...dime?
So...I am a good writer—it's one of the areas in my life where my confidence is quite high. I'm good, I'm fast, and (if someone is willing to pay me) I'm even cheap; you can have all three in this instance.
A fan (God bless family!) asked recently, "Why aren't you published or writing articles for money in great magazines and newspapers?" My reply was, "Because I don't have a clue how to market myself as a writer."
Please note that I didn't say, "Because I'm not good enough." I am good enough—awesome is as awesome does, after all—I don't lack talent but rather knowledge. And ignorance is a curable condition.
Now is a good time to ask the question; I'm sure at least one of my readers can advise me, so... "How do I market myself as a writer?"
Show me the money!
I agree; you've always been a great writer. I too have faced the same quandry. One thing John Wallace didn't teach us; God rest his soul. Know I'm good from all the invitations to write for free, news letters, articles, store announcemens. Writing just doesn't seem to pay And when I did write professionally as a member of the news publishing indurstry was expected to cowtow to management, business and other powers that be; damn the truth. Not my style. (I was even threatened by the Mexican Mob and had to have police protection for refusing to not print the truth.) Especially now that I'm for the most part disabled, I would love someway to make a buck doing what I do best. I wish you luck with this admirable quest and if you find any answers, hope you'll share with the rest of us. And Dave, keep writing; always loved your stuff!
ReplyDeleteWell since you asked...AND I teach creative writing, AND I am a published poet...I can help. :). Come, sit, talk. Rose.
ReplyDelete