I’m taking a break from 3 C’s to try something new. For the next several Fridays, I’ll blog about things I’m experiencing, learning, pondering, or wrestling with on this new leg of the journey. In a month or two, I’ll reassess and see if this is a good direction.
So without further ado, here’s a small epiphany I had while telling people the news:
I don’t know what’s more fun – getting the contract, or getting to tell people about the contract. I’ve gotten some great responses, some funny responses, and some very humbling responses. You know the ones. When the person just sort of stares at you while crickets chirp backup, and then finally they say something like, Oh, that’s nice, when really they mean, You’re kind of weird. Gotta love those.
The most popular is probably: Are you going to quit teaching?
The most awkward: So is there a lot of money involved?
The most laughter-inducing: Are you going to be famous now?
But my two favorite have got to be these:
- When I found out I was getting published, I was in the middle of teaching and therefore couldn’t tell a soul. I teach with two close friends who have read all my books and have supported me through this entire journey. So after school, when I’m about to burst with the news, I have Susan and Melissa meet me in Melissa’s room, whereby I blurt, “I’m getting published!” Oh my goodness. It was the BEST reaction ever. They hurled themselves at me with hugs and screams. They jumped up and down with me and cried with me. I’ll never forget it.
- The second was more unexpected. I volunteer Wednesday nights at junior high ministry. One of the 7th graders used to be my student two years ago while I was writing Beneath a Velvet Sky. While she waited for her bus at the end of the day, she’d answer my farming questions. So while we were hanging out on Wednesday night, I told her I was getting published, thinking she’d smile, but not really get it. Nope. She freaked out! Then she asked if it was the one she helped me with and when I said yes, she about peed her pants.
An excellent post. I like the idea of getting people involved in our writing. It is so important before and after publication.
One way I involve people is I've been journaling on my blog about the three-book historical series I am writing for Abingdon Press. This way they are involved in the evolution of each story, not so much in the story itself (don't want to give it away) but in the process between writer and editor, from the submission of the proposal, to acceptance, writing, book cover design, editing process, and finally to the release.
I read this post a few days ago and didn't have time to respond, but I kept a tab open for it because I really wanted to circle back.
For some reason, this post really struck a chord for me. You raise a really great point in saying that people like to be involved. It's funny, in my real life, very few people know that I write. My husband and children, of course, my mother, my boss and a coworker. And that's it. My online world though knows all. I'm in a community with a group of writers on LiveJournal and I've been blogging the process of writing the book from the planning stages to querying to finally gaining representation. And I get a lot of thank yous from that group for including them in the process. Some because they want to follow this road, some because they just love feeling like they are a part of it. You're absolutely right — this group feels invested because they've been along for the journey.
Now I just need to do this in real life where not even my siblings know that I write or that I have a literary agent. I know why I don't tell them — it's all about expectations and I'd rather tell them 'I've got a publishing contract' than deal with 'Yes, I have been querying for 6 months. No, I still don't have an agent.' (this is what I got from my boss, and that's why I didn't even tell anyone that I'd gotten an agent, so I don't have to go through that while on submission). That's what I have to get over…
Hi Katie,
Interesting responses to your news for sure. I'm so glad you've had the joy of others being so enthusiastic for you! One strange response I had in sharing my own news (because I kept it a private matter) was from work and the two people I told just kind of looked at me like "are you sure?". They didn't seem to know how to react. Awkward. But I see how important it is for the most part to involve people. I have friends and family from around the country who are so enthusiastic about my becoming published – that's half the fun!
I'm thrilled for you, Katie, and am so happy we are in the same generations of new authors!
This is my first comment and let me say first, I like your blog. 🙂
About involving others, I think it's kind of like every other thing in life: some like to work alone, some enjoy collaboration. Sometimes, as with your story, you don't have the specific knowledge so you NEED others.
I personally prefer writing alone. Mostly because I'm terrified of the reactions from people I know. My stories are from the depth of my heart that nobody knows fully; but they would recognise instantly where the story is not-so-fictional. And I don't think I have the courage for that just yet…
Cassandra – you bring up an important point. Whatever we do, we want to make sure it's true to who we are! Thanks for that input!
All of you have had such great things to say!
I like this Friday feature, Katie. Following another writer's journey encourages me on mine. I agree with Tabitha that reading and interacting on blogs can make us feel connected to the writer. I've bought several books based on that connection… and, of course, I'm looking forward to when I can get my hands on yours.
It's not easy for me to talk about my writing with my non-writing friends, although occasionally I'm surprised by a question from one of them. A realtor friend who once read an excerpt to give technical advice, periodically asks about my progress and seems genuinely interested. I think he's an exception, but then again maybe he's an example of what you're saying. Because he was asked to be involved, even in a small way, he may feel invested. Until now I hadn't thought of that. Good point, Katie!
Excellent point you make here. You have pulled out a principle from your experience and it rings true.
