Turn the Page Blog
Thoughts, Musings & Advice on All Things Writing
Do you feel like you’re going struggling to churn on the pages? Or get published? Or even to get started? More than likely, you’re making a common mistake – and even more likely, it is a misstep that even the best authors out there make, too. You may have heard me talk about the 16 Mistakes and Missteps That Even the BEST Writers Make – I’ve spoken at conferences about it, written articles about it, and even have a product related to it.
I’ve got to be honest with you – the vast majority of the authors I meet have no interest in building their platform. They will resist delving into that world with every fiber of their being. I’m going to be honest again – I get it. I do. I am an introvert, and a writer myself, and nothing makes me happier than helping people from the privacy of my own office, doors closed, camera off, comfort food close at hand.
The COVID pandemic has changed everything, and the world of writer’s conferences are no exception. With that being said, many conferences have pivoted to doing things online, and they can still be a terrific resource for authors at all stages of their writing and publishing journeys. (Poets & Writers Magazine has a great database of conferences and residencies – check them out.)
You’ve probably heard that quote about the journey of a thousand miles beginning with a single step, and are quite possibly rolling your eyes at the reference. But the reason the quote is used and re-used so frequently is because it is true! Your book will not write itself, and it will not get written overnight.
My career has been a bit of an adventure, beginning in the entertainment industry before finding my home in the world of publishing. After working in business and legal affairs in television and film production, I realized I needed to follow a new path. I had already been editing book and script projects, so publishing felt like the logical next path – a path I’m so glad that I took.
I used to dread January, which always seemed like the rainiest, darkest month. The anticipation and excitement of Christmas is over, and January always represented the return to the same old, same old. Over the years, however, my perspective has changed. Now January is all about finding that spark - spark of hope, spark of creativity, spark of beginning. It's not just about resolutions but about goals - dreaming them, defining them, and putting together an actionable plan to achieving them.
How are you doing? Are you hanging in there? This is one crazy (scary/frustrating/sad) time to be alive, huh? There have definitely been some adjustments here - two parents are working from home now, we have a stir-crazy toddler, and another baby is due just next month. Of course I am thinking about you and your book projects. Have you made any progress? Or have you been focused on other things? The editor in me wants to say, "WHY ARE YOU READING THIS EMAIL? USE THIS EXTRA TIME AT HOME TO WRITE, WRITE, WRITE!" Turn off Netflix and get busy churning out those pages!
Being rejected based on your platform (or lack thereof) does not mean that the literary agent or editor thinks your career path isn’t impressive, you’re not greatly respected in your field, that you’ve accomplished nothing, or that you do not have anything substantive to say. They don’t even think you are lacking in talent, that you should keep your day job, or that there is no hope for you and your book in the wide world of publishing.
Is it worth it for me to go to conferences like these? What would the main benefits be? Do you think I could definitely find an agent at one? This is a great question. I speak at writers conferences all over the country, and I enjoy doing it quite a bit. So let me begin by telling you why I attend conferences.
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