I love this so much -- the prompt to pause and really consider what we want out of a piece of writing, the reflection on the inherent value of the writing process itself, the shift of seeing publication as the only way our efforts can be validated as worthwhile. Oof. I'm going to be sitting with this one. Thank you, Allison💛
Al. Nice article. I can relate to ur student who only wanted to enjoy the process and. Not publish.
There is a wonderful sense of of accomplishment when a write a REALLY good piece. When the whisp o the will dances before me and I manage to snatch a bit of it before it dissipates.
I go back and read what I wrote and it’s like my friend Karl said.” Sometimes when I’m in orchestra I really get in the groove and I play above my self.”
Sometimes I write above my skill level. Above my pay grade. It’s rare and wonderful because it’s like falling into a delicious hidden stream and being carried along by the energy of the story.
I self publish on amazon.
I have 220 books no one buys.
That’s ok.
Someday my books will fill the world.
I am aware of this like you are aware that today you will drink coffee or have lunch.
It’s not a big deal.
But the money will be nice.
I have a lot of useless crap I want to waste it on.
But the biggest reason I don’t seek traditional publishing is who needs the rejection?
I have ADHD and have been told I was stupid all my life. And I should prostrate myself before someone with a bad tie and plead for validation. I’ve had a belly full of that all my life.
If they can’t see my star’s light rising they were not supposed to. I won’t get mad at them.
God sees. He gave me the fire. In his time he’ll cause my star to rise. I don’t need to self flagellate or hand someone who means nothing to me the whip so they can beat me till I shine.
I already do.
I have a lot of friends to make wealthy.
A lot of good to do. A lot of it I’m doing today. Not waiting till Spielberg is on line one and Elon musk is on line two. And I have a lot of useless crap I’m pumped to waste money on.
Hi Frankie, thank you for reading and taking the time to post a note. I know what you mean about the rejection. I think that's why it's important to choose ourselves before we ask to be chosen by any publishing gatekeeper. It sounds like you're doing just that. You're obviously a skillful writer with a lot to say. Best of luck to you, and keep writing!
Ooooh, this is such a good one, Allison! What I've noticed is that writers with an MFA in my realm somehow, write to submit and actively work toward publication in some kind of reputable/established place. (I'd bet serious money that the drive toward that process is absolutely related to your MFA training, as you mention. It just makes sense.) The rest of us, just write. Maybe because we didn't learn about submitting or the idea that publication should be goal. Or we don't know where to submit to. I generally write for my Substack, as I used to write for my MailChimp newsletter and before that my blogs. It's only recently that I've considered the idea of submitting at all! Thank you for asking this question. It feels essential to have some sense as to the "why" of our work and your question nudges us toward that.
Elizabeth, thank you for letting me know that this resonated with you. I'm pleased that you feel liberated to just write, and I'm excited that you're feeling motivated to submit as well. So often, submitting and publishing is the default, but it doesn't have to be.
Love your use of the word ‘tangible’ here and seeing the connection to your substack name. (And thanks for italicizing it, haha) 😊
I was hoping someone would notice that, Susan! Of course it would be you. Eagle eye. Thanks for reading and for being such a steadfast support system.
I love this so much -- the prompt to pause and really consider what we want out of a piece of writing, the reflection on the inherent value of the writing process itself, the shift of seeing publication as the only way our efforts can be validated as worthwhile. Oof. I'm going to be sitting with this one. Thank you, Allison💛
Thank you so much for reading and letting me know that it resonated, Rebekah!
Al. Nice article. I can relate to ur student who only wanted to enjoy the process and. Not publish.
There is a wonderful sense of of accomplishment when a write a REALLY good piece. When the whisp o the will dances before me and I manage to snatch a bit of it before it dissipates.
I go back and read what I wrote and it’s like my friend Karl said.” Sometimes when I’m in orchestra I really get in the groove and I play above my self.”
Sometimes I write above my skill level. Above my pay grade. It’s rare and wonderful because it’s like falling into a delicious hidden stream and being carried along by the energy of the story.
I self publish on amazon.
I have 220 books no one buys.
That’s ok.
Someday my books will fill the world.
I am aware of this like you are aware that today you will drink coffee or have lunch.
It’s not a big deal.
But the money will be nice.
I have a lot of useless crap I want to waste it on.
But the biggest reason I don’t seek traditional publishing is who needs the rejection?
I have ADHD and have been told I was stupid all my life. And I should prostrate myself before someone with a bad tie and plead for validation. I’ve had a belly full of that all my life.
If they can’t see my star’s light rising they were not supposed to. I won’t get mad at them.
God sees. He gave me the fire. In his time he’ll cause my star to rise. I don’t need to self flagellate or hand someone who means nothing to me the whip so they can beat me till I shine.
I already do.
I have a lot of friends to make wealthy.
A lot of good to do. A lot of it I’m doing today. Not waiting till Spielberg is on line one and Elon musk is on line two. And I have a lot of useless crap I’m pumped to waste money on.
Oh boy.
Your pal,
Frankie chocolate
Hi Frankie, thank you for reading and taking the time to post a note. I know what you mean about the rejection. I think that's why it's important to choose ourselves before we ask to be chosen by any publishing gatekeeper. It sounds like you're doing just that. You're obviously a skillful writer with a lot to say. Best of luck to you, and keep writing!
Ooooh, this is such a good one, Allison! What I've noticed is that writers with an MFA in my realm somehow, write to submit and actively work toward publication in some kind of reputable/established place. (I'd bet serious money that the drive toward that process is absolutely related to your MFA training, as you mention. It just makes sense.) The rest of us, just write. Maybe because we didn't learn about submitting or the idea that publication should be goal. Or we don't know where to submit to. I generally write for my Substack, as I used to write for my MailChimp newsletter and before that my blogs. It's only recently that I've considered the idea of submitting at all! Thank you for asking this question. It feels essential to have some sense as to the "why" of our work and your question nudges us toward that.
Elizabeth, thank you for letting me know that this resonated with you. I'm pleased that you feel liberated to just write, and I'm excited that you're feeling motivated to submit as well. So often, submitting and publishing is the default, but it doesn't have to be.
I Love the questions you ask Allison!