Recently, I noticed an author announcing a book "out of the blue". I had no idea. And I follow this authors' blog posts. This writer is the model of encouragement to other writers. I respected the restraint and unselfishness, and it seemed so professional and tasteful, the way the whole thing was handled. I wondered if this might be the high road . . .
But here you make an excellent contrast. And I think you are right. Authors have a variety of ways to market, and the marketing should fit them, fit who they are, but it doesn't mean we can't get people involved early on. That can actually be the best route.
Both scenarios made me smile! How cool that those students want to see you succeed!
Happy Friday! I mean Saturday! I don't even know what day it is this time of year.
I love the idea of you sharing more about your journey on Fridays. (I liked three C's, too, but, well, there's always room for tweaks and change.)
I find that involving people is very difficult when I don't have a single credential. I know that that's my issue, that others probably don't care, but still. I do love it when I tell someone I enjoy writing and I've actually written novels, and they look back at me with an empty expression. I don't know if they've finally figured out once and for all that I am definitely crazy or if they're mad that they didn't think of writing before me. You know, because everyone at some point has thought, "I've always wanted to write a book."
This is great advice, Katie, thanks. And chimes with something I'm beginning to learn too: marketing, like writing, is about connecting not selling. Simple as that!
So true! I've found that since I started having my daughter and her friends read my YA novels, they are more enthusiastic about me being published. Every time I turn around, one of them asks what's going on. They also like to ask if I'll name one of the characters after them. I love it!
LOL, Mining for Diamonds. Hmmm….let's see. I fully intend to return to my classroom next year. There is money involve, but whether it's a lot is quite subjective. Let's just say it was more than a dollar, less than a million. And of course I'll be famous! That's why I started this journey. 😉
I'm reading and following along with great interest! I feel like I'm being mentored! I can tell you are a teacher/educator! 🙂
So…inquiring minds want to know…what are the answers to the other questions? *poke* LOL!
Katie, I love this post. But I am afraid to tell too many about my aspirations. Afraid if they don't come true then these people will say, "I told her not to try that." Or that I might jinx it. (Even though I am a Christian and know I can't really jinx anything.)
My three C's are always the same. But I will miss reading yours. Even though I love this idea you have.
If I'd have been in that classroom with y'all, I'd have danced a jig. (And that would have set everyone to giggling so it's probably good I wasn't there.;)
Wow! First off, congratulations!!! That is the best news! Second, I think you're right on! But I would describe it differently. When you show people you care about them by letting them in, they care about you enough to spread that love. Your way had a MUCH better ring to it. 😉
I am so happy for you! This is a great post to return to!
Great stories! I am all for a peeing the pants moment of happiness! :O)
Some of my female friends from church follow my writing (non)career. They'll buy me ice cream even if I get a request from an agent. And they're always following up with me on queries and manuscripts I send out. I love them dearly. I just wish I had some good news to report.
Wow! I love reading these comments about your fears and excitment when it comes to involving others. It definitely can be a scary thing. The thing to remember is that there will probably be more awkward responses than not….but you'll never find those true supporters/encouragers unless you open yourself up to the awkward.
Erica – I'm totally stealing that response! That is great!
Katie, I loved hearing how your teacher pals and seventh grade friend were so excited for you. Had you not shared your journey with them, their reactions would have been different.
I chose to share my journey with my face-to-face friends from the start. Because they've witnessed the time and effort I've put into my writing these past five years, they were very happy when I told them about my first contract.
Sure, I get some of the interesting questions that make me stifle smiles, but I realize they're asking because they care–and because they really don't know the answers. All they have to go on are the images of writers on TV and in the movies. Stories such as Bones shooting to the NYT Bestsellers List with her first book–written in her copious free time (I'm smirking here)–and receiving a seven-figure advance on her second is what they've heard. Because I've chosen to share my journey with them, they feel free to ask me their questions and are learning what being a writer is really like.
How fun to hear the different reactions! Since Rachelle's taken me on I've told a few people in RL and I get strange reactions. People immediately assume my books (all of them) are available for purchase at bookstores everywhere, that I have an 'in' with the industry, that I'm going to be rolling in money. I think if they really understood the hard work and slow payoff they'd wonder why I do it. One of my girlfriends said nobody could pay her enough to write night after night. I'm glad. More room at the trough for me. 😉 Have a great weekend!
😀 Yay for getting to share the happy news with people who are excited for you.
The $$ question is always an odd one. My standard reply when someone asks me how much money writing novels brings in is: "Stephen King makes more than I do." 😀
Great stories, Katie! I'm a little shy about involving people with my writing, but I've gotten better over the years. I've mostly let family read my stories, but I know there are others who will be excited when I get to that next step. Have a great weekend!
I'm the same as Jessica. I don't really talk about it, but I did recently help my niece with her first chapter. I hope there will be a day that I can help another writer.
