American economist James M. Buchanan won a Nobel Memorial Prize in 1986 for his work on pubic choice theory. Two questions he reportedly asked job candidates were:
“What are you writing that will be read 10 years from now? What about 100 years from now?”
Has anyone ever asked you that? How did you respond?
Now that some holiday dust has settled, let me ask you something: Did you send fewer Christmas cards this year than last? Did you receive fewer?
Maybe it’s the writer in me, but I’m one of what appears to be a rare-and-vanishing-breed of old-fashioned souls who starts banging out a family Christmas letter each year just after Thanksgiving. Sometimes before. December without an annual family newsletter is like peanut butter without jelly, Aspen slopes without snow, Lucy without Ethel… Well. You get the idea.
Do you write letters anymore, even around the holidays? How many people read your letters? While I’m clunking merrily away on the keyboard, I’m fully aware that my year-end wrap-up of family news, vacation photos, sports events and special occasions will most likely be speed-read by a select few and ignored by most. How come? Here are a few possibilities:
“Never mistake motion for action” – Ernest Hemingway
If you’ve been at the writing trade for longer than twenty minutes or so, you’ve probably noticed the “desperate doodlers.” These are the writer wannabees who are so desperate to break into print that they’ll pitch their work to anyone and everyone, even paying a third party to get “published.” Those who continuously stoop to submitting anything, anywhere, with little to no regard to a publisher’s reputation, accessibility or integrity aren’t Real Writers so much as they are Desper-Doodles. They’re dying to pad their scanty resumes with “publishing credits” from any Tom, Dick, or Harry that comes along and says “I’ll take that.” (This can actually hurt you in the long run if you make it a habit.)
Heads Up
A word of clarity here: In the publishing world, “small” or “independent” doesn’t necessarily mean poor quality or ill repute. Just because a publisher or literary outlet isn’t a household name doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a boiler-plate, fly-by-night outfit. But it might. So heads up: “Come one, come all” publishers who prey on inexperienced novice writers are a dime a dozen. They’ll publish anything and everything, usually for a fee, regardless or quality or merit. Some of these “publishers” make a living at predating on hapless souls who are willing to sell their firstborn for a chance to see their name in lights.
Look before you leap. You may get your work “published” with some of these “snake oil” publishers, but good luck on finding anyone who’ll actually buy your book – let alone fall in as a loyal reader.
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Have you had an experience with a publishing “snake oil salesman?”
What did you learn?
Attention fellow writers and readers:
Check out: 7 Lessons in Self-Publishing I Learned in the Seventh Grade by Mainak Dhar. This guest post on David Gaughran’s blog,Let’s Get Digital: How to Self-Publish and Why You Should, is a bit long-ish, but it’s well worth the read. Plenty of practical tips, perspective and ‘food for thought’ here.
Speaking of which, have you self-published? If so, what was your experience? Positive or negative? What are some of the pros and cons you’ve encountered in self-publishing? Would you recommend this route for publication?
Today we’re getting to know Carol Stratton, author of Changing Zip Codes: Finding Community Wherever You’re Transplanted. Carol has moved twenty-two times and has a passion for newcomers, “as I’ve been one many times.” She says, “I started out in the SF Bay Area and now live in North Carolina.”
Carol has kindly offered Roads Diverged readers a sweet slice of her book via the following devotional excerpt, All Dressed With Somewhere to Go. Her bio and contact info. follow. Enjoy!
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not
be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and
petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:4-6 NIV
All Dressed With Somewhere to Go
Out in front of his Bible school, David Weaver perched himself on top of a suitcase that held most of his worldly possessions. Even though he was sure he wanted to be a missionary, he didn’t have next semester’s tuition. Consequently, he found himself moving out of the dorm room and onto the school’s front lawn.
If it had been me, I would have been kicking the side of my suitcase, calling home to cry on my mother’s shoulder, or writing a very self-righteous letter to the president of the school.
Not David. A man of strong faith, he sported a large smile and a positive attitude. He had tried every other means to raise funds and nothing had worked. So he just sat outside with a grin, knowing God would come through with a miracle.
Maybe you need a housing miracle. It might be selling a home and finding temporary shelter before you can move on. It might be an affordable mortgage. But whatever it is, know that God is paying attention. Even though heaven seems mute, He has not forgotten your need. But our part is spelled out clearly in Philippians: we are to rejoice, rejoice again, and rejoice always. After we do that we are to present our requests to God in a thankful manner. So let’s review. Rejoice, rejoice again, and pray with thanksgiving—end of discussion.
But when we are talking about a major relocation in our lives, it’s a very difficult thing to do. That’s when we bring God our “sacrifice of praise.” It’s a sacrifice because we have to give up our normal way of handling things—whining, worrying, and stressing. But to use David as an example, getting our attitude right opens the door for God to work. Want to hear the rest of the story?
As David perched outside the administration building, a lady from the office ran out to tell him they’d found him a place to stay. Two bachelors had a room in their house and David could room there for free. In addition, the house was right behind the school, within walking distance.
