As a writer, I’ve discovered that writing, publishing, and
marketing intertwine. At first glance, they seem like three separate entities,
but the more that I practice all three, I have found that they are linked.
When I write to publish and market, I find that I have a
firm purpose that drives my stories, poems, and novels to the finish line and
beyond that through revisions. That same writing practice, especially when I
add blogging into it, leads me to market my writing because I’m excited by the
pursuit of the writing craft.
When I pursue publication, both by sending my work out to
editors and by self-publishing, I am driven to study the craft of writing and
finish writing exercises that lead me to the next story, poem, or novel. In
publication, I find that I have something to market, or at least announce in an
excited way to my friends, family members, and blog buddies.
When I strive to market my work, I often have a strong
desire to run back to my writing cave and write more. Marketing can have a
creative side that encourages my creative thought process and sends me back to
my “what if?” rough drafts. Marketing also pushes my pursuit of publication,
for as each piece sells, I want to experience that excitement again.
As I’ve grown as a writer, become published by others and
myself, and become a marketer, I have discovered that these three parts of life
as a modern writer have the same key component: persistence.
Persistence is a steadfast and firm continuance of action,
purpose, or state in spite of opposition. Persistence is all about tenacious
endurance, and the insistence that we, as writers, have good stories and poetry
to share. Persistence pushes past insecurities.
Persistence works best when
we have a cheering team. And that's what IWSG is all about!
Write On, IWSG members and fellow writers!!! You can persist past insecurities and write awesome stories, poetry, and novels.
In other words, it's a vicious circle!
ReplyDeleteOr a really motivating and inspiring one.
Thanks for contributing to the book.
Yes, something like one of those. :)
ReplyDeleteLove this - "Persistence pushes past insecurities." Although, it is a bit of a tongue twister. :)
ReplyDeleteMadeline @ The Shellshank Redemption
I think I might have been going overboard on consonance . . .
DeleteThanks, Madeline!
I love how you showed the interconnections between the three parts. And you're so right about persistence.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Susan!
DeleteWe writers definitely have to be persistent. And it's so true how all three relate to each other. True, we can just write, but if we want to share those stories, then we have to think of the publishing/marketing aspects as we write.
ReplyDeleteYes, they all come together - even if we try to avoid the big "M that shall not be named."
DeleteThey really are intertwined! And they do push each other . . . if we want to persistent about it, and we do. GREAT post!!! :D
ReplyDeleteThanks, S.K. - I needed that boost today. I was having post envy. :)
DeletePersistence seems to be a huge part. And it's true, it's not just about the writing; there's so much more. Well put!
ReplyDeleteThanks, T! Persistence is key. It just is. Talent is nice, but persistence wins. :)
DeletePersistence is definitely the key! Great post. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Christine!
DeleteWe must be persistent and consistent!
ReplyDeletePersistence. Yes. It's the hardest thing in the world sometimes, and they only way to get anywhere in the writing world.
ReplyDeleteIt is one of the hardest parts, and yet, absolutely necessary.
DeleteI think you're right. You can't totally write for yourself or for the market, but you need to keep both in mind. Also, persistence is key!
ReplyDeleteYay for persistence! The most important character trait for a writer. :)
ReplyDeletePersistence IS the key and I'm cheering you on, as well :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Persistence is a key part of both writing AND marketing, for sure!
ReplyDeleteReally enjoyed your post and those of others this month. So true about the importance of persistence. I need to hear that now.
ReplyDeletePersistence is key. None of us would be anywhere without it. And yes, the three intertwine a lot. I find myself thinking of marketing when planning a new story now.
ReplyDeleteHi, Tyrean,,,
ReplyDeleteYou are SO right about persistence ... this industry is HARD to break and succeed. You need a tough skin and a ton of determination.
persistence is the only thing you can be in the writing world!
ReplyDeleteI never thought of marketing as incentive to write.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, and so true. Thank you for sharing that. Very Inspiring.
ReplyDeleteJuneta at Writer's Gambit
I've never thought about the three being so interconnected, but they are. And persistence -- yes, where would we be without it? Thanks for an inspiring post!
ReplyDelete