Tip O'Day for Writers #102

Guest blogger Janette Lennox feels unworthy.

Janette doesn’t feel very worthy to offer writing advice “as I have still yet to have my first (real) book published (only several e-books at Amazon at this stage).” Her suggestion to all creative people is to follow your passion, for the sake of the passion, and it will always be rewarding.

Also, she offers a Robert Benchley quote close to her heart: “It took me fifteen years to discover I had no talent for writing, but I couldn't give it up, because by that time I was too famous.”

Dixon says: Too often we equate being a good writer with getting accepted by a major publisher. Some brilliant people slave away in privacy and their work never sees the light of day. Only about a dozen of Emily Dickinson’s 1,800 poems were published during her lifetime, and her genius was never recognized until after her death.

In today’s economy, it’s very difficult for someone to get traditionally published unless they’re already an established bestseller. Or named Oprah. Not impossible, but a lot more difficult than a mere decade ago.

Choosing to self-publish or go the Kindle route doesn’t make anyone a substandard writer. And an e-book IS a real book. Janette has a right to her opinions, and I think there’s real merit in her writing tip.

Thanks, Janette.