As he hauled his gear into his new home, the phone rang. One of the owners picked it up and with a puzzled look, motioned to his new roommate, “It’s for you.” Someone from the school’s office had called to tell him there was a job available and he’d better get over there, pronto. David explained how he was in a grubby T-shirt and jeans, but the caller insisted he needed to get there immediately. He rushed over to the employment office. Standing in line with other applicants, he felt foolish in his grungy work clothes among the suits and ties of the other young men. Suddenly he saw one of the interviewers pointing at him. “Hey you, come up here right now.” Shocked, he walked to the front of the line. “I need someone in construction and see you are dressed for work. Can you start right away?David shook his head in amazement. In one day he’d gone from being homeless to landing a good roof over his head and a job. What an awesome God.
Today as we feel overwhelmed with a move, let’s remember God does pay attention. Our part is to keep a faithful attitude. You might try pulling out a suitcase and putting it by the front door as a reminder that God does provide.
Taken from the book: Changing Zip Codes: Finding Community Wherever You’re Transplanted
Published by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas
Available at Amazon.com http://tinyurl.com/ox3nxrj
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Carol G. Stratton has been a freelance writer and speaker for over a decade in publications including InTouch magazine, CBN.com, Kyria, Forsyth Women Magazine and the Grand Rapids Press as well as two anthologies, Writing so Heaven Will be Different (Wine Press) and Extraordinary Answers to Prayers (Guideposts).
She speaks to MOPS and other women’s groups about life transitions and personality temperaments. She is currently under contract for a women’s inspirational novel called Lake Surrender.
Contact Carol at: carolgstratton@gmail.com or through her website: ChangingZipCodes.
You can also find Carol on Facebook at Changing Zip Codes, or on Twitter at @CarolGStratton.
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Interested in being a featured author? Shoot me a comment. Tell me a bit about yourself and your work. I’ll get back to you by email. (Anonymous comments will not receive a response.)
What is “free speech”? If you’re a writer, you’ve doubtless come across the concept. What does it mean? How does it look? Act? Behave?
For some, “free speech” means “we all have the right to an opinion and to voice that opinion.” Nobody can tell anyone “what they can and can’t say.” No constraints. No boundaries. Anything goes. Period.
Get Lost, Cookie?
Example: I came across a political blog the other day that contained profanity and some tasteless content, IMHO. What was said wasn’t an issue; it was how it was said. The blog owner asked readers to comment, share links, etc. Out of respect for my readers, I politely suggested that I’d be happy to do so if the language could be cleaned up. Wrapped in the Bill of Rights and “free speech,” the response was basically, “Get lost, cookie.”
So I did.
When Is “Free Speech” Not?
Realizing that people have a right to disagree and disagree passionately on a variety of topics, I wondered at what point, if any, is “free speech” not free? Is there a point where it becomes costly?
Tossing that out to others recently, the question generated quite a discussion – and many different views and nuances. Here’s some feedback. “Free speech” may not be “free” when it:
Someone also pointed out that “free speech” is not an absolute right. “You can’t yell ‘Fire!’ in a crowded theater,” he said.
In America, we hold the Bill of Rights dear. The right to free speech, including the right to disagree, is held dear. And they should be. But are writers held to a higher standard? When? Does that depend on context? Audience? Or something else?
Where do “free speech” and responsibility intersect? Or do they? Does it matter?
Remember my post from awhile back, Andretti, Puccini, and 120 MPH With Your Hair on Fire? (That’s okay. I’ll wait.)
Anyway, that post talks about re-charging the ‘ole creative batteries and caring for your heart. About slowing down long enough to drink in some beauty. Share grace. Rekindle your sense of awe and wonder and delight. I offered some suggestions.
So writer, how are you caring for your craft by caring for your heart today?
If you’re running around at warp speed, may I make a suggestion – and offer an example? Take a few moments to slow down and enjoy this cool video by The Piano Guys, (It’s even better if you know the lyrics.)
Be refreshed.
Then share with a friend who could use a boost. Tell us who you shared it with in the comments section. You might also let us know how you care for your craft by caring for your heart:
As mentioned last time, if you’re a writer, chances are you’re also a reader. So let me ask: have you seen the list of Books Everyone Should Read that’s floating around Facebook? Did you read it?
I did. IMHO, several of the titles were questionable and many books that should’ve been included weren’t. So I came up with my own list: Books to Grow By.
Classic, contemporary, and just for fun titles are included, plus some surprises. (Note: With apologies to high school English teachers everywhere, I simply cannot abide ‘stream of consciousness’ prose a la Faulkner, which is one reason The Sound and the Fury isn’t included. Ditto Wuthering Heights and The Great Gatsby.) You’ll also find evidence of my conviction that some of the finest literature ever written can be found in the Children’s Section. Selections appear in alpha order by title.
