Cool Things About Being Published

My desire to be published stemmed primarily from a perceived need to justify my right to write. Getting published was a way to show that writing wasn't any more of a waste of time than oh, say, golfing, playing poker, or watching endless hours of TV while Brick Breakering. 

The ironic thing is, once my book was released to the world, all that glorious writing time I'd justified seemed to disappear amidst the 1001-ways-to-promote-your-book. I'll admit that there have been times when I've resented being published. I often long for the days of fewer distractions.  BUT there seems to be an endless string of happy surprises along the way---cool things that never would've happened if I hadn't come out of my writing closet---that cause me to figuratively slap my ungrateful self and take a moment to bask in the blessing of authorliness.

For example...

Getting to know other writers via the social networks.  Once in a while I even get to meet them in person---this is author Cherie Colyer and I at a local Starbucks, where we met to exchange books & talk up a storm.



And...  

I've been invited to speak at Booth Library on the campus of my alma mater, Eastern Illinois University (on which the fictional campus of Central Illinois University in Three Daves is based) as part of an exhibit on Building Memories: Creating a Campus Community. It remains to be seen whether anyone will show up to hear what I have to say, but still cool, right?


Furthermore...

Sometimes, people even ask my opinions on stuff, like love and intimacy.  Today at Janie Junebug's blog I deliver my incredibly deep and meaningful thoughts on the subject.  It's a private blog, so if you've already received a coveted invitation hop on over and be enlightened.  If you're not yet in the club, Janie has instructed me to tell you to "get off your duff and request an invitation" by e-mailing: dumpedfirstwife@gmail.com

So, what happy surprises have come your way after coming out of your writing closet?

 

Comments

Yeah, what the heck happens to that writing time?
Biggest surprise - all the friends I've made online.
Heather Murphy said…
That's cool that you are getting some new opportunities although I am sure it is time consuming. Hopefully the payoff is worth it.
Heather Murphy said…
That's cool that you are getting some new opportunities although I am sure it is time consuming. Hopefully the payoff is worth it.
Suze said…
'I've been invited to speak at Booth Library on the campus of my alma mater, Eastern Illinois University (on which the fictional campus of Central Illinois University in Three Daves is based)'

I wish I could attend!

My dear Nick, I will certainly let you know whenever I am anywhere near your neck o' the woods.

Janie Junebug's comments rock. I may have to zip off that email at some point!
L. Diane Wolfe said…
Being a published author really sparked my speaking career. Now I'm an NSA member and I love it!
Anne Gallagher said…
Meeting Cheryl must have been great. And speaking at Booth Library is another wow. Go you!
DL Hammons said…
I'm still locked in the closet! :(
Christine Rains said…
That is great stuff! I'm still in the closet too.
Janie Junebug said…
I was never in the writing closet. I was in the wife of a nasty husband closet. Boy, I'm glad I escaped from the darkness in there. Eastern Illinois, huh? Dr. X and I lived a bit north of Springfield for seven miserable years. He's still there, while I enjoy the pleasant winters of Florida.

Love,
Janie
Elliot Grace said…
...if I'd be in the neighborhood, you'd have at least one in attendance ;)

(no worries, Nicki. I'm quite certain you'll have an audience.)

You'll do great, good luck!

El
Michael Di Gesu said…
How exciting.... your bubbly personality and charm will certainly gyrate a lot of attendees.

Nothing exciting these days... BG got booted out of ABNA once again... Oh, well. That's life.

Have queried two agents this week.

Hope all is well with you.

WHen are you going to England?
The Starbuck photo reminded me that's what I dreamt about when I thought about being a published writer - sitting in coffee shops, talking to other writers and writing JK Rowling style. It hasn't happened yet - but possibly because I don't live very near to any writers.

Being invited to speak is awesome!
Arlee Bird said…
I think somebody padlocked my closet from the outside. Now if I could get the window open. Great news on your writing business.


Lee
The Dog Lived (and So Did I)
Wrote By Rote
An A to Z Co-host blog
I've heard there's writing, querying, and trying to get published... and then there's life after...

I heard from Tara Tyler that you're doing an 80s theme. What are you doing this year?
Unknown said…
These are all very cool things. I look forward to someday being published because my alma mater has a section in the alumni magazine talking about books by Coe alums.

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