Nathan Wall's Blog - Posts Tagged "first-blog"
Writers don't write?
I like to write. Some say I am even good at it. I guess that's a good thing, considering my ability to churn out numerous amounts of work. However, as I sit on the precipice of releasing my first fiction novel, I find that I have a laundry list of things to do, and none of them include writing.
I'm not talking about the general stuff that comes with making sure a piece is well formatted, edited, and ready for release. I'm talking about the endless game of merchandising, blogging, soliciting reviews, interacting with fans...and just about everything else that doesn't include cracking open MS Word and finishing the sequels and the novellas that tie into the world I am trying to create.
Lest you think I am having a pity party, remember that there is still the whole being a dad thing I've gotta juggle, making money to eat and feed people (because you can't depend on writing to be your sole income), and whatever else needs to be done. I think my lawn needs to be mowed, and my 4 year old isn't going to do it.
So, I'd like to hear from aspiring writers, full time writers, and avid readers. What is most important to you in this new world of writing where writers have to be concerned with more than just their original craft? A writer who does everything to interact with their fans, and blogs every day, or a writer who is a recluse and pumps out a lot of cool books for you to read? And be honest, do you search out newest and best material from people you've never heard about, or do you pretty much stick to the people with the loudest blow horn (Not that they can't be good too)?
Because, after all, the reason we are writers is to be read. On one hand you can churn out tons of books and never have the grassroots momentum behind your books to gain traction, or you can write a few books, and spend all your time promoting them.
Decisions...
I'm not talking about the general stuff that comes with making sure a piece is well formatted, edited, and ready for release. I'm talking about the endless game of merchandising, blogging, soliciting reviews, interacting with fans...and just about everything else that doesn't include cracking open MS Word and finishing the sequels and the novellas that tie into the world I am trying to create.
Lest you think I am having a pity party, remember that there is still the whole being a dad thing I've gotta juggle, making money to eat and feed people (because you can't depend on writing to be your sole income), and whatever else needs to be done. I think my lawn needs to be mowed, and my 4 year old isn't going to do it.
So, I'd like to hear from aspiring writers, full time writers, and avid readers. What is most important to you in this new world of writing where writers have to be concerned with more than just their original craft? A writer who does everything to interact with their fans, and blogs every day, or a writer who is a recluse and pumps out a lot of cool books for you to read? And be honest, do you search out newest and best material from people you've never heard about, or do you pretty much stick to the people with the loudest blow horn (Not that they can't be good too)?
Because, after all, the reason we are writers is to be read. On one hand you can churn out tons of books and never have the grassroots momentum behind your books to gain traction, or you can write a few books, and spend all your time promoting them.
Decisions...
