By Lonnie Cruse
Was it Barnum or Bailey or both who said: There's a sucker born every minute? Hour? Whatever. Well, that's not what this post is about. Because it seems like there is a new author born every minute, judging by the number of books that come out each year by new (at least to me) authors.
And what a lovely thing that is. New books, new author's thoughts to read. New mysteries to solve or romances to sigh over or vampires to be scared of. Or whatever. But it is much easier to write a manuscript today. No dipping the quill into the ink pot and hoping it doesn't spill. And HOW did they correct mistakes back then? Or move/delete whole paragraphs? Whew!
I confess, as a writer, the computer is the loveliest invention known to woman. Well, besides the microwave, if you want to be technical about it. But being able to make changes so easily, to save our work, to keep it safe on multiple thumb drives (yes, I'm THAT paranoid) to be able to submit it to a publisher, to receive and return contracts online, to do edits via email, to see a nearly finished product thataway, and finally to have royalties drop into one's bank account automatically, ahhh, that's grand. Where was I? New authors.
New authors are on a learning curve, so we need to give them a little leeway (or enough rope? Just a thought.) Some hit a home run the first try, but often the second book is better than the first, and so on. And they need new readers, readers who are willing to branch out from the best seller list and try someone who would probably be number one million, if the list went that far. They need encouragement. They need to be read.
Writing and getting published is a VERY tough business. I've had three publishers and also done some of the dreaded self-publishing so I know whereof I type. Many writers, good writers, get discouraged and give up. Others hang in there, maybe even some who shouldn't. But it's all a matter of taste. I learned that quickly when I joined a book club. I hated the books they loved and it was mutual. But the food was good and the gals were fun. Sigh.
Is there a point buried in here somewhere? Yes. Give new writers a chance. If you can't afford to buy, borrow from the library. If you enjoy the book, pass the word. If you hate it, well, maybe someone else will love it. And if you are considering writing a book, go for it. Don't let the difficulty discourage you. Someone is bound to want to read it, even if it's just your mom. Or me.
As always, thanks for stopping by. Read any good books lately? By new authors? Feel free to let us know.