A twisty little story from Sandra about the writing journey ...

Recently I was driving to work thinking about my day when two words caught my eye... ESTATE SALE.

Figuring it was a sign (okay, it was a sign) I convinced myself I could take a few minutes out of my day to do something different. I'm not a collector of stuff just to have it, but I was suddenly in the mood to hunt for treasure.  An old typewriter whose parts I could turn into the shadow box collage I keep envisioning on my office wall. An old ink bottle to contain posies. Or an old blanket for our new dog's basket. You know. The kinds of things you never go shopping for ...

I arrived and saw people walking away empty handed - not a good sign. But, I'd spent the time and gas getting there, so figured what the heck and pulled to the curb.

On my way up the sidewalk I overheard two people talking about getting their names on the list. There's a list? I passed by them, smiling and waving, then felt their stares on my back as I turned toward the front door.

That should have been my first clue, but thoughts of discovering an old Underwood or Olivetti pulled me along and I walked through the front door like I belonged there.

I. DID. NOT. BELONG. THERE.

I was barely a step inside the door when I heard the quick pace of heels on hardwood followed by scolding from a beehived, aproned woman shouting "NOT UNTIL NINE! DIDN'T YOU SEE THE LIST?"

Again with the list.  I backed out, pulled the door closed, then noticed it. Flapping in the breeze at my feet was a sheet of paper clipped to a board, filled with two columns of names. Ah. 

I started to bend over to see what I'd missed when a small throng barreled toward me. "Did you just walk right in?" Asked one woman who looked like she needed to go back to bed and start over.

"Yeah," I said. Obviously, was what I wanted to say, didn't you just watch me do so?

"BUT THERE'S A LIST!" she shouted, pointing at my feet. Pointing out my offense.

Another woman complained, eyes bulging, "I drove all the way across town this morning and I've been here since 6:30. You CAN'T just walk in there."

Clearly I was on someone else's turf and didn't know the rules. I felt like maybe if I just snapped my heels together ...

Instead, I muttered "sorry" and dug my keys from my pocket to signal my imminent departure.

"You're leaving? Don't you want to put your name on THE LIST?"

Uh, no, lady. You and your wild monkeys have succeeded in scaring me away. I picked up my pace and retreated to the safety of my car.

I drove away reckoning that that was one of the more bizarre experiences I'd ever had. But once the green fog started lifting from my head, I decided there must be some unwritten Estate Sale Rule Book I'd never been privy to. Then I wondered -- if I'd known there were rules, standards, expectations ... would I have bothered?

All day long I couldn't shake the absurdity of my great estate sale blunder. And it got me thinking about how many people start, innocently enough, on the writing journey deciding it's worth a try; just an easy side trip along their way to somewhere else.

Based on the queries and submissions we receive, I'm sad to say there is a staggering amount of evidence that tons of folks don't bother figuring out the rules of the writing road. Don't think to read between the signs along the way and think about what they're getting into. They see the promise of treasure and plunge ahead, ignoring guidelines, books on craft, the market.

I often contend that the “rules” may not be obvious, but that they are not that hard to figure out. Still, I have to believe there are writers who are earnest in their mission, but who are genuinely innocent in their ignorance. It's those people I thought about as I tried to learn from my misguided quest. 

How many of us, pointy hats or not, don't bother stopping people in their tracks as they skip innocently (yes, sometimes stupidly) along the yellow brick road, to say "hey you, the one with the manuscript in the basket ... uh, let me give you a couple hints how this whole process works."

If you're one who figured it out for yourself, the temptation might be to respond "Yeah, well, I did it the hard way. No one saved me from embarrassment and ridicule. They'll learn. Besides, if I help them, they may just get what I'm after ..."

I'll spare you the continued analogy. The likening of Christians to the Munchkins and those freaky Lollipop Kids. Glenda to the Holy Spirit. How the Wizard (should that really be capitalized?) we serve expects us to help each other. How the wicked witch and her crafty minions ... oh, I said I'd spare you. Sorry.

Okay, anyway, here's my point. With conference season upon us, I'd like to challenge you -- especially now as the road is twistier and harder than ever to tread upon - to please look out for one another. Seek opportunities to help new writers figure out the unspoken rules. Step a little out of your way to gently correct folks if you see them unknowingly blundering their way with visions of emeralds dancing in their heads.

