Yin and Yang of Writing

      Many writers talk about how much fun they have writing. Writing about a topic that you have a passion sharing with others can be a wonderful experience. Maybe you see writing as an opportunity to help others, too. Learning about what has been happening by researching related issues can have intellectual and stimulating impact on a writer. The anticipation and discussing of issues with friends and other authors adds zest to one's life. These positive experiences alone may be reason enough to write. If nothing else, our brain is healthier and we have more fulfilling lives. This is the Yang, active, positive force, and may be enough to keep most of us writing forever. However, there is a dark side that writers do not like to mention.

The negative and dark yin, side of writing that authors tend to ignore needs to be considered. Five hundred thousand plus titles were published worldwide in 2009. One hundred seventy-two thousand of these were in the United States. Now that electronic publication, self-publishing and publishing-on-demand are popular, the number of titles may have increased. Therefore, the chances of someone becoming rich and famous have decreased. Most titles sell less than one hundred copies.

 Publishing and marketing is big business. There are companies and individuals eager to embrace you and ensure you that they can help you become an Amazon.com or New York Times best seller. They will bombard you with email offering free webinar and teleconferences. These free webinar and teleconferences often provide excellent resourses and information. They always conclude with a pitch for expensive offers for coaching, seminars, or other training programs.

 Writers will have no trouble finding a publisher. Some will pay a small finder’s fee without seeing your book. Others will charge a few hundred dollars because you are a "first time author." At all stages, "the buyer must beware" and pay no fees and sign no contracts without the approval of an “intellectual property rights attorney.” Experience taught me to use intellectual property rights lawyers before making decisions about book contracts, website, and copyright issues. Their expertise can save the writer in many ways.

 It is common for an author to have a sound educational background in writing, publishing, and marketing or have money to hire the support that will supplement the hard work and passion for his topic. Other ways to get the support include writing clubs, friends, and workshops. Determined writers can find a way to improve their craft and find the support they need. The Yin does not have to overpower the Yang.

Suggested reading:

Many Genres, One Craft: Lessons in Writing Popular Fiction, Michael A. Arnzen  (Editor), Heidi Ruby Miller,
 

Heidi Ruby Miller (Editor)

› Visit Amazon's Heidi Ruby Miller Page

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Are you an author? Learn about Author Central

(Editor)

 

Heidi Ruby Miller (Editor)

› Visit Amazon's Heidi Ruby Miller Page

Find all the books, read about the author, and more.

See search results for this author

Are you an author? Learn about Author Central

(Editor)