a peek inside the fishbowl

The creative writing workshop I went to on Saturday was pretty good. It was hosted by Alan Cumyn, an author with ten published books of fiction under his belt. He’s published books for children as well as adults, so his perspective on the whole world of publishing was pretty interesting.

What I walked away with however, was the feeling that book publishing was 60% talent, 40% random luck. What he described sounded very much like a crapshoot. If your manuscript happens to fall out of the slush pile and happens to fall onto the the desk of a sympathetic editor who happens to be having a good day, well, then MAYBE you get your toe in the door. That is, of course, if the publishing house isn’t going under.

I spent the last hour of the class asking myself why I want to publish a children’s book when so many people want to do the exact same thing.

Is it because I want to make money? No.
Is it because I want to be famous? No.
Is it because I want to see my name on a cover? Well, okay, that would be pretty cool.
Is it because I want to bring a smile to someone’s face? Yes.

Gee that sounds hokey … in a LET’S HOLD HANDS KUMBAYA KIND OF WAY no less. Gah. But there it is. That is the kernel.

I.Love.Sharing.My.Words.

I asked about self-publishing. Alan frowned, looked down at the floor, and mumbled something about credibility. Self-published authors don’t have the benefit of editors or professional illustrators so they’re seen as something less than a published author. I get that, but I’ve decided it doesn’t matter to me.

Perhaps that means that I’ve given up before I’ve started, but I think a top spot on Amazon.ca isn’t realistic. (Or is it? Argh!)

I just want to finish the story I’m working on right now (at this point I don’t even have a solid ending), and give it away to friends and family. That’s all that matters to me right now.*

Ok. Back to work.

*and the whole time I would be SECRETLY HOPING that my self-published book would fall into the hands of a stunningly brilliant literary agent with international connections. *sigh*

I’m working on a piece about Easter chocolate. Best kinds, best place, best buys. If you’re around Ottawa, where do you get yours? Who makes the good stuff? Do you do dollar-store chocolate or go for the fancy imports?

Or maybe you are just in it for the Peeps? :)

a.

– Earth Hour is on Saturday.  (CBC info about it here.) I had somehow forgotten. Did you know about it? I think we’re going to power down like we did last year. I find it a LITTLE ironic we can all watch Earth Hour specials on CBC Newsworld, don’t you?

– This is day two of my embracing part-time veganism. Basically, I am pretending to be a vegan for breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Dinner is whatever I want it to be. It could even be Bacon fest! I read about the idea in Food Matters. (An interesting read but a little too light.) In any case the 12-hour vegan concept forces me to eat more fruit and cut out butter. (I am allowing milk for my coffee. I wouldn’t be a very happy person without it.) My mother is rolling her eyeballs right now I JUST KNOW IT.

– I’m taking a creative writing course on Saturday!

– I’m guest blogging for Canadian Family Magazine next week. Eeep!

– Local artist Katerina Mertikas (mother of Fishbowl reader Loukia!) has an art show coming up at Koyman Galleries. There’s an opening reception coming up at the St.Laurent location on Friday April 3 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

– I’m planning Sarah’s birthday party. I think it’s going to be a sleepover for scientists. Long story.

– Emma has decided to train for a children’s marathon through her school. We are going out together in the mornings. Gah. I hate running. Today I just walked REALLY FAST with my latte.

– You know what phrase has been turning around in my head: “ask and ye shall receive.” Sounds rather biblical doesn’t it, but it is very very true. If you don’t ask (or stick your neck out every once in awhile) nothing will ever come to you. Sometimes “the ask” is a risk. You can ask:

• for feedback on a project
• for someone to help you in some way
• for a favour
• for an opportunity
• for a raise
• whatever!

I made a couple of “asks” yesterday. Who knows what will come of them. One can only hope, right?

I’m wondering, what’s the last thing you asked for? And what can you ask for today? And will you? What are you waiting for?