TECH: 101 Tips (50)

[mbarker.livejournal.com]

original posting 26 September 2009

Writers' Digest, October 2004, pages 26 to 33, has a collection of short "nuggets of wisdom" related to getting published. Maria Schneider is the author of the compilation. Take a deep breath, and here we go:

"Think about the fact that well-known authors become well-known by starting out, sending their work as new writers to publications with well-known authors. Everyone has to start somewhere. Also, even the best writers don't always create the best work -- they usually just keep at it longer and more consistently." Naomi Horii

Interesting point. Even well-known authors started out as new authors once upon a time. And as for consistency... some of the long-term authors have certainly had their ups and downs. I certainly think there are some authors whose later books needed editing.

And even in writing, there's a certain macabre truth in that notion that artists are often worth more after they are dead. The same work that wasn't worth all that much when the artist (or writer) is alive often jumps dramatically in value when there will be no more work from that brush, pen, or typewriter.

But... everyone has to start somewhere. And persistence is the name of the game, because it isn't likely to be a quick trip to the top.

So why wait? Write now, write repeatedly, and keep on writing.