Many of us have been at this writing gig a long time. Some of us, a very long time. (Hello, gray hair! Where did you come from?) We often worry about not writing quickly, not having enough work out in the world. We worry that if too much time elapses between one published work and the next, our readers will forget about us.
Sure, this is possible, but "Publishing Moves On. Do Readers?" by Jael McHenry over on Writer Unboxed makes an excellent point. Even though "publishing coverage is about the new" that isn't always the case for readers.
She talks about how her debut novel was published six years ago, but she still hears from readers today. Even now, "...the book lives on in thousands of copies in thousands of places: on readers' nightstands and bookshelves, in Little Free Libraries, for sale at used bookstores and in church basements, and, of course, eternally available in e-book with just a few clicks."
I absolutely relate to this! My flash fiction collections have been out for a few years now, but just the other day, I heard that a family member and two blogger buddies recently read and enjoyed my work. I was thrilled!
So, please don't beat yourselves up or rush your work or think your words, your stories don't matter. They absolutely do. Like Ms. McHenry says -
"I'm here to say this: whatever happens, you'll have readers. You may hear from them and you may not. They may number in the thousands or the hundreds or the dozens or the ones. But any book that you put out into the world will have a life longer than you can know, and it'll touch people in ways you never foresaw."
There's nothing more gratifying than to hear that someone enjoyed your work. It makes it all worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteI always appreciate the wonderful comments and reviews about my work from you all. :)
DeleteJust because a book was published years ago doesn't mean it can't be discovered and enjoyed now. I read "older" books more than recently published ones.
ReplyDeleteI've got a whole stack of "older" books just waiting to be read. :)
DeleteI just received some reader feedback over the weekend. It means everything.
ReplyDeleteExcellent, Susan!
DeleteAs someone who's currently struggling to meet her deadline, this is comforting. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, JH. Good luck with your deadline - hang in there!
DeleteVery good advice and encouragement as always. I love the idea that your book can touch people in ways you can't foresee or in ways you'll never know about.
ReplyDeleteWe can imagine people reading our stories - who are they, where are they, how are they reacting, etc. It's like creating a whole other story about our own stories. :)
DeleteExcellent advice, Madeline. I keep thinking that my two amateur sleuth mysteries are forgotten because they're out of print in hardcover, but I have them out now in ebook and still make a sale from time to time. It wasn't so long ago that a reader asked if I was going to write more books in the series. Maybe I will!
ReplyDeleteI bet that request for more books in the series felt amazing! Good for you! :)
DeleteWhat a wonderful quote. It does boost me up today, especially it being a release day! Have a lovely week. :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Christine! I wish you a ton of success! :)
DeleteI really needed to hear this today, Madeline. Thank you. I bet it was great when your family and friends talked about your published works. It is something to be proud of.
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome, Murees. I hope it helped, at least a little. :)
DeleteAn uplifting post. Thank you. I do often feel like nobody wants to read my work. But there's usually someone out there, right?
ReplyDeleteThere is! Just think of all the things we pick up and read, where we are entertained but don't always let the author know that we are. Have faith, Loni! :)
DeleteThis is such great advice! One time someone said that I was the reason why they kept going, and it was a feeling unlike any other I've ever felt.
ReplyDeletewww.ficklemillennial.com
Wow, Gina! What a wonderful thing to hear!
DeleteThis is something I need to be reminded of regularly. I can be a slow writer and getting books out regularly is hard for me. Life often butts in. I may not be rolling in sales, but I do get them so people are discovering me and hopefully enjoying themselves.
ReplyDeleteI'm a slow writer, too. And I hear you re the sales - once in awhile, I see that someone bought one of my collections, and I'm like yeh! Then I worry if they'll enjoy it! :o
DeleteInspiring post! That's a great reason to keep going when things are tough. You never know how your work might touch someone else.
ReplyDeleteIt really helps to remind ourselves of that. :)
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