If you want to be a published author, you have to edit your work. No matter the publishing path, editing is along the way. Sometimes editing makes me feel like I know what I'm doing. Really. I see the problem. Take my pen to it. Look at the page and see all those marks, and …
Category: frustration
The Wish Gods
I was nine when I understood what people meant by, "Be careful what you wish for." I'd wish for my dad to get married. Well, okay. Maybe the expression should be, "Be careful what you wish for unless you're very, very specific." If I'd known that at nine, I'd have wished for my dad to …
Investaphobia
No one in the history of the universe invests money in a company knowing they're going to lose all said money. Oh, some people may invest in losers because they know how to actually get more money later--yeah, real estate nightmare, anyone--but the plan is to make money eventually. People lose money of course. Plans …
The Light around the Corner
Sending your work out into the world is an adventure--no matter the path. E-publishing is a widening path these days, but that doesn't make it easy. Friend and colleague, Niamh Clune, launched her book a few weeks back, and due to technical difficulties, has had to launch the book again. Many lessons learned, including--Amazon isn't …
The Perplexity of Others
A fellow human being does something you don't understand, how do you react? It depends, probably. Maybe you get confused, angry, or sad. Maybe you tell yourself to keep an open mind, but maybe you're clear on right and wrong. I try to open my mind to another possibility. Sometimes I manage it. Sometimes not. …
Measuring Your World
Do you know when you've gotten better at writing? I don't. Sure, if you're published you could look at sale numbers, but that's not he same thing as getting better. That's getting more popular. Anyway, three days a week I go to quad speed skate practice. I used to be one the slowest. Well, the …
Keep your mouth shut.
Do you argue with people online who you've never met? If you do, are those arguments mud-fests with names flying? If not, why not? Most people I know who are on facebook have at least one I-shouldn't-have-made-that-comment experience. If not that, then a I-can't-believe-X-left that-comment experience. Haven't you? If you decide to pick a fight …
Just Give Me My Poisoned Apple Already
I wouldn't literally eat a poisoned apple, but metaphorically I think I already have. The evil queen in disguise is my own psyche, and the apple is seeds of doubt fleshed out with insecurity, neurosis, and fear. Hard to believe anyone takes a bite of that. How long has it been since an agent asked …
Surfacing
Do you have the secret to organization and balance? I know about lists. I even make lists. Where do the lists go? I think they drown in the sea of nonsense that is my desk. Anyone can make a list. Look. I'll make one right now. (in insignificant order and incomplete) finish organizing desk do …
The Plague
I'm going to move into my house, set up my work space, and presto! Magic will happen. I'll finish all my art projects and start preparing for my next show. I'll finally know how to write that synopsis. I'll be brilliant. I'll get published. Right? This house business has pushed and shoved over so many …
Marta Bacon 