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Jul. 31st, 2002 07:43 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
taratemimaSo a writer asks me two questions: what book/author am I trying to compete with, and how good am I really?
I didn't see that first question at first, and I find it hard to answer, since I tend to go through phases of absorption then release without necessarily remembering who and what.
The second: no, I 'don't believe in my own shit.' I am still untested and untried, and sorry people, other people's opinion does matter when it comes to writing. I am sick of some folks assuming that you write what you think is good and to heck with anyone else. That is the single worst cause of rotten typos in published books, rambling sentences, bad characterization, clunky phrases and other sins of the written word. The second worst is slavishly trying to please everyone. I am trying to strike a balance here. I am as accurate as I can to experiences and mediations, but god knows I don't know if anyone will want to read it.
Also, I am not in competition with anyone (he mentioned with my attitude, I'll be 'no competition for [him]'). I find that metaphor ridiculous. Let me explain. Publishing is a conservative business, especially when it comes to 'genre' markets. I am being realistic. I am not assuming that I must sell more than millions of other brand new writers, but I'd much rather have a small but persistant fanbase. I am aiming for cult status. I mean larger than my friends list. :)
I must admit some arrogance though. I think I am better than some Star Trek fanfic writers.
I am just too tired from picking up papers in the hot weather.
I didn't see that first question at first, and I find it hard to answer, since I tend to go through phases of absorption then release without necessarily remembering who and what.
The second: no, I 'don't believe in my own shit.' I am still untested and untried, and sorry people, other people's opinion does matter when it comes to writing. I am sick of some folks assuming that you write what you think is good and to heck with anyone else. That is the single worst cause of rotten typos in published books, rambling sentences, bad characterization, clunky phrases and other sins of the written word. The second worst is slavishly trying to please everyone. I am trying to strike a balance here. I am as accurate as I can to experiences and mediations, but god knows I don't know if anyone will want to read it.
Also, I am not in competition with anyone (he mentioned with my attitude, I'll be 'no competition for [him]'). I find that metaphor ridiculous. Let me explain. Publishing is a conservative business, especially when it comes to 'genre' markets. I am being realistic. I am not assuming that I must sell more than millions of other brand new writers, but I'd much rather have a small but persistant fanbase. I am aiming for cult status. I mean larger than my friends list. :)
I must admit some arrogance though. I think I am better than some Star Trek fanfic writers.
I am just too tired from picking up papers in the hot weather.
