It’s that time of year. Everywhere around the world writers and editors at newspapers and magazines are looking forward to taking time off for the holidays. But the world (and its news- and feature-generating qualities) does not rest. How, then, do you effectively stop working while continuing to appear pulse-taking and hot-button pushing?
Enter the round-up.
Check out this peppy little number from the London Times. The writer called some experts, asked some generic questions about the future of art, and then edited it all down for space and clarity. Deadline met. Time to shop.
Does this mean articles like this are of no use?
It does not mean that.
What it means is that you can do this yourself. Reach out to your own network of creative souls, extract their thoughts and feelings and dreams about the future of their craft, and then synthesize your own conclusions. Given how up-for-grabs our culture is right now, it may be easier to start a school of thought than to follow one.
Tags: culture
This is so funny– lots of YA writer’s are having conversations right now in the vein (wait for it) of vampires (insert rim-shot) are the new black, no, werewolves are– no, werewolves are over– it’s zombies!
On that note– I’m looking for feedback on my query pitch over on my blog. I say ghosts are the new black! — Dennis? Any expert advice? Anyone else? (be kind, but honest)
And– should I make myself wait until Jan to query?? Help!
Instead of thinking of making yourself wait, try thinking about it as giving yourself more time to get your query right. December is a black hole in publishing. You’re better off in mid-January when the year starts fresh.
Good luck.
I agree. I’m waiting and starting next year too, (with everyone else probably!) But it’s not a black hole in short fiction publishing, so that’s where I’m putting my efforts right now.
Thanks Dennis, great advice as usual– and mine NEEDS work.
On that note– Bets– you’re the coolest! Thanks for the input!
Listening to NPR today made me think that all of publishing was a black hole. How do we make a success of anything when the economy is insane? Just, you know, curious…