Val Dumond

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Articles on Writing, Grammar, and Publishing
by Val Dumond

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Val writes articles on grammar, the art and science of writing, and publishing, for budding writers and seasoned authors alike. These articles are not only informative and educational, they're entertaining - written as only Val can. Enjoy this latest of her articles:

Are You a Career Writer or a Joy Writer?
by Val Dumond
© Copyright 2010

Once upon a time - in an era long long gone, out of sight, past, kaput, forgotten - a writer (and there were few of them because many people neither knew how to read, much less write) could scratch out a story with a quill pen on parchment, take it to the corner printer, and have a book made.

The early writers didn't know about Doubleday, Random House, Harper, and the other publishing houses. Mostly because there weren't any! What they did know was the neighborhood printer, with whom a pact was made: I'll write, you print, and we sell!

Many early books appeared in newspapers or magazines before they became books. In other words, the writers tapped out their stories at their desks and shared them with friends and neighbors. Few made the big-time; few became famous; few earned much money. Until after they were dead. Fame is a slippery slope, a demanding mistress, a hard row to hoe... (use your own metaphor).

To say that the manner of publishing books has changed is completely misstating facts.

Fact: There never was a right way to publish a book, a certain way to fame and riches.
Fact: Writers write to get the words out of their heads.
Fact: There is no right way or wrong way to write a story.
Fact: Any book that contains your ideas... follow me here... is your idea, opinion, view, judgment, belief.
Fact: No book exists that "everyone" will want to read.
Fact: There is no right or wrong way to publish your book.

CAREER WRITERS

That last one is probably the most important if you are a "career writer". For writers who plan to earn their livelihood writing, the commitment must be made - and kept - to suffer the turndowns (I hate the word rejection). You must wait out the publishing process, and plan a strong marketing (selling) campaign. Of most importance, however, is having something to say, which implies having lived a life worth writing about or having special knowledge to share with others.

Career writers seek publication. They get their jollies from seeing their name in print - on paychecks as well as above their stories. Therefore, career writers need connections with the print world, either through an active agent, an editor's ear, or a publishing company of their own (and there are many of these today). They are self-disciplined, always working on one writing project or another.

Did you know that Charles Dickens, very much a career writer, had to self-publish his "Christmas Carol" during a slow time in his career?

Career writers experience slow times, during which a Plan B helps. Writing mystery stories is great, if that is your specialty. But what happens when there is a glut of mystery stories in the bookstores? Career writers know how to diversify and have Plan B, and probably Plans C, D, and E.

JOY WRITERS

Probably more satisfying to many writers is the joy associated with finding just the right words to put down concerning a subject you are passionate about. You'll find some of the "joy writers" in Letters to the Editor in magazines and newspapers; you'll find them in the myriad "writers' magazines" that publish stories and articles - but do not pay. In fact, some joy writers actually pay to have their stories included in magazines and anthologies.

But I digress. The happiest writers, in my opinion, are those who write for the fun of it, who write stories about their families, their experiences, their ideas, their wishes. Sometimes they are well-told stories; sometimes they are sincere stories told in the best way available.

Joy writers aren't concerned about publication - "although it would be nice," according to many. Joy writers write for themselves, they appease the restlessness inside them that dictates their stories and insists they be written down. They write when they feel like it; they write often; they prefer to write complaints and praise, rather than express them aloud (a psychological observation there).

Which kind of writer are you? Yes, I know there are joyful career writers, and I know that many joy writers discover themselves in a career they didn't plan. Know this, dear writer: those people are the blessed few. The lucky ones. The writers who have a talent that is discovered, just as Lana Turner was discovered sipping a soda at Schwabs. (How many other actors can say the same?) How will you be discovered?

Or do you want to be? Whether you write for yourself or to keep food on the table, keep doing it. For whatever your reasons, keep writing.

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