Author Update: A New Project

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I have been writing intentionally (outside of school) since 2006. Have I landed a lucrative book deal? No. Have I made enough to buy a new car? No. Do I know enough to teach a writing workshop? Possibly … but right now I’m focusing on a new creative project as I continue to post my novel chapters.

Although I am certainly not the foremost authority on writing, people do ask me about the process from time to time. I hope this new project could be an engaging answer to that question — a healthy dose of reality with a bit of tongue in cheek. Something that would appeal to aspiring authors but without the Disney-esque candy-coating. Writing is not for everyone.

Here’s a rough draft of my working title and introduction. I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Enjoy!

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Why You Shouldn't be a Writer:

Advice for Aspiring Authors and other Masochists

Introduction:

Every now and again, someone asks me how to write a book which is not unlike someone trying to fill a tea cup at the bottom of Victoria Falls. There's simply too much information out there to absorb in a single email or five minute chat.

This book is a conversational (albeit snarky) overview of writing through the lens of my own limited experience.

This book is not an exhaustive writing resource (though I do recommend information which has helped me in the past).

This book is not an in-depth study of writing-craft. (Please don't use it as a replacement for an MFA or creative writing course.)

And with all due respect to Malcolm Gladwell, this book is not a cutting-edge statistical analysis of the publishing industry. (That's not to say this book has zero statistics, but I've always preferred words over numbers – especially those I couldn't access without an expensive statistics subscription.)

As a final disclaimer, buying this book does NOT guarantee your next novel will land you a literary agent, a six-figure book deal, a summer house on the coast of Maine, an interview with Oprah, or a spot on the New York Times Best Seller List. (Truth be told, I have no such expectations for this book.)

HOWEVER, if the views and opinions shared in these pages do not dissuade you from taking up your pen, risking criticism and rejection, and typing into the wee hours of the night for years on end … then maybe ... just maybe … you might be a writer.

But if it's fame and fortune you're after, I highly recommend becoming anything else.

Cheers!