Still Enjoying My Stories
I began writing books in 2017 with the lofty goal of sending my cherished creation to many publishers. I felt that one would likely appreciate my hard work and send me a giant check. If they were unimpressed, then I would be satisfied that I tried.
Unfortunately, I did not even get to start down this path. It turns out that publishers do not accept “unrepresented manuscripts.” First lesson: publishers call books manuscripts. I know that now. Second lesson: to get a publisher to look at my manuscript, I needed to hire a “book representative” (they call books, books) with an inside track with the publisher. The representative would get a percentage of my sales if the publisher liked my book. This process seemed like a big scam, so I decided to self-publish.
Since I began, I have not had many sales, so what keeps me going? I am the type of person who needs to see something through. Yet, there is something else. I began writing stories of the kind that I liked to read. Now, these stories are so familiar they feel like family members.
During the endless rounds of self-editing, I get to relive the plot. For example, in my sixth book, the main character must take over the family business. It is stressful, and to cope, she turns to alcohol.
While I wrote the first draft two years ago, I still look forward to reading the section where she faces her addictions. Will she succeed? While I know the answer, reading the solution still thrills me. It feels like meeting an old friend and learning what they are up to. Like my friends, I want my characters to succeed, and I cannot wait to see what they do next.
Which do I like better? Reading an existing story or creating a new one? They produce different kinds of joy. Creating a new story is exciting, frustrating, new, and challenging. Reliving an existing one is reassuring, relaxing, and comforting. If you were to twist my arm, I would say that reliving the story provides more satisfaction. I was surprised to discover this; it was not a motivation to be an author.
What about other authors? I suspect that others are more inspired by money, fame, or positive reviews. While I certainly appreciate those rewards, it will always be the story that keeps me going.
You’re the best -Bill
May 27, 2020 Updated February 08, 2025
Unfortunately, I did not even get to start down this path. It turns out that publishers do not accept “unrepresented manuscripts.” First lesson: publishers call books manuscripts. I know that now. Second lesson: to get a publisher to look at my manuscript, I needed to hire a “book representative” (they call books, books) with an inside track with the publisher. The representative would get a percentage of my sales if the publisher liked my book. This process seemed like a big scam, so I decided to self-publish.
Since I began, I have not had many sales, so what keeps me going? I am the type of person who needs to see something through. Yet, there is something else. I began writing stories of the kind that I liked to read. Now, these stories are so familiar they feel like family members.
During the endless rounds of self-editing, I get to relive the plot. For example, in my sixth book, the main character must take over the family business. It is stressful, and to cope, she turns to alcohol.
While I wrote the first draft two years ago, I still look forward to reading the section where she faces her addictions. Will she succeed? While I know the answer, reading the solution still thrills me. It feels like meeting an old friend and learning what they are up to. Like my friends, I want my characters to succeed, and I cannot wait to see what they do next.
Which do I like better? Reading an existing story or creating a new one? They produce different kinds of joy. Creating a new story is exciting, frustrating, new, and challenging. Reliving an existing one is reassuring, relaxing, and comforting. If you were to twist my arm, I would say that reliving the story provides more satisfaction. I was surprised to discover this; it was not a motivation to be an author.
What about other authors? I suspect that others are more inspired by money, fame, or positive reviews. While I certainly appreciate those rewards, it will always be the story that keeps me going.
You’re the best -Bill
May 27, 2020 Updated February 08, 2025
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