I love those stories, Katie! I'm short on time to respond to your questions, but I absolutely agree it's important to involve others. I just have to overcome my insecurities to do it sometimes. 🙂
Ooo, I love hearing more about your journey! Seriously, it makes it all seem more real, this journey to publication.
I have a hard time telling anyone about what I do, because frankly, they all want to read it and then I'm scared! lol
I agree whole-heartedly that people want to be involved even if they appear stoic, and distant. God wired us to be in relationship with people for a purpose. And others helping out our dreams, like publication, make ours and those that help us, hearts soar (as your post tells)!
My partner in the bookstore I used to own is so involved in my books–I send her parts to review and she keeps asking when is one going to be published so she can sell it. I love involving others because like you said, it would be so cool to thank them if and when:)
The stuff of life, involvement and investment!
Excellent. Yes Yoda (I hit Erica's place before here). I'm with you.
Wait, what was the question. It's Friday. Oh yes, went back to read. Involving others. Katie, I'm going to promote your books out the wazoo. (See now I wrote it!)
Love you!
~ Wendy
It is hard to let others in. Especially because they are going to want to READ stuff and then possibly have OPINOINS! EEEEK!:)
Actually, I have two of the best friends in the world to share this journey with. They would jump up and down and scream with me. One keeps a list on her phone of ideas for my future books signings. That is the kind of unwavering support everyone should have.
I love the "So, are you going to be famous now?" I think would have to answer, "Well, I already am kind of a big deal.":)
Like the new direction for Friday. Look forward to reading more.
Great point. I've heard quite a few stories about authors' novels that became bestsellers mostly through word of mouth. It just takes one person to ecstatically praise a novel and create a snowball effect. This could be you!
Morning, Katie! I have about 14 things to say.
1. I loooooooove your idea for the next few weeks/months. I looooooove reading about the journey to publication.
2. Your teacher-friends' reaction? Brought tears to my eyes!! So awesome!!
3. I recently reconnected with one of my former students on FB. She was a third-grader when I taught her and now she's 20! She came to stay with me a few months ago, and we chat all the time online. She's one of my biggest encouragers!
4. My newest book is about social networking and SO many people are IN the book. I'm over-the-moon excited about them getting excited about being such a big part of the book. It would have ZERO words in it if it weren't for all of them.
5. Have a great weekend!!
I like involving people where I can, but sometimes I find it hard when it comes to people I don't know.
🙂
I like to get people involved but I don't usually tell them why I'm bombarding them with questions. That may be why I'm told, "You're really odd." so much. 🙂 I loved your story about the 7th grader. That was great!
Sometimes I like to tell people I have a romance novel coming out without adding the "inspirational" or "Christian" qualifier. I just like to see their reactions. Is that mean? 🙂
I didn't talk about my writing for a long time because non-writers don't really get it.
However, when I started talking about it in my close circle of friends, they became interested and even started making small jokes about the voices in my head.
I still have a hard time going to someone to ask questions about research for my novels. I don't want them to think I'm too weird. 😛
Katie, happy Friday!! Yes, I think I do find it hard to get people involved. It's probably because I've been at it so long I think maybe people kind of gave up on thinking I would ever get published. I was just one of 'those' writers with pie in the sky dreams. That was hard. Especially when I felt that way a lot of the time. I couldn't blame them. But then I got an agent. People started paying attention. Started asking questions about my writing, wondering how it was going. This past year, still not really sure where it was all headed, I started to blog more frequently. I'm making connections on the net that will hopefully lead to potential readers, and have already resulted in some great friendships. I don't have a ton of blog followers yet, but when I posted news of my contract, I was amazed at the number of people who either left a comment or sent me an email. Yes, people like to live vicariously through the joys of others. I strongly believe that the biggest selling factor outside of having an amazing book, is word of mouth to back it up. Get people interested in reading your books before they come out and you're well on your way. They have already decided that they're going to like your books because they like you. Oh, and create an author page on Facebook. That's a great way to keep your adoring public informed of what's going on, and it also has a really cool feature that allows you to see demographics of who 'likes' your page. Those are your readers. Check it out.
This is WAY too long! I'll shut up now. Have a great Friday and weekend!!!
What a wonderful story! I like the responses you shared from your friends and the girl. That must have felt really good. And yes, not everyone is going to get it. For sure.
uh-oh….LOL I don't really like to talk about writing with non-writers, not my personal stories at least. Hmmmm, this is definite food for thought.
Congrats on those amazing reactions!!!! Happy Friday! 🙂
I heard this saying once that went something along the lines of "Care about those you want to care about you." I guess it kinda means that you need to invest in others in a way that says 'you are an important part of my journey.' I love it when I get to be apart of someone else life.
You know, you were the first blog I followed when I first started blogging almost two years ago. Through your posts I watched you while you wrote and rewrote and learned and grew. I read the post where you wondered and worried and waited. And I hoped for you like I hope for me. I feel INVOLVED if only in a small way as one of your blog readers 🙂
Great post Kaite 🙂