Sunday, December 6, 2009

Fallacies (Fantasies)

Before I read a single book on writing, attended my first conference, or crafted a query, I believed--believed--the following:

That if you wrote a book, it got published.

That when it was published, you earned at least a six-digit figure for it.

That after you remodeled the house, you traveled the world, talking about your novel, in places like Bhutan.

That your chances on getting on Oprah with your book was maybe one in three.

That when that book then became an instant bestseller and award-winner, you spit out another masterpiece in no time, then another four or five.

For a while there, I must've confused myself with John Grisham.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

You'd think the publishing world would be filled with fantasy and fiction, wouldn't you? But it's not. Sadly.

Shannon O'Donnell said...

LOL! I'm guessing you don't believe anything from that list anymore! I'm also guessing (hoping) it doesn't deter you from trying! :)

Jennie Englund said...

Hi Amy! Would love to hear about your publishing process. Am getting a huge kick out of your travel site!

I think, Shannon, that the delusion disappeared right after my first conference. But yep, I'm still tryin', honey, and life for me ain't been no crystal stair (Langston Hughes).