right to write. Getting published was a way to show that writing wasn't any more of a waste of time than oh, say, golfing, playing poker, or watching endless hours of TV while Brick Breakering.
The ironic thing is, once my book was released to the world, all that glorious writing time I'd justified seemed to disappear amidst the 1001-ways-to-promote-your-book. I'll admit that there have been times when I've resented being published. I often long for the days of fewer distractions. BUT there seems to be an endless string of happy surprises along the way---cool things that never would've happened if I hadn't come out of my writing closet---that cause me to figuratively slap my ungrateful self and take a moment to bask in the blessing of authorliness.
For example...
Getting to know other writers via the social networks. Once in a while I even get to meet them in person---this is author Cherie Colyer and I at a local Starbucks, where we met to exchange books & talk up a storm.
And...
I've been invited to speak at Booth Library on the campus of my alma mater, Eastern Illinois University (on which the fictional campus of Central Illinois University in Three Daves is based) as part of an exhibit on Building Memories: Creating a Campus Community. It remains to be seen whether anyone will show up to hear what I have to say, but still cool, right?
Furthermore...
Sometimes, people even ask my opinions on stuff, like love and intimacy. Today at Janie Junebug's blog I deliver my incredibly deep and meaningful thoughts on the subject. It's a private blog, so if you've already received a coveted invitation hop on over and be enlightened. If you're not yet in the club, Janie has instructed me to tell you to "get off your duff and request an invitation" by e-mailing: dumpedfirstwife@gmail.com
So, what happy surprises have come your way after coming out of your writing closet?
The ironic thing is, once my book was released to the world, all that glorious writing time I'd justified seemed to disappear amidst the 1001-ways-to-promote-your-book. I'll admit that there have been times when I've resented being published. I often long for the days of fewer distractions. BUT there seems to be an endless string of happy surprises along the way---cool things that never would've happened if I hadn't come out of my writing closet---that cause me to figuratively slap my ungrateful self and take a moment to bask in the blessing of authorliness.
For example...
Getting to know other writers via the social networks. Once in a while I even get to meet them in person---this is author Cherie Colyer and I at a local Starbucks, where we met to exchange books & talk up a storm.
And...
I've been invited to speak at Booth Library on the campus of my alma mater, Eastern Illinois University (on which the fictional campus of Central Illinois University in Three Daves is based) as part of an exhibit on Building Memories: Creating a Campus Community. It remains to be seen whether anyone will show up to hear what I have to say, but still cool, right?
Furthermore...
Sometimes, people even ask my opinions on stuff, like love and intimacy. Today at Janie Junebug's blog I deliver my incredibly deep and meaningful thoughts on the subject. It's a private blog, so if you've already received a coveted invitation hop on over and be enlightened. If you're not yet in the club, Janie has instructed me to tell you to "get off your duff and request an invitation" by e-mailing: dumpedfirstwife@gmail.com
So, what happy surprises have come your way after coming out of your writing closet?
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So true! *cries* That's awesome you and Cherie met up, though. You two will be coming out to RT one night? I hope so! I'm commuting daily from my sister's place in the loop so I hope we can meet up.
One unintended benefit of publication is getting to know myself better, I think. When you put your work out there and get feedback, it's a great learning process.