The Paradox of a Writer's Life: Creation vs. Selling
Final Cover for Flesh Wound
The act of writing is a solo endeavor. Every writer has their process – longhand or computer, meticulous plotting and outlining before the first chapter is begun, or just starting to write and seeing what develops (interestingly, Stephen King has said he writes this way, and by golly hasn't it worked for him) – but the one thing they all have in common is when it is time to put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard, the writer is doing it alone. To finish a project of any length, the writer must be able to be by themselves for long stretches of time.
Then the work is completed, and the task becomes the polar opposite of what was required during its creation. The writer (prior to having an agent, anyway) has to become the salesperson, contacting agents and publishers and "selling" the manuscript to them in an effort to get it published and out into the world for millions (hopefully) to read and enjoy.
I think this is one reason a lot of very good work never sees the light of day. The skills required to do both tasks successfully are completely different. How many good salespeople have the desire and discipline to isolate themselves for a few months and create a great book? People who excel at selling are extroverted, love being around people, and not just talking to them but influencing them to buy something. They get energized by personal interaction. Not being able to do that for a few months straight would deprive them of the very activities that inspire them in the first place.
Conversely, how many great writers look forward to and embrace going on book tours? Emerging from the background where it's easy to observe others unnoticed, making mental notes about how people interact and thinking about how that can be woven into a compelling story, and having to jump up in front of scores of people they don't know over and over to talk about – eeeek! – themselves, the work they created, hearing first-hand the things readers liked and didn't like about it, being told what they ought to do differently, and then having to make small talk while signing their names on title pages over and over and over. I smile every time I hear an author interviewed and they talk about how much they dislike book tours.
The drive to write comes from inside. If you love writing, you'll do it whether it's your primary occupation or not. You'll do it even if you are the only person on Earth to read what you've written. If you become lucky enough to be able to write full-time, it means you've taken on the perhaps uncomfortable job of being the salesperson, the advocate for your work to countless people you don't know, almost all of whom (agents and publishers, in particular, at least until someone else has taken the maverick step of publicly saying they like your work) will tell you your work isn't good enough to be published. Good for you! The reward for staying with it is great. There is no feeling like holding a book in your hands, looking at the cover, and seeing your name on it. Then opening to the first page, and recognizing the words you wrote, all dressed up in 12-pt. Minion Pro.
Just a reminder that the you can name a character in my upcoming novel, "Rubbed Out", by submitting your suggestion to me via email at jon@jonsay.com or by leaving a comment on this blog. The contest ends December 31! If your suggestion is chosen, you'll win autographed copies of "Flesh Wound" and "Rubbed Out"! You can read a backstory of the character to be named by clicking on this link:
Have a terrific Wednesday! Read something today that was written by someone you know, or feel that you know. 
Thanks for reading! -Jon
