How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love My Writing

The word "sell" leaves ashes in some writers' mouths.

Here's the truth: any writer who wants to be read must learn how to sell her/his writing. If you really love something, you'll want to share it.

Selling can come in many forms: sales to a market (as most short stories are sold), sales of books (which I'm trying to learn about and/or do now), sales to a library (yes, most libraries won't just take anything for their collection), sales to readers...

It's that last bit that gives me motivation. Even when I worked at the bookstore (my job was to sell, sell, sell), I tried to see "selling" beyond the bottom line. I wasn't making a profit, but sharing a story/book I felt was worth the sharing.

As a teacher, I feel like 80% of my job is sales. Motivation and engagement are key--if the students are tuned out, forget it. I don't have a problem doing my job. I love writing and reading and literature--I want everybody else to feel the same way. Of course I can "sell" that.

Well, I love telling stories, too. And telling stories involves a "sale," even a simple "please read my story."

That's how I learned to stop worrying and love my writing (and "selling" it).

So here's a piece of me for sale (and it won't cost you a penny): an interview at Write 1 / Sub 1.

What about you, dear readers, how do you feel about the "selling" aspect of writing? How much do you love telling stories?