Click here for the full list. :)
How many of these have you read? What are YOUR favorites? Share in the comments section.
“If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot…reading is the creative center of a writer’s life…you cannot hope to sweep someone else away by the force of your writing until it has been done to you.” – Stephen King
38 in 10
Thirty-eight in ten. It wasn’t easy. But it was fun!
My local library wraps up its annual Adult Winter Reading Program today The program began in January and ran for ten weeks. My goal? To read and/or listen to 40 books during that time frame. I came within a cat’s whisker of reaching it.
“How in the world did you manage 38 books in ten weeks?” you ask. “Where’d you find the time?”
Truth? I didn’t “find” the time. I made it. Yep, it’s amazing what you can accomplish if you bring a book to the dentist or doc’s office. Read at red lights. While standing in line at the post office or grocery check-out. Hibernate in the library. Listen to a book on CD while doing dishes. Double as a Himalayan hermit.
Why Is That?
The best writers I know are also voracious readers. Why is that? Check out some of the links below to find out.
What were the best books I read/listened to in the last ten weeks? Answer: It depends. Mostly on which day you ask. Those that were particularly memorable, in no particular order, include:
Noteworthy: Cry, The Beloved Country –Alan Paton; Zia – Scott O’Dell; War Horse – Michael Morpurgo.
Are you a writer who reads? Share some of your favorite titles below.
Up next: Books to Grow By. How Many Have You Read?
“By taking out your heart, the Enemy takes out you, and you are essential to the Story.”
– John Eldredge, Waking the Dead
Does 100 mph with your hair on fire seem slow? Like when you’re used to flaming down the road at 120?
I hit the brakes the other day, stepping down from one of those 120 mph, hair-on-fire, all-consuming, calendar-cramming, adrenaline-rushing responsibilities. Among other things, I suddenly realized my favorite season, autumn, skidded onto and off the calendar while I wasn’t looking. Buried in meetings, agendas, conference calls, planning, coordinating, meetings, schedules, and more meetings, I missed it. And I don’t want to miss it again.
Looking back, I’d gotten so used to careening around at warp speed, I couldn’t remember what a fire extinguisher looks like, let alone how to use one. I didn’t realize how fried I really was until I exited the kitchen. Throttled down. Left the race track. Traded Mario Andretti for Giacomo Puccini. Like:
Swiss Cheese in Death Valley
Since then I’ve learned the value of saying “No.” Of not hitting the after-burners. Not immediately diving into more up-to-my-eyeballs responsibilities. To be deliberate about rehydrating my heart, which was starting to resemble unrefrigerated Swiss cheese in Death Valley. In August.
Short Answer and Chances
Why take time to brake, switch gears, power down? Short answer: Because I’m more productive and effective when I’m running on a full tank instead of fumes. I’m better able to serve others when I’m not burnt out myself.
Are you?
If you’re a writer, chances are good you’re also a reader. Tell me now, isn’t there something soothing and settling about immersing yourself in a good book? Something delicious and delightful about being lost in a good story? (Okay. It may not be quite as good as getting lost in an Olympic-sized swimming pool of Hershey’s with almonds, but you get the idea.)
The Picture
Know what? Drinking in the wonder and richness of the written word on a regular basis again, my Sahara-dried out heart is gaining new strength. Becoming more supple. Fresh. Joyous. Elastic.
Sun sets seem more vibrant. Cinnamon spice more fragrant. Quilts are downier. Music more moving. Even brussel sprouts taste better. Friends say they see signs of actual brain activity. The fam says…. well. Never mind what the fam says.
Anyway, I didn’t realize how much I missed reading, writing, and all things bookish until they came back, long-lost loves welcoming me home
Books loved anyone who opened them, they gave you security and friendship and didn’t ask for anything in return; they never went away, never, never, not even when you treated them badly.”
– Cornelia Funke, Inkheart
Has the Creative Well Run Dry?
So writer, let me ask: Are you burnt out to a crackly crisp? Running around at 120 mph with your hair on fire? Thinking it all depends on you? Has the creative well run dry?
A suggestion: slow down. (The world won’t stop revolving. Trust me on this one.) Trade Andretti for Puccini. Or whatever resonates beauty, joy, gratitude and grace to your soul. For me, it’s books, reading, writing, and soaring arias. For others it might be walks on the beach. Starlight. Bubble baths. Playing catch with the kids. Calling up grandma or gramps. Rock-climbing. A fully loaded supreme pizza. Getting a cat. (Nobody’s perfect.)
The point is, take time to care for your heart. And be intentional about it.
This may seem counter-intuitive to some. Even selfish. In truth, it’s one of the best things you can do not only for yourself, but for others. Particularly if you’re a writer. There’s not much inspiration in charcoal.
Now if I could just figure out what to do with this singed hair.
Mount Rainier
Do you know a writer who’s worn out, fried to a crackly crisp? Share this post with them and give them a boost.
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Catch us next time for Books to Grow By: How Many Have you Read?
Pages & Paws 