Labels suck. All too often they get used to marginalize or trivialize someone, even when there was no deliberate intention to do so. It's sad that, in our society today, it is still a tendency to think negatively when a label gets applied to a person.
For the record, the following are writers I've never met:
Brown, black, yellow or white writers
Gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender writers
Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Taoist or atheist writers
Latino, American Indian, Asian or Eskimo writers
Disabled or handicapped writers
Old or young writers
Short or tall writers
Shy or daring writers
Loud or quiet writers
Skinny or chubby writers
Bald or hairy writers
Lady or dude writers
Instead, I've had the honor, privilege and benefit of meeting many, many writers. They come from all walks of life and backgrounds. Each crafts words that draws directly upon their experiences and worldviews to say something. I may not always like what they say or necessarily agree with it, but that's my opinion only. It takes nothing away from or diminishes the writing they do. Nor would I ever want that to happen.
I'm a writer, one of countless others who have the power to deliver something unique through their words. That should be celebrated. It's what's really important.
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ETA: For more reactions to recent editions of the SFWA Bulletin, I highly recommend this digest page being kept by Jim C. Hines.
This is a good overview of 5 typical paths to publication in use today. Many of the writers I've met are focused on #5, DIY Direct. This doesn't surprise me much because:
- I'm meeting most writers virtually, that is, via the web. Which is the primary channel for DIY Direct.
- DIY Direct gives the writer more control. I think many people much prefer to sit in the driver's seat, especially in regards to their business, life or passion.
Frankly though, there really isn't one "best" way to get published anymore. Just different ways, each of which has pros and cons to be considered.
No real surprise, it comes down to: whichever path works for you. And that choice of path may not stay the same over your writing career.
The article provides a handy PDF file with summary info and reference links.
I will now unlock the secret and reveal the absolute best site for any writer to be...
Find the icon for your word processor program.
Double-click on it.
You're there.
(I know. It's technically not 'a site.' You get the idea.)
I write dark, moody and grim stuff. That doesn't mean I don't like shiny, pretty things though.
Like this:
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| Watch the Birdie! |
Bird of Paradise happens to be one of my favorite flowers. It's so exotic and downright irresistible to the eye.
My BoP plant seems to be a bit finicky. I've had it for around seven years or so and it's only sprouted a solo bird on two occasions. This year the conditions must have been ideal because it's currently sporting 4 birds. With more on the way.
Maybe global warming does have a good side-effect or two. Don't quote me on that.
I see a lot of writers challenged by social media. How much is enough? How much is excessive? Which ones are important? What contributions to make? When to make them?
I'm no different. I've got the same struggles.
I've been neglecting my primary blog for a while, not by choice really. The main reason is because my Facebook fan page has been serving--for the most part--like a blog. That wasn't what I originally intended for my fan page. It's certainly worked out that way, though. So, is that wrong?
Nope.
Is there a 'right' way to be using social media? I mean as a writer.
I think the simple answer is: in whatever fashion works best for you for the purposes you have in mind.
Yeah, that's a cop-out answer. It doesn't help resolve 'how much?', 'how little?', or 'how often?' type questions. Really only you can render verdict on those. I promise no matter what you decide regarding them, there will always be reasons to think otherwise too. Very good reasons.
So keep an open mind then. Change what you do on occasion. Or not. The point is: control rests with you. Which is where it should be.
You decide. Whatever it ends up being, then that's what is right for you. Period.
Since I'm in control here, I'm going to make an adjustment. Henceforth I'm going to shift my mostly blogging-related actions away from my FB page back over to here. It won't be that big of a change either, because one thing more social media sites make darn easy is linking to just about anything else on the Internet.
Through March 9 you can score Dark Doses for free over on Smashwords. Just use coupon code RW100 at checkout time. The Read an Ebook event is a great time to load up your e-reader with tons of low cost stories. Enjoy!
I read. A lot.
Most writers tend to. For many, reading the works of others becomes more than an escape, diversion or pleasure trip. It becomes a study in the craft of writing. A process of learning by observing, then followed by doing. Nothing wrong with that approach.
I find remarkable not just what I learn from reading other works, but how I learn it. Sure if there are outright errors or grammar inconsistencies, I can't help but spot them and wonder how they got overlooked. Logic and plot problems tend to jump out at me too. Bad characterizations, factual mistakes, poor choice of wording, all of this becomes a lesson is what not to do. What to beware of.
When it comes to the positives, the things other writers do well, I seem to have two methods of learning. I think of those two ways as active and passive.
The active method is where I consciously pick up on what the writer is doing. In this case I tend to be more a student and learner than a casual reader. Which makes it a great way to absorb techniques, practices and skills but at the cost of really investing in and enjoying the story. Again, nothing really wrong with that. Though it can be frustrating at times if all I wanted was a good read, not a writing lesson.
I think the passive method of learning is, in the end, the more powerful and compelling of the two. The difference here is that I rarely find myself not being a casual reader. I let the story carry me from start to finish and just appreciate the journey. Only after I turn the final page do I really reflect on how the story was written. Quite often I'm amazed at the deft skills the writer exhibited. I find it thrilling to reflect on how they brought the story to life first. Afterward, I consider the methods, styles and tactics they used to execute the story to such great effect.
I suppose it comes down to experiencing a well written story versus an engrossing story that's written well. What writer wants to settle for just delivering the former?