Look for chances to pull someone aside and say "hey, this is where you start, this is how it works. Yes it's hard and twisty, and you will meet many perils and face fearful things along the way. But, if you pay attention, you'll learn much along the way."

Who knows. In the end, your help may be just the thing to keep the house from falling down upon you both.

Comments

[Richard Mabry]

Oh, the analogy here rang so true with me! Fortunately, kind people told me about "putting my name on the list" (so to speak) and gave me instruction along the way. Thanks for reminding me to return the favor.

[Ellen]

What a great post. Very inspiring.

[Amy Sorrells]

Thank you for your gracious encouragement and wisdom here. All the agents I've had the blessing of meeting genuinely seem to care about helping new writers along. . . although an important key to that process (for me and anyone else new to the industry)is maintaining a humble, open-handed, open-minded, even open-hearted willingness to accept advice and direction. Makes all the difference in the world. Thanks so much!

[Patricia Hickman]

Unfortunately many people are scared off when they hear publishing's rules of engagement. But if it were easy, everyone could do it. This "body of death" we live in also serves as our schoolmaster--sit down in your seat and listen and learn.

Great post, Chip. You should write for a living. ;)

[Dee Stewart]

great allegory

There are many great author friends in publishing who share everything about the process. Some of my write-or-die chicks have built brilliant stories, had a laundry list of endorsements from other authors, paid for copy editing, attended workshops, were rejected multiple times, and believe that this work is a part of the process, so they write again and start all over until some great agent or editor picks them up.

On the other hand, I have witnessed writers who's manuscripts had heavy grammatical errors, poor plot construction, dry themes and yet became published. I've even had agents come to me to help their author client build a better marketable book to pitch, and those authors were published. Those writers didn't need to know the list to get through.

And that's the rub for me and many other writers, who are doing what they do, yet know for a fact that "the list" applies to those who aren't friends with the List maker.

So I would also add that we writers should not just encourage and share, but also be a soft place to fall when good writers(and we know what a good writer is) need a measure of our faith to hold onto when they feel weak on this journey.

[Sharon A Lavy]

Great post Sandra. I'm looking forward to more "lessons" on writing from you.

[Tracey Michae'l Lewis-Giggetts]

Good stuff, Sandra! And I totally agree with the Addendum from Dee up top. There is that grey area where good writers who know and follow the rules seem to sometimes float unpublished.

[Lisa Lickel]

Thanks - there's way too little kindess out there to begin with. I notice constantly that figuring out the rules is of key interest to folks who post on instructional sites. We'll be offering the concept as one of our workshops at the Wisconsin connect in October.
Lisa

[Carla Stewart]

Oy, those Estate Sale junkies are a testy lot, aren't they? Loved your analogy, though. Sometimes it's just a smile or a word of encouragement that can make all the difference. Thanks for the reminder.

BTW,congrats on the new dog.

[Clella]

It just takes so little time and effort sometimes to guide a new person in the right direction. Thank you for reminding us. Wonderful analogy!
Clella

[genny]

I love the reminder to reach out and help one another. A few years ago, at a writing conference, a best-selling YA author I'd gotten to know through SCBWI took the time to read part of my YA manuscript (on her own time, not a formal critique) and give me her feedback. I'd originally written the manuscript in verse and she helped me to realize the story would be much better written in prose. I was grateful.

I find that, so much of the time, writers who are just getting started--especially if they're at their first conference--just need someone to come alongside them, share some of what they know, and encourage them on their journey.

Thanks for this great post.

[Robin Bayne]

Excellent post!

[Steve]

Sandra: As one who frequents estate sales, I smiled at your analogy. I was there at one time! (Actually, several times--every sale host in our area is different, so there are a variety of rules to remember.) Fortunately, in our area, the "list watchdogs" are very gracious.

I'd say the one difference between a newcomer stumbling on an estate sale and an aspiring writer submitting a manuscript is that it's pretty hard to find out, in advance, the "rules" for estate sales. All the hosts are different--some do lists the night before, some the morning of, some refuse to honor lists, etc. There's no way to know what to do without actually showing up on the doorstep of the house and finding out.

But when it comes to breaking into writing, there's an abundance of resources people can turn to. It's not hard to find help via Google, and bookstores have quite a few books and magazines on writing.

