For Whom the Bells Toll

The Internet is the twenty-first century’s town crier. Sometimes the Word is good and all is right with the world. Sometimes the bell rings and the Word is downright scary. Lately, it’s been a lot scary. Midlist authors are being cut. Publishers are not taking on new books unless the author is a celebrity with a built-in platform. Agents aren’t even reading submissions. E-books will kill print books. The big box stores will undercut bookstores and soon the only books available will be those approved by the stock boy at Wal-Mart. Sometimes, it’s important to listen to the town crier. Always, it’s more important to remember that tomorrow the town crier will be ringing the bell and crying something different.

Tune out the criers and focus on yourself and your writing.

You must write the book, research agents and choose who to query, come up with a marketing plan, and promote your book. It’s work, but being in control of your future is better than being controlled.

As a writer, you hold your fate in your own hands. Ignore the talking heads who cry, The End is Near. Ignore the Pollyannas who gush, The Rainbow’s Pot of Gold is This Way.

Each day, before you begin your day, be silent. Quiet the voices. Listen. Hear the one voice that speaks the truth. That wise voice will tell you what and how to write. That gentle voice will tell you that you are worthy. That persistent voice will whisper encouragement. That loud voice will sing at your accomplishments and the goals met. That voice is…

Your voice.

Listen.