Another long day, about to get myself settle with a book and a cup of tea but I could not pass up on Road Trip Wednesday 🙂
Road Trip Wednesday is a ‘Blog Carnival,’ where YA Highway’s contributors post a weekly writing- or reading-related question and answer it on our own blogs. You can hop from destination to destination and get everybody’s unique take on the topic.
This Week’s Topic:
When I first read the topic, my thoughts started to wonder and the first images which flashed in front of my eyes came from movies:
The Devil´s Advocate and The Devil wears Prada (wonderful movies by the way :-))
So, how far would I go so that my dreams come true? My name on a beautiful cover, billions (yes billions :-)) of readers to hold a hard copy or paperback of the story I have written?
Would I be willing to basically sell myself and who I am to get published: no. I have learned to trust my instincts and I have a wonderful husband to get me grounded if things get out of hands and I get blinded.
However, when it comes to the following baseball bases (not a big baseball fan but still: Go Orioles!), here is my view:
First base: I may or may not do this. The way I am currently writing, it is taking me awhile to finish the draft so it might be trendy by the time I tried to query it. Would I then try to see what the next trend might be? Probably but I will only write it if I am inspired which means I like the trend…so I would not call that selling my soul to the ennemy
Second base: (ok here for a second it sounds like we´re talking about making out in High School :-)) would I change voice? Yes again probably, I do enjoy reading many genres and if may try my “writing” hand at another genre if I feel it´s right for me (i.e. I am not writing total crap)
Third base: Minor revisions? It is a no-brainer! I know my writing is not 100% perfect and I always strive to improve it. I´m all for my story becoming even better thanks to those revisions.
Homerun: Major revisions? Ok here it´s a bit like talking about the definition of the word “culture”, there are thousands out there. If by major revisions, it means going with a different ending but one that I can agree with, yes it will be difficult but I might do it. Major revisions include things I can not put myself through then the answer is “no”.
So you might notice a trend in my answers and I´m sure many others (from writers published and non-published alike): yes, probably would do it but….and the but is what matters so that we can continue to look at ourselves in the mirror at the end of the day.
Tell me, what do you think either about the movies or the actual question :-)? How far would you go?
Elodie Nowodazkij 
The idea of which “bases” we’d be prepared to go to made me think of “high school making out” too! And I think the comparison is valid since while many would go to “first base” with their partner, how much further they would go would depends on a lot of factors (moral viewpoint, the depth of the relationship, etc.). Likewise, with our novels. It’s not so much about making good business decisions but, as you say, being able to look ourselves in the mirror at the end of the day believing we’ve done the right thing.
Thanks for the comment Colin and indeed writing and “high school making out” seem to have quite a bit in common.
I am curious to see how I will react when some revisions come my way (from beta readers, crit parners or knock on wood agents/editors) 🙂
Great post thanks. I really enjoyed it very much. You have excellent content on your blog.
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Thanks 🙂 I´m glad you enjoyed the post and the blog!
Great post! As far as my opinion? I think Mr. Stephen King said it best: “Write with the door closed, and rewrite with it open.” ❤ ❤
Thanks Kerri 🙂 Mr King does have a certain wisdom when it comes to writing 🙂
Dear Commuting Girl, I picture that you are a young person and traveling on public transportation for work. I don’t envy you if this is reality. I was there too when I was a young person in NYC. Now to your questions. What would I do to become published?
I would believe in myself and be positive knowing there is always a reading public, even if it is a niche market. I would craft my knowledge and write about what I know. I didn’t know how I was actually going to get published but I kept this companion thought in my heart until I was. The Erika moment did come. My book “My Name is Butterfly” was published and sells on Amazon. At the very least you can check my credential by searching on Amazon. You can even open a few book pages to view.
I would remain true to myself even in the midst of doubt. One must never give in to the Four Horsemen of Defeat: Fear, worry, doubt or anger. I would also start a Blog which you have done. My Website Blog is http://www.butterfly-woman-publishing.
Look forward to talking to you more through both of our sites.
I think YA Highway definitely was using the bases metaphor with a sly wink! There are parallels between how far we’re willing to go on the dating scene and the writing scene, and they both hinge on “what matters so that we can continue to look at ourselves in the mirror at the end of the day” like you said. Nice post!
Thanks Angelica 😉 I always find it interesting when parallels can be drawn at unlikely places. I have never thought about dating and writing as having something in common 🙂
Great answer!
“Would I be willing to basically sell myself and who I am to get published: no” I can say the same … I won’t mind revisions if they will make my book stronger 😉
Thanks Juliana 🙂 The aim is indeed to have the best polished/intriguing/amazing story while keeping its spirit…
Good post! Glad to hear others out there with good husbands keeping them grounded 🙂
Thanks Liz 🙂 Yep quite lucky on the husband front 🙂
I think it is useful to have people around us who help us remember what is important, who support us and who do not hesitate to mentally kick us in the butt once in awhile…
To go with the bases analogy — I don’t think there’s anything wrong with going all the way, but it’s got to be with the right person (editorially?)! hahaha. ahem. *stops being dirty* 😀
Hahaha! I laughed out loud when I read your post…the right person is indeed what matters (I´m talking publishing of course :-))