I hate other writers. But let me be specific. I hate published writers. I don’t think I’m alone in this. It’s a jealousy thing. We all want that recognition. Not just ebook indie-publishing, but in the book store, everyone reading-your-book fame.
Realistically, this doesn’t happen very often. So the hate club builds members. We all channel our collective frustration at those published folks. We say, “I could do that,” or “That book isn’t so good.” When deep down, we yearn to be them.
Today I took a step closer to joining the other side. I’ve found an accomplice in the form of a literary agent. No guarantee of being published (or even selling well) but it’s invigorating to know that someone is basing their income and livelihood on your creative chops.
It reminds me of a Charles Bukowski poem I read once. I’ve scoured my poetry books, but can’t locate it again. It basically had Bukowski commenting on all the haters he had. Those that felt they could write a better poem.
In my search, I did run across this poem about writing. A good one for the Hate Club.
some suggestions
in addition to the envy and the rancor of some of
my peers
there is the other thing, it comes by telephone and
letter: “you are the world’s greatest living
writer.”
this doesn’t please me either because somehow
I believe that to be the world’s greatest living
writer
there must be something
terribly wrong with you.
I don’t even want to be the world’s greatest
dead writer.
just being dead would be fair
enough.
So what have we learned? Even success has it’s downsides.
Feel free to hate.
Tim Kane
Congrats! on landing an agent. That is awesome! If we’ve been writing long enough, we all go through a time when we doubt our abilities. I admit I’ve been there. But at times like that, I remind myself that have a choice. I can be envious, or I can be inspired. The first choice only hurts me. The second keeps me on track for my dream. Blake Snyder used to say that “Every No is one step closer to Yes!” And he certainly met his share of No’s. So, I’m looking at your success in landing a literary agent as Inspiration. Because you are proof that it can happen, if we work hard, are humble enough see the shortcomings in our writing and make the effort to improve our craft. Today you are my hero! No hating here. No way!
Thanks so much. I even have a post it on my desk that says “No Doesn’t Hurt.” It’s just someone’s opinion. And there certainly qualities of rejection. When agents comment and even offer advice, that means that the author was damned close.
Great to hear you’ve picked up an agent – one step closer to publication! One quote about rejection that I particularly like is this:
“This manuscript of yours that has just come back from another editor is a precious package. Don’t consider it rejected. Consider that you’ve addressed it ‘To the editor who can appreciate my work’ and it has simply come back stamped ‘Not at this address.’ Just keep looking for the right address.”
— Barbara Kinglsolver
Good luck in landing that publisher that can appreciate your work. Hope the agent can help with that. 🙂
I like that outlook. Very true.
I’ve sold two books and the first one will hit the shelves around February. I have not doubt you will join the ranks of the hated very soon. I’m happy to be hated. Just don’t do it until February.
Good on you for the publishing props.