Change
Some years ago, it seemed obvious to me that publishing would change dramatically by the time I got my stuff out there – shedding the old-world charm of print for the cut and rush of electrons. There would be cries and howls of disbelief as readers, agents and publishers pointed to the power of substance – the feel of paper, the heft of the book, the smell of glue – that no piece of plastic could ever replace. Impossible to predict the shape of it and even more difficult to form a chronological map for that change, it was evident that it was coming to a planet near us - soon. Bemused by experts who predicted otherwise, I took a gamble. I decided to try things my way. I knew the odds but the lottery of traditional publishing was no more certain. Since then, my views on business have matured. I understand the value of middlemen. In an ideal world they would deal with business and I would do nothing but write. That is the dream.
But now we are here. It is happening at last.
I'm tempted to write an essay on why I'm convinced of this but I don't want to bore you. I'm right or I'm wrong. We'll see.
I admire those who forge the future. We walk in their shadow and they inspire me to act. Among the most imaginative of people, it's funny how writers have allowed themselves to be led and corralled through the ages. The downside of taking control is that, if I'm unsuccessful, it is my own fault. I am terrified, I am thrilled and I am motivated. Living for up to 7 months out of 12 in a tiny tent in the mountains and the rest with family and friends, I have given up everything to make a career out of writing
And now I'm ready.
Supported by those family and friends, I will run with my conviction. The first four parts of Dreamwords are complete: Tom Corven followed by The Journal I, II & III.
Like Tom Corven, The Journal will be presented directly to the public. The challenge will be to do so and remain solvent. It appears that people like my work, but that means nothing if I can no longer write because I am starving.
I have a plan.
But now we are here. It is happening at last.
I'm tempted to write an essay on why I'm convinced of this but I don't want to bore you. I'm right or I'm wrong. We'll see.
I admire those who forge the future. We walk in their shadow and they inspire me to act. Among the most imaginative of people, it's funny how writers have allowed themselves to be led and corralled through the ages. The downside of taking control is that, if I'm unsuccessful, it is my own fault. I am terrified, I am thrilled and I am motivated. Living for up to 7 months out of 12 in a tiny tent in the mountains and the rest with family and friends, I have given up everything to make a career out of writing
And now I'm ready.
Supported by those family and friends, I will run with my conviction. The first four parts of Dreamwords are complete: Tom Corven followed by The Journal I, II & III.
Like Tom Corven, The Journal will be presented directly to the public. The challenge will be to do so and remain solvent. It appears that people like my work, but that means nothing if I can no longer write because I am starving.
I have a plan.
posted by Paul Story at 3:29 AM
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