One book leads to another...

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Inside the Outsiders



Here it is the first Wednesday of the month when members of the Insecure Writers Support Group devote our posts to thoughts of the wows and woes of writing in the welcoming warmth of an online writing community where there are no outsiders. See what everyone is talking about and enjoy!  IWSG

Outsider. The word alone can feel like a life sentence unless we remind ourselves that Insiders aren’t just born that way. For instance, the dismissive, often derogatory term was commonly used as a description for Super-heroes and Sci-fi fans worldwide. Now they, along with every aspect of the genre(s) in general, are looked upon in awe. How about that?



I once had the less than gratifying opportunity to be the only self-published author seated at a large round table at a southwestern author’s conference. As is my normal mode, I remained silent at first, as I got a ‘feel’ for my fellow writers and authors. Between the somewhat arrogant speakers at the podium and the caustic little cackles of those around my table, I no longer wanted to speak at all. I really wanted to hide under a rock. But, you know what? That was the last time.

Because, as no stranger to the murky depths of insecurity, I can sense it (in others) faster than my girls (dogs) can find a cookie in your pocket. The issues those new and seasoned writers had with Indy-publishing were their problem. Not mine. Perhaps they hadn’t heard of Hybrids?

On the subject of hybrids, here’s a great article by Chuck Wendig ; it’s a little dated, but nonetheless insightful.

And speaking of publishing, this relates rather closely to my answer to the question of the month, which is: What was your first piece of work as an aspiring writer, and where is it now?  Would you believe I’m sitting on it? Well, not literally. It’s under my desk. In a dust-covered, shoe-scuffed box, my very first completed novel; edited, revised, edited, revised, partially re-written, and favorably reviewed by ten readers is neatly tucked away to wait in plaintive silence for me to take the next step. But here’s the kicker, of all I’ve ever written it’s important that this one is traditionally published.  Yeah, I know. Good luck with that, right? 

Moving on to things that are possible, here’s something happening right now! If you enjoy flash fiction (as I do), you’re going to love this new platform called TaleHunt. At 250 or less, it’s a bit more than Twitter (at 45 characters) and way more than Hemingway; the master of flash fiction himself, but who couldn’t use a handy launching pad to success in the craft of our dreams?

So, how’s your journey? Where are you in the publishing process? What are your publishing plans?

22 comments:

  1. Hi, Diedre!

    I admire you for understanding that insiders who attempt to position others as outsiders are coming from insecurity. I admire you for being able to pierce the facade and detect insecurity even in those who have achieved success, fame and fortune. By acknowledging insecurity, by demystifying it and recognizing that you do not own the exclusive rights to it, you free your mind to create.

    In my world, outside is the new inside. I find that concept very exciting.

    Enjoy the rest of your week, dear friend Diedre!

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    1. Good Morning, Shady!
      "Outside is the new Inside" I like that. I admire creativity in all forms and feel there's room enough for everyone. Advances in both thought and technological processes have indeed been uplifting!
      Your thoughts are much appreciated, my friend, as I perceive you as the out-of-the-box insider who keeps the masses clamoring with a language that bridges the gap between differences. Perhaps one day I'll figure out how you do it;-)

      Have a wonderful Wednesday, dear Shady!

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  2. I can understand. I do have a couple pieces I want to get published by a big pub, and some I'd prefer to have small pubs for. There's such a different dynamic and it would be truly awesome to experience the whole gambit.

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    1. Hi Crystal!
      It's good to know I'm not alone in wanting to try it all. As our work varies, so do the avenues that propel them best. I love having options, don't you?


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  3. I feel the same way with needing to traditionally publish my first book. That's why I need an agent. I have something different in mind with this one and don't want to give it to my small publisher. We will both traditionally publish our first books, diedre. We will! I hope you're working on a query and synopsis and creating a list of publishers/agents to send it to. :)

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    1. Hi Chrys!
      Your comment makes my heart soar with hope that I can actually do this. I have no doubts about you, dear lady. You're destined for the stars!
      I have a 'long' and a short synopsis. I don't know why those things worry me so. I'm still uncomfortable with the query. I do have a list of publishers/agents, but even it has been revised along with the evolution of my novel. Leave it to me to need help on the easy parts, huh?
      Thanks so much, Chrys. You spark a right nice flame :-)

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  4. I haven't seen that side of it, but I can only imagine. I've always been very kind to any other authors I meet at events...but interestingly, the only snide comment I've gotten was from a self-pubbed author. I told her I tried to write romance but was rejected and she laughed and said, "Those books are so bad, I didn't know it was possible to be rejected." I just informed her that there are some VERY good romances out there. She'd written some book about the local area and was one of those types who thinks literary books are the only ones to read.

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    1. Hi Stephanie!
      Holy cow, the woman was rude and oblivious! I enjoy literary books but I love reading for pleasure - everyone should try it once ;-)
      Have a great week!

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  5. I think it is a worthy goal. More power to you for sticking to what you really want. You can do it.
    Juneta @ Writer's Gambit

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  7. I'm not sure if an arrogant speaker would make me cringe or just bore me to death. Arrogance is incredibly unattractive, and I tend to zone out in the presence of such speakers. Talk about not knowing your audience... or taking a hint from the audience!

    Good luck on your trad-pub goals, and let us all know how it goes. :-D


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    1. Hi Tanya!
      Green as I was back then, I assumed all speakers were that way. Glad I know better now;-)
      Thanks for the wishes. I imagine everyone will know if/when I make it as I'll be shouting from the rooftop - ha!
      Thank you for coming by!

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  8. Because I'm not at the point of thinking about publishing yet, I always find it interesting to read views on self-publishing vs. trad-publishing. I like the fact that some folks do both.

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    1. Hi Ellen,
      I never tire of hearing about the journeys of others because it helps me along on my own.
      I think hybrid is definitely the way to go; the opportunities are there, why not use them?
      Thanks for chiming in, Ellen!

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  9. Hi Dierdre,

    Thanks for offering to host me on my book blog tour. I just had my book launch party on Saturday in Berlin for Trixi Pudong and the Greater World. I was really touched by my amazing, generous, and attentive guests.

    Anyway, now I'm done cleaning up the bar and washing the dishes, lol, and to answer this post's question, the result of my first big publishing project is Trixi Pudong, which I've been semi-live blogging and tweeting. (gritlands.blogspot.com)

    I'm looking forward to our date on Aug 18. What would you like me to prepare ahead of time? I don't have your email, but you can reach me at audreymei[at]gmail[dot]com.

    All best, Audrey

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    1. Hi Audrey!
      Your launch party sounds wonderful!
      Trixi Pudong is sure to be a success and I'm happy to help out :-) I'll email you yet today!

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    2. Thank you Dierdre for your vote of confidence! Looking forward to hearing from you :-)

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  10. Once I was at a conference and I sat next to a woman I just met at one of the dinners. During the meal, when our companions were discussing our reading interests, the woman said that she sometimes dips into trash, like mysteries. I was working on a mystery at the time. Sometimes not everyone we meet at conferences gets it, but I try not to let people like that get to me.

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    1. Good to see you, Cynthia!
      Can you believe how insensitive some folks can be? Good for you for hanging tough :-) Whatever happened to the mystery you were working on?

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  11. I've been both, self-published and ... the other. Sadly, people can be rude, crude, and unsavoury. I know how you felt. I've been there. Now I'm purposely hanging out with people who make me feel welcomed. Great post, Diedre. Thanks for visiting IWSG.

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    1. Hi Joylene!

      I'm with you on avoiding discord ;-) Though sometimes it can't be helped. It's all just a part of the journey. Lucky for us, there are groups like IWSG.
      Thanks for coming by!

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Any thoughts? Join the conversation, comments welcome here!