Determination: Moving From Writer to Author

A writer is one who writes. An author is one who is published.

 

That’s a pretty common and accepted distinction. Plenty of people write, far fewer are published. For some people, making that leap is as easy as a stroll across the back nine, for others it requires building a whole new course. Regardless of the route, crossing the chasm requires two things:

 

1. Finishing the work. This one’s mandatory.
2. Submitting your work. When it's ready. Someone might stumble upon it, but they still have to read it. And like it. And be willing to put up money. 

But there’s one other quality: Determination. Drive. Yes, to do the above two, but also to study, research, know your craft, your genre. Participate. Be involved.

 

In short, to be immersed.

 

I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately, right after realizing that I’ve probably spent my entire first advance going to conferences and book events. And I also realizing it’s worth it. I have to be there professionally and personally.

 

But here’s where it gets muddled. Writers Conferences are a given. Writers go to get better, but mostly they go to gain access to editors and agents. Smart move. But why don’t they ever seem to be at the book events: 1. Doing the same and 2. Supporting authors. Soaking up the ambience. Learning.

 

In short, immersing themselves.

 

I belong to two writers groups (Eastern NY SCBWI and the Glens Falls Writers Group) and several defunct groups. Total membership for all the groups combined? More than 100. And yet I saw one writer – and the same writer at that – at all the book festivals and signings I’ve been to lately (see the Empire State Book Festival and the Hudson Children’s Book Festival entries).

 

I find myself freely talking to authors, watching them work, seeing who's selling books, how they’re selling them, what presentations move and which drag. But beyond that – far beyond that – I simply have to be there. I’m going this weekend to see Jane Yolen* and Mark Teague at Open Door Books in Schenectady . Why? Because I have to. I can’t explain it. Just like I had to see Hemingway’s house when I was in Key West . Some things you have to do.

 

Being around books is mine. I wish more writers looking to make the leap to author felt the same way. Maybe more of them would be published if they were Driven. Determined. Immersed.

 

And no, I’m not published yet. But I feel like I’m getting ever closer (see the Pocono SCBWI entry). But until then – and I’m sure after then, too – I’ll enjoy the next festival as much as the next conference – not to network, but to be surrounded by writers and readers who share my passion: books.

 

“Writers are not paid for their words. They are paid for their perseverance.”

*Jane Yolen says writing is a matter of 

"butt in chair." Don't make the mistake of using

book festivals to get out of writing. If anything,

write twice as much. Keep writing until you're

behind one of those tables selling your book.

Who knows? I might be there to buy it from you.

What's the last book festival you went to? Who did you go to see? What did you buy?

Highlights of the Empire State Book Festival

The 2nd annual Empire State Book Festival escaped bad weather but not poor attendance. At least it appeared that way; I suppose we'll have to wait for official numbers.

Which is too bad. There were plenty of great authors in attendance, including Ann Martin (of The Baby-Sitters Club), who gave the opening remarks, and Rosanne Cash, who gave the keynote address. In between there was plenty to do, for book buyers, lit lovers, and aspiring authors.

Empire State Book Festival Highlights

My own personal list:

1. The Illustrator's Panel. Artists discussed their approach to picture books in the Picture This presentation. Featuring Julia Gorton, Daniel Kirk and Steven Petruccio (and a host of technical problems), I found this the most informative of all the panels I attended. Julia Gorton is probably the most experimental of the three, and Steven Petruccio's rich, detailed work impressed me greatly. I've long been a fan of Daniel Kirk's Library Mouse books. I found his approach to his work similar to mine, even if his art is far better. But then that's why I attended this panel.
2. Words Come First. A panel featuring two writers (Susanna Hill and Amy Axelrod) and one writer-illustrator (Iza Trapani, who I saw last year), on the idea that story comes first. And while there are some exceptions to this (Mo Willems created the drawing of Pigeon before he ever wrote a word), I generally agree with the premise here. The writer writes and the illustrator gives it added life. Examples of artistic disagreements and wonderful working relationships abounded. Spoke briefly with Susanna Hill afterword, because I like both Punxsutawney Phyllis and Can't Sleep Without Sheep. Looking forward to getting her new book April Fool, Phyllis.
3. Rosanne Cash. Her speech was heartfelt but also full of a seasoned performer's tricks (audience participation, a brief break into song, etc. -- plenty of ways to keep people engaged). Best of all, she didn't use a PowerPoint presentation. Authors always seem to rely on visual gimmickry rather than words to hold their audience. Long been a pet peeve of mine, and I often wonder, should my writing career gets to the point where I'm doing presentations, if I'd rely on such technology. Have audiences come to rely on it, too? Can the power of words alone hold them? Is there a fresh way to do this? Or like Rosanne, would I rely on the tricks of a seasoned performer? Great to watch her work.
4. SCBWI Members. Ran into a few Eastern New York SCBWI members, some presenting, some buying, all supporting each other. Picked up a copy of Liza Frenette's Dead End, and spoke briefly with Coleen Praratore (hopefully you'll soon see her The Wedding Planner's Daughter as a TV movie). I also greatly enjoyed talking with young adult writer Eric Luper and getting his thoughts on my agent situation, the business, etc. I'm forging relations with some of the same people with whom he regularly works. Eric graciously answered my questions, and I guarantee I will be picking up a copy of his newest book, Jeremy Bender and the Cupcake Cadets when it comes out in May. It will be a summer reading project for Johnny K.

While I still believe the Empire State Book Festival is a worthwhile cause, it was not without its problems. Authors only receive one hour to sign books, a move perhaps limited by space, but one that seemed to frustrate some of them. They would have gladly enjoyed staying throughout the day to meet readers and fans, and still take time off to do their presentations. This is the way most book festivals operate, so rather odd that this one does not. Also, some authors are scheduled to sign books after the keynote address. A keynote speech generally means THE END, so walking down the hallway afterward was depressing. The booksellers and vendors had all packed up, making the Egg feel deserted. A long line waited to see Rosanne Cash, but the other authors were largely ignored. Some earlier authors had signings schedule right after their presentations (which makes sense), but others did not. There was no feeling of immediacy, of striking while the iron is hot.

All in all, I like this festival. The talent is amazing, the vendors varied, non-profits are encouraged to attend (had a wonderful time chatting with The Children's Literacy Connection), and it's great for downtown Albany, but a few kinks need to be worked out. Hopefully come season three.

I'll be there.

THE END