This is my first post on GenReality and I notice I am already late as it should be up at 10am EST, and it’s 7:30 am, Pacific. Mea Culpa.
I thought I’d introduce myself and make a few comments before diving into things next week. I just returned from teaching a pair of workshop sin Boise, ID, which is partly why I am late. 550 mile drive each way and for some reason there was snow in the pass in the Cascade Mountains.
My first book came out in 1991—a military thriller. Wrote six of those, then began writing a series for Random House under my pen name Robert Doherty called Area 51 that is still in print. Various other books in various genre, including non-fiction (The Novel Writers Toolkit from Writers Digest) and romantic adventure co-writing with Jennifer Crusie.
I have a very practical take on the art and business of writing. Note I say art and business. A successful author must be very good at both. To become an artist, one must learn the craft of writing. To be successful as an artist one must learn the business in which the art is sold.
One of my largest focuses as you will see in the coming weeks and months is the lack of “author training”. That is one of the reason this blog exists. If you believe your publisher or agent will help train you in the business, well, that’s like believing your ob-gyn will raise your child. Odds are kind of slim. So writers help each other out.
The latest stink being raised is Harlequin starting a self-publishing line. I call ‘em as I see ‘em. Not good. It’s a way for Harlequin to make money. But in essence, they’re saying: “Hey, we rejected you for our paid slots, we’ll let you pay us to get published. And who knows, maybe if it works, we’ll pull you up and publish you.” There’s an inherent contradiction in that logic flow. I’ll leave it up to you to figure it out.
I’ve been doing this business for 20 years, which is a long time. I’ve made many mistakes. I will share them with you in hopes of helping you avoid making the same.
So, just for fun, I’ll leave you with a link to a YouTube clip featuring Harlan Ellison, entitled, Pay The Writer. If profanity offends you, well, it’s Harlan.
Looking forward to more in the coming weeks.
Related posts:
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Glad to see you here, Bob. No, you don’t know me, but I’ve heard you speak before (was with Jennifer a couple of years back in Columbus, OH), and will be looking forward to your posts. You stated pretty much my exact feelings on the Harlequin thing. A great, big WTF? This isn’t good. Going to be interesting to follow things in that regard.
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Welcome, Bob!
I was at a workshop taught by Harlan once. (Once…) It can’t be said too often.
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The mess with Harlequin Horizons leave a bad, bad taste in my mouth. Very bad.
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URL for Video is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mj5IV23g-fE
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Welcome to Genreality, Bob! Nice to know I’m not the only one thinking WTF on Harlequin Horizons.
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Welcome Bob!!
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Welcome, Bob. Can we bug you everytime we think we’re having a “As you know . . . ” moment?
Carrie, I had one of Harlan’s ex-girlfriends come to one of my booksignings. The stories that woman told me . . .
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Hi Bob,
Great to see you as part of the fantastic line-up at Genreality. I heard you speak at Thrillerfest a couple of years ago. I was impressed by how generous you were with your time and advice for anyone who approached you! It will be great to read what you have to say here.
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Welcome to the group, Bob.
RWA (Romance writers of America) pulled Harlequin from it’s list of approved publishers because this violates their Vanity Press clause, and I just read that the MWA (Mystery Writers of America) is also concerned. It’s good to see that the organizations are stepping up to help protect/educate authors.
http://www.ereads.com/richard_curtis/2009/11/mystery-writers-of-america-steps-into.html
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Hey Bob, I was out of the office yesterday! SO glad you are here. And great post!
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OMG I’m laughing my ass off – I needed this. Gotta love Harlan, he is a doll and one of a kind. Thank you so much for the link and great intro to your presence here