Be careful what you hope for
Last week I found out I earned a coveted spot in an advanced writing and critique group here in sunny San Diego. I submitted an application several months ago, between boyfriends and in one of those “just get out of the house” modes. They accepted me, and I was third or fourth on a waiting list for one of the eight spots.
She wrote over the weekend, and my first meeting is today.
Uh oh. Now what?
For writing groups, I’ve written mostly literary fiction. I write dark little short stories with unhappy endings that reveal the futility of life. I published a handful here and there, and I think I’ve grossed perhaps a total of $85 in my fiction-writing life.
Literary fiction doesn’t sell well. I can’t make a living by writing short stories. I’ve got an idea for a fiction mystery series, and those types of models will sell well. But I am embarrassed to bring my pop fiction to this kind of group.
Don’t get me wrong… I love literary fiction. I’m excited that I was chosen, and I love to learn from writers whose talents exceed mine. I love to be pushed. And I’m looking forward to meeting some fellow writers. I made lifelong friends at my last writing group in Philadelphia. But I’m questioning the wisdom of my giving up every Tuesday afternoon to pursue a project that may not further my career.
Oh well. I’m in. Wish me luck.
Posts
steph on 24 Jun 2008 at 8:48 am #
Luck! And you said “may” not further your career…
It also may further your career, even if in an indirect way: you could meet potential clients, you could learn from others, you could come up with ideas and material for here or your copywriting, and you could discover you actually love to write fiction and eventually produce a book that will sell and make you famous and give you royalties…hell, any of these, and more, could happen!
Give us an update at some point!
steph on 24 Jun 2008 at 8:49 am #
PS. Just got your newsletter. Very cool and very attractive! Looking good! (Of course I went off on that procrastination series of posts you have…oh the irony.)
Beth on 24 Jun 2008 at 11:27 am #
Steph, I’m definitely hoping I’ll be able to use the group to grow as a writer. I’ll definitely post an update. Or perhaps I’ll just write about my first book signing. (One should dream big, n’est-ce pas?)
Thanks for the kudos on the newsletter. I added you to the list this morning.
Beth
Sara Best on 24 Jun 2008 at 11:59 am #
You’re crazy. It’s a fabulous idea and you will undoubtedly learn from it. You’ll try new things. You’ll meet new people, and I can’t imagine how you could emerge from the experience without being an even better writer.
Writing fiction is what I truly love to do. I do the corporate stuff to pay the bills. I’m seething with jealousy so don’t waste the opportunity!
Kurt on 25 Jun 2008 at 7:42 am #
I’m with Steph and Sara; this could be a huge benefit to you, even if it is only indirectly.
Dorothy Parker had the Algonquin Round Table. C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien had the Inklings. They not only had their words challenged within these groups, but their *ideas*, as well.
Who wouldn’t benefit from that?
Beth on 25 Jun 2008 at 8:53 am #
You guys are right… the group was wonderful. I left very excited about writing again. In fact, I thought of an idea for another story last night, and I haven’t written any fiction in 2 solid years.
Nice to be inspired again.
steph on 25 Jun 2008 at 10:09 am #
Oh, now I’m totally JEALOUS!! I haven’t written in ten years! Where are MY ideas?!
Will you share your stories here when you write them?
Beth on 26 Jun 2008 at 2:09 pm #
Steph,
Here’s a link to one of my stories: Decision By Bus — It was picked up by an online short story publication.
OH NO! I found at least one typo, and it’s sloppy! BLEH.
Oh well… it’s already out there, sloppy or no.
The Future: Next Exit | Life on Avenue Z on 15 Jul 2008 at 11:18 am #
[...] writing group starts in 75 minutes, and I have decided not to go, justifying that I have too much to [...]