Be Realistic About Your Writing

New writers struggle with this all of the time. They are looking at their writing unrealistically. While it is important to set goals for your writing and think positively about your writing, you still have to always look at your writing and your career objectively and not through rose colored classes. I think this is also really important with our current publishing climate and the issues of diversity in writing. Let me talk about all of these ideas.

First of all, understand that as a writer, you have just joined the group of "starving artists." No, this does not mean you will be in poverty, and no, this does not mean you will never make money, but quit thinking you are going to see those non-stop 6-figure salaries, be able to move to Monaco and make writing your only career. This is not going to happen. If you are in romance, this is really not going to happen. You have to remember that your career is 100% controlled by the buyers out there reading. No readers = no money.

Secondly, quit thinking your book is more than it is. Again, it is great to think of great things about your writing, but far too many of you have visions that are approaching science fiction levels. I don't know how many writers I see telling me they know this book is worthy of Martin Scorsese producing an epic movie, or Oprah is going to put it on her Pick List. Now, don't suddenly start screaming, that "someone has to make the list and it could be me." We are talking here about possibility vs. probability. (see basic definition). Be realistic.

I do believe much of this comes from the constant reminders of those self-publishing companies and

those authors who already made it and have a following who took the self-pub route. These companies proclaim that everyone can write and become a accomplished. I am always reminded of the first quote that comes from Anton Ego in Ratatouille. He comments on Gusteau's comment "Everyone can cook." but continues that not everyone can be great. This, unfortunately is overshadowed by a later comment that makes a slight detour.

In the past, I have made no secret of my disdain for Chef Gusteau's famous motto, "Anyone can cook." But I realize, only now do I truly understand what he meant. Not everyone can become a great artist; but a great artist *can* come from *anywhere*.
(IMBD)

Please note, this DOES NOT say everyone is now a great cook! It just says that greatness can come from anywhere. The same goes for writing! Those that already made it already had the following and they have an unfair advantage. Those of you who are new have many years ahead of you before you can be to that place.

Now, let's look at the realism in the area of diversity. I mentioned this yesterday and it is worth repeating. Just adding diversity in your book DOES NOT make your book great. Just adding a controversial theme to your book DOES NOT make your book great. It still comes down to the writing and the connection it makes with the readers. It comes down to the message and the theme and the universality of the message. Be realistic about your writing. Is the only thing you believe making your book great is that diversity you added? Then that is probably not enough and certainly not something you should be complaining about on social media.

As an agent, I look for great writing. I look at the characters, themes, plots and settings. I look at the writing and the author's execution of the craft. And that, my friends is what you should be looking for in your writing.

Should you be proud when you type those two words "THE END"? You darn well better believe you should be proud. You did it! You accomplished a goal. But just reaching a goal is just the first step to greatness.

Just a reality check for a Tuesday!