| This is a question that many authors, romance or otherwise, ask themselves. Writing is such a personal journey. You hear often that we have so many stories running around in our heads that we *must* put them down on paper. Some succeed in selling those stories, some do not. I read on Tawny Taylor's blog that at least 1.2 million books are printed in the U.S. every year, and of that 1.2 mil, only 25,000 sell more than 5,000 copies and only 500 sell more than 100,000. That is a staggering number. So, it makes an author wonder, will I ever get in that number? We all aspire to be the next Nora or Janet. But only a few of us will. We learn and perfect our craft to someday sale to that NY agent/editor, and hope to see our name in a Barnes or Borders. This is the ultimate dream for us. And it all depends on someone we've never met (agent or editor) believing in our story enough to give it a chance. Then, we have to connect to the reader so she/he will keep coming back for more. So we'll be the author who is always a *must buy.* Jodi Lynn Copeland referred to it as a *scooby snack*. Remember Scooby Doo? He was always rewarded this wonderful treat if he did something well, or agreed to do something for the gang. As authors, we want a scooby snack from an agent, editor, and of course a reader. We want to know that we've pleased you, that we've written something really well; that it made you laugh or cry. And yes, we want you to answer that question - Do you really like me? I like you! Lyric :-) |
I like you Lyric! ;)
I know what you mean. This is a tough business. You get over one hurdle to find fifty more in front of you and you're not sure you're gonna make it past the 10th one.
Guess we just gotta keep working and keep struggling over the hurdles. Too bad it's not all handed to us on a silver platter. :)