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I have written two books, 1fiction and one non-fiction. I have a mountain of poems that i have composed. Here i am sitting with all this writings and not doing anything about it. I know its good. A few people read some, and the feedback was amazing. Is it too many publishing red tape and hurdles...?or just laziness.

2006-07-18 04:12:46 · 26 answers · asked by ariel 2 in Arts & Humanities Books & Authors

26 answers

I know the answer to this. I have to explain to my non-writing friends on a fairly regular basis why I don't publish. Here's the answer as I give it.

Writing is like having sex. When I write, it's all about me, just like when I rub one out. It's all about making me feel good and it doesn't involve anyone else.

If I were to publish, that would be like having sex with a partner. Yeah, I'd feel good, but it wouldn't be the same because I'd have to make it a good experience for them, possibly at the expense of what I like.

Writing is masturbation, publishing is having sex. If I ever publish my own work, I'd compile all my short stories in a collecttion called "Literary Masturbation".

On the other hand, I do work with an e-zine that's kicking off in August. E-mail me for contact details if you want to submit anything, either poems or an excerpt from your novels.

In the mean time, keep on masturbating. If or when the time is right, you'll decide to find a partner.

2006-07-18 04:22:46 · answer #1 · answered by robotripper989 2 · 4 1

I don't doubt that your books are great, but maybe deep down you are afraid that they will be rejected by publishers.
Don't worry though, if that is the case! Lots of great writers were rejected many times before being published. I think you should just go for it! I mean, they are already written so you have nothing to lose.

2006-07-18 04:16:07 · answer #2 · answered by Miro 3 · 0 0

I also agree with most people on the answer. Fear of rejection may be causing your "laziness". Also, fear of being exposed, as with your art being such a personal thing, you'll be putting yourself out there for the whole world to see, and that can be terrifying. Publish them, your creative process won't be complete without this final step (showing /sharing your work with others). Some people will like them and some won't...but already know that.

2006-07-18 04:24:31 · answer #3 · answered by cleo715 4 · 0 0

Your probably just nervous that all the time and effort that you have put into these works will fail. It's scary to put that much heart and effort into something and not be sure if it will be a success. Put a little more work into this and complete what you started. Whats the worst that could happen? Whats the best thing that could happen? Let us all know when you get it published so we can grab a copy. Good Luck.....

2006-07-18 04:18:43 · answer #4 · answered by skipper 4 · 0 0

Yes - fear. I've always dreamed of writing a novel and have had many soft starts - but you are there!

No one can convince you your work is worthwhile, but then go into it expecting rejection! You've put your "stuff" into these books and poetry - who really cares if it EVER gets published...
but to never try when it is a solid dream of yours... well that's just sad.

Don't be a cliche and create your own hell here on Earth.

Take action on your dreams if only to say you tried!

2006-07-18 04:19:03 · answer #5 · answered by abesfate 2 · 0 0

You might be afraid of rejection. Even some of the world's great writers were rejected by a few publishers. By writing a lot, but not publishing, you feel a sense of accomplishment without risking any rejection.

2006-07-18 04:15:43 · answer #6 · answered by Mr Clean 3 · 0 0

Fear of rejection. Nobody likes to be rejected.

Doesn't sound like you have much faith in your own work. Otherwise you would be running to the publisher. "Is it worth all the trouble?" Maybe that's your hangup. But if you've done all this work already, it seems the publishing is the easy part, though it may not come naturally. Take it that last mile.

2006-07-18 04:27:41 · answer #7 · answered by Phoenix, Wise Guru 7 · 0 0

I think you should go for it. There might be a few problems but the satisfaction you'll get after its published and people are reading it, will be amazing. If I were you I wouldn't have second thoughts. Its just laziness. I'll read your books!!

2006-07-18 04:19:36 · answer #8 · answered by Richa 2 · 0 0

If you're like most people, it's probably more a case of fearing rejection and humiliation. A book is a very personal thing--this is why so many authors refer to their works as their children--and it's normal to be afraid of exposing yourself to criticism.

But...

Life is short. Every moment is precious. We can't live in fear. If we were to let fear stop us, we'd waste so many opportunities to make life more fulfilling and enjoyable.

Take a chance. And if the first publisher turns you down, try another, and another, and another. Take the advice of the great Ralph Waldo Emerson: "Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string."

Good luck.

2006-07-18 04:21:21 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

So far everyone says fear of rejection. I'd add that it may be laziness. As a fellow writer, I find that I prefer writing and none of the marketing junk. If you want to see your book in print, you may want to self-publish. I recommend Xlibris - they've been doing rather well for me.

2006-07-18 04:17:06 · answer #10 · answered by Silent Kninja 4 · 0 0

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