5 comments


  • “Good work will always find publication.” I don’t remember who told me that, but it’s wishful thinking.

    “If you can do anything else other than write, if you do not HAVE to write, do that other thing” is roughly what Ursula K. Le Guin said.

    If there is something you need to put on the page, some story you wish you had read or could read, some revelation only you can bleed light onto—do that. For heaven’s sake do that.

    May 21, 2018
  • Jeannine Gailey

    Yes, thanks Jan!

    May 21, 2018
  • I do a lot of book reviews in the speculative fiction community and it has been very rewarding in the friendships I’ve made with some really great poets and writers! Since I am disabled, this gives me a chance to interact with other writers and cheer them on. It’s a super important part of my daily life and helps me to forget about the pain and PTSD for awhile. Talk about a win-win! Obviously I’d love to write a wildly successful book and move to a better neighborhood. But even if that doesn’t happen, I’m really enjoying being a positive part of the writing community!

    May 22, 2018
  • Yes, Bryan, I agree!

    May 23, 2018
  • […] If you encounter the heartbreak of an empty reading audience room (it happens, even when we do our best to promote a reading,) laugh it off, get a drink or browse the bookstore, and chalk it up to experience. If your book doesn’t change the world when it comes out, don’t worry – most books do not change the world. Maybe your next one will be a hit. When we compare ourselves to other people and get jealous of their success, that doesn’t really set us up for success – unless it gives you motivation to aim higher with your goals. The art of practicing graciousness – with other writers, with publishers, with reviewers, with our communities – and being grateful for the good things that come our way are key to remaining a happy and not bitter writer. And believe me, I understand where both these writers are coming from…Every time I start to feel that bitter feeling of “I should have gotten that award/grant or I can’t believe so and so rejected me” I try to think of the lucky opportunities I’ve had and the unexpected gifts I’ve been given. The kindnesses I’ve received. And I just feel that the best way to deal with those feelings is to reach out to those around us and help them. Say something nice to a friend. Buy their book, or review it or order it from your local library. A lot of times that will make us feel better, and them feel better, and maybe create a more beautiful writing community. If you add grace to the world, it will probably come back around – but even if it doesn’t, you’ve accomplished something great. Jeannine Hall Gailey, Who Will Buy Your Book Thoughts, and Skagit Poetry Festival Report […]

    June 05, 2018

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