Dillard's piece was very information. It was also quite depressing. I love writing fiction, and I've always known the odds of being published were against me, but she makes it seem even harder than I thought.
"Eight books of nonfiction appear for every book of fiction."
"...many magazines publish only famous people and reject better work by unknown people."
Just two of the many discouraging things she says in the piece. As discouraging as it is, though, they are things that are important to know. After all, there is a business side to the art and any writer who wants to be published needs to know how it works. I think the overall tone of the piece helps soften the blow a bit too. She sounds as if she is genuinely trying to help, and not just kill young writers' dreams.
Aside from saying how hard it is to get published, she did give some helpful tips for increasing your chances. Much of what she said I have heard before, but it is always good to hear it again. Not using extra words is an important rule to remember, as is using senses to reach readers' emotions.
Overall, I appreciated the piece and I will definitely hold on to it.
Kayla Santos
It is definitely a cruel reminder of the waters we're treading by becoming self-proclaimed writers. But you're right; any self-respecting writer who wants to get published needs to know how it works and how you get your name into the public domain. Definitely advice worth taking to the bank.
ReplyDelete-Josh Boyak