Validation - CrimeSpace2024-03-29T15:38:59Zhttp://crimespace.ning.com/forum/topics/validation-1?commentId=537324%3AComment%3A208551&feed=yes&xn_auth=noAs a writer, validation can c…tag:crimespace.ning.com,2009-07-30:537324:Comment:2087392009-07-30T05:38:36.452ZJack Cameronhttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/JackCameron
As a writer, validation can come from all sorts of sources. I self-published my first book because that what I wanted to do for that project. While I thought it had the possibility to make money, I didn't see it as something from a publisher. And the validation I got from it was that it was all me. Everything from the words, to the layout, to the cover was all me. That meant something to me. The novel I'm writing now is a very different thing and I'm hoping to get it in at a publishing house…
As a writer, validation can come from all sorts of sources. I self-published my first book because that what I wanted to do for that project. While I thought it had the possibility to make money, I didn't see it as something from a publisher. And the validation I got from it was that it was all me. Everything from the words, to the layout, to the cover was all me. That meant something to me. The novel I'm writing now is a very different thing and I'm hoping to get it in at a publishing house because that would be a validation to me. Each project though has its own validation to it for me.<br />
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The other big thing for me anyway is just satisfying my own creativity. When I finish writing something I want to feel like it's the very best thing I can write. If I don't then I'm not done or maybe there's something wrong with the project.<br />
-Jack I think that's true. Colin De…tag:crimespace.ning.com,2009-07-29:537324:Comment:2086972009-07-29T17:06:35.385ZI. J. Parkerhttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/Ingpark
I think that's true. Colin Dexter comes to mind. It is, of course, possible that one outgrows a series. I can think of a number that should have been stopped years ago. If nothing fresh can be done with the character, then it's time to move on.<br />
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As for posthumous fame (Dan's observation), I certainly don't want that. That would be the final irony. The sudden success of authors who die after struggling for years for some sort of recognition is obscene.
I think that's true. Colin Dexter comes to mind. It is, of course, possible that one outgrows a series. I can think of a number that should have been stopped years ago. If nothing fresh can be done with the character, then it's time to move on.<br />
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As for posthumous fame (Dan's observation), I certainly don't want that. That would be the final irony. The sudden success of authors who die after struggling for years for some sort of recognition is obscene. God, Meatloaf! There's a blas…tag:crimespace.ning.com,2009-07-29:537324:Comment:2086922009-07-29T16:00:52.482ZJon Loomishttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/JonLoomis
God, Meatloaf! There's a blast from the past. And a much better reference than mine, you're right.
God, Meatloaf! There's a blast from the past. And a much better reference than mine, you're right. I don't have a problem with w…tag:crimespace.ning.com,2009-07-29:537324:Comment:2086712009-07-29T14:05:46.235ZSandra Ruttanhttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/Sandramre
I don't have a problem with writers writing to make money. I mean, if our books are published we should get paid for them. I don't see why writers should be expected to give everything away for free.<br />
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But my point is that what drives people after incredible success is not simply money. If it was, JK Rowling would have stretching things out and made the Harry Potter series a few books longer and pocketed all the extra money - not just for the books but for the movie rights and the toys and all…
I don't have a problem with writers writing to make money. I mean, if our books are published we should get paid for them. I don't see why writers should be expected to give everything away for free.<br />
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But my point is that what drives people after incredible success is not simply money. If it was, JK Rowling would have stretching things out and made the Harry Potter series a few books longer and pocketed all the extra money - not just for the books but for the movie rights and the toys and all that stuff. So why pull the plug when she had a sure thing going? Obviously, that decision wasn't about money.<br />
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The reality is, sooner or later you hit your high water mark, and from there your popularity will decrease somewhat. A few years ago, I believe it was James Patterson's UK publisher who decided to pass on keeping him so that they could invest that money in newer talent. There's an assumption that these people will keep making the same amount of money, but the reality is, in the publishing industry, if you don't sell through, you risk being dropped, and the more money they throw at you the greater the chance you won't sell through. Rankin could have pocketed millions more by agreeing to do another Rebus book, and he didn't, so I think accusing them of simply being motivated by money (as some have, though not you B.R.) is short-sighted, at best.<br />
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I think the reality is, eventually you look for validation in other ways. And remember what happened to…tag:crimespace.ning.com,2009-07-29:537324:Comment:2086532009-07-29T03:22:33.376ZB.R.Statehamhttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/BRStateham
And remember what happened to Conan Doyle and his Holmes. The public wouldn't let him kill off the greatest detective ever. I would be surprised to hear Rowling isn't getting huge amounts of fan mail pleading with her to continue with the Potter series.<br />
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Many writers write to make money. Just as many write because they want to tell a good story. Both should have the opportunity (and the markets) to be successful.
