5 Truths for Newb Novelists #IWSG
Happy May IWSGers! Believe it or not, I actually started writing this post ahead of time - and then I forgot to schedule it, d'oh. Anywho, here I am now. Lately, I've been thinking about the reactions I didn't anticipate before my first novel was published back in 2010. For the benefit of any about-to-be-published-for-the-first-time authors out there, I'm sharing 5 things I didn't learn until after my first book came out.
1. No matter how many times you tell your friends and family that your main character isn't you, they won't believe you.
2. Once you've written and published one book, and no matter how many you publish after that, you will forever be asked, "When are you going to write a new book?"
3. You'll be amazed to learn how many people you know who've also thought about writing a book.
4. Friends who bought your book will suddenly stop making eye contact with you - because they've been busy and haven't read your book yet and probably the book isn't even their preferred genre, so you're totally cool with them not reading it, but they think you're lying, so they continue to act weird around you, enough so that when you publish your second book, you hope none of your friends buy it.
5. People in your daily life will treat you like some kind of hero or celebrity, even though all you did was indulge in your very favorite pastime ever (but let's keep that second part to ourselves so we can continue basking in the first part, eh?)
The optional question this month is about finding inspiration in spring. I really don't feel inspired by particular seasons. Places are what seem to inspire me most. Last week, I felt all kinds of creative vibes flowing amid the architecture, history, character, and beauty of New Orleans. The absinthe helped, too. ;)
For you experienced published authors, I'd love to know - do these "truths" hold for you, too?
1. No matter how many times you tell your friends and family that your main character isn't you, they won't believe you.
2. Once you've written and published one book, and no matter how many you publish after that, you will forever be asked, "When are you going to write a new book?"
3. You'll be amazed to learn how many people you know who've also thought about writing a book.
4. Friends who bought your book will suddenly stop making eye contact with you - because they've been busy and haven't read your book yet and probably the book isn't even their preferred genre, so you're totally cool with them not reading it, but they think you're lying, so they continue to act weird around you, enough so that when you publish your second book, you hope none of your friends buy it.
5. People in your daily life will treat you like some kind of hero or celebrity, even though all you did was indulge in your very favorite pastime ever (but let's keep that second part to ourselves so we can continue basking in the first part, eh?)
The optional question this month is about finding inspiration in spring. I really don't feel inspired by particular seasons. Places are what seem to inspire me most. Last week, I felt all kinds of creative vibes flowing amid the architecture, history, character, and beauty of New Orleans. The absinthe helped, too. ;)
This post is part of the monthly blog hop/therapy session known as Insecure Writer's Support Group, founded by the one and clonely Alex J. Cavanaugh. Click below to join the group!
Comments
Hooray for some chappies coming my way soon!
2. I've never actually been asked this. Hmm...maybe I'm not "big" enough for this question. lol
3. Yeah. Many people will say they thought about writing a book or always wanted to write a book the moment they know you're a writer/published.
4. As I said in #1. None of my friends have read my books. One used to say she would, but I suspect she never got around to it.
5. Ha! Not at all. In my real life, I'm sort of looked down on for not having a real job...although I am legally disabled. :\
I'm green with envy at your New Orleans adventure. I always wanted to visit that city. Hopefully, a new book will spring from it.
All the best.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
Ah well; some day the accolades will arrive. In the mean time, my family's lack of interest leaves me plenty of time to write :) And yes, so many people I know suddenly became aspiring writers.
I agree, some places just naturally inspire stories. I would love to visit New Orleans. I'd forget to do any writing though. I'd enjoy the atmosphere too much.
New Orleans?! How fun! Girl, you do get around.
LOL, on the five facts! Too funny!
Are you back in CHI? In Orlando until beginning of June. Have to finish the first draft of MK before the daughter has a major anxiety attack. She is SOOOOOO into her story, which is great, BUT, I need time to filter it all through and work at my own pace. I was able to write the first draft of my second book in six weeks. But it took years of polish. This one, I want it to be a very strong first draft, so I won't have to take so much time fixing it. You know how that goes. On page 50 now. Only another 150-200 to go. LOL.
Hopefully you take a trip into the city this summer. We missed last year. LOL....
I haven't published a book, yet.
But your 5 truths have made me a little nervous. LOL
As it is, I don't say much about my writing, so it'll be even worse for me when certain 'close-minded-community-members-who-don't-venture-beyond-their-carefully-enclosed-comfort-zones' discover I have a book (one day in the future...)
Writer In Transit