Hi All,
In the middle of some kind of heat wave. I say ‘some kind’ because let’s face it breaking temperature records has become the norm and weird weather is a daily occurrence in different parts of the world. Blame shifts and swells with the political agenda, economic imperatives and the needs of the few.
Whoops – got side tracked.
But that is my point.
I don’t want to be told how to:
- write my book
- focus on subject matter and market positioning
- cull most of my writing to a minimalist aspirational dream
- advertise my work
- follow the standard text layout
- pander to social networking platforms
- write for reviewers.
I just want to write what I want, how I want and about what I want and then publish it.
Because who made the rules? Certainly not the historically marginalised. For example, not queer, lesbian and gay, disabled, people of colour who are gender non-conforming, who have global majority heritage etc. Why should I listen to how others suggest I write? They may know how to sell a book but they can’t help me be my authentic self when I write. Do I really need approval? What do I do with the overwhelming amount of guidance and recommendations out there? Will I ever be ‘good enough’ to be published through the standard route and have an agent? Do I believe I can make a living from writing? (Bailey has expensive taste BTW). Do I want to? Making a living from something/anything is compromise and always will be. I once met an author who practically foamed at the mouth when I told her I once worked (very briefly) as an editor. They informed me that editors had no place changing the words and work of authors.
I’ll stick to writing what I want. Also, Bailey is my editor.
I don’t want to add marketing and monetising to the list of tasks when completing a manuscript. But it is hard to step outside that bubble of ‘purposeful work’? How will my writing be received? Is the story worth telling?
This year I have spent so much time submitting stories and art for different publications, I have lost sight of why I write. The vast majority of my submissions are rejected. I feel that somehow I have compromised my writing (consciously or unconsciously) with submissions in the back of my mind.
So, I have dumped all that in the ether and moved on … for now, or perhaps for as long as I write.
All I know is that when I write without considering the end result or who will read it or who will want to print it or comment on it, then I am free and I don’t want to limit that.
Chat later.
Love
Olivia and Bailey (napping)
O. S. King 