And remember what happened to Conan Doyle and his Holmes. The public wouldn't let him kill off the greatest detective ever. I would be surprised to hear Rowling isn't getting huge amounts of fan mail pleading with her to continue with the Potter series.<br />
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Many writers write to make money. Just as many write because they want to tell a good story. Both should have the opportunity (and the markets) to be successful. Getting a literary agent is h…tag:crimespace.ning.com,2009-07-29:537324:Comment:2086472009-07-29T02:51:33.957ZSandra Ruttanhttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/Sandramre
Getting a literary agent is huge. Often harder than getting the publisher. It doesn't always happen with the first manuscript, but with a good agent, it will happen.<br />
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And honestly, I think writers who achieve a certain level of success would do well to stop writing at a certain point, because they're more heavily criticized. I know Ian, for example, has had a lot of critics tell him not to quit his day job when he wrote an Operetta (or whatever they call it). People are very quick to compare…
Getting a literary agent is huge. Often harder than getting the publisher. It doesn't always happen with the first manuscript, but with a good agent, it will happen.<br />
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And honestly, I think writers who achieve a certain level of success would do well to stop writing at a certain point, because they're more heavily criticized. I know Ian, for example, has had a lot of critics tell him not to quit his day job when he wrote an Operetta (or whatever they call it). People are very quick to compare every new project to what he was most successful at. But then, if he was really just interested in money in the bank, why did he retire Rebus when nothing else he's done has ever matched that level of success? Why wouldn't JK Rowling keep Potter going?<br />
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For a long time there's been a history of authors ditching popular characters (ie: Sherlock Holmes) and trying to break free of the constraints of writing one thing that's been very popular. If they're <i>just</i> writing for money why would they do that? Eric: You're not serious, are…tag:crimespace.ning.com,2009-07-28:537324:Comment:2086112009-07-28T22:40:38.181ZJude Hardinhttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/festus
Eric: You're not serious, are you?
Eric: You're not serious, are you? I agree, Sandra. We should fo…tag:crimespace.ning.com,2009-07-28:537324:Comment:2086102009-07-28T22:36:59.601ZJude Hardinhttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/festus
I agree, Sandra. We should focus on the writing, and everything else will come of its own accord. Or not. But still, the writing, the craft, is the only thing we have any real control over.<br />
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How do we know if have what it takes? I feel somewhat validated since a reputable literary agent agreed to represent me, but I won't feel fully validated until one of my books sells to a legitimate traditional press.
I agree, Sandra. We should focus on the writing, and everything else will come of its own accord. Or not. But still, the writing, the craft, is the only thing we have any real control over.<br />
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How do we know if have what it takes? I feel somewhat validated since a reputable literary agent agreed to represent me, but I won't feel fully validated until one of my books sells to a legitimate traditional press. I thought Meatloaf said that.tag:crimespace.ning.com,2009-07-28:537324:Comment:2086092009-07-28T22:31:27.338ZJude Hardinhttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/festus
I thought Meatloaf said that.
I thought Meatloaf said that. I very much doubt that author…tag:crimespace.ning.com,2009-07-28:537324:Comment:2086032009-07-28T21:38:56.853ZI. J. Parkerhttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/Ingpark
I very much doubt that authors with millions in the bank keep writing in hopes of having a perfect novel. I think they keep writing to put more millions in the bank.
I very much doubt that authors with millions in the bank keep writing in hopes of having a perfect novel. I think they keep writing to put more millions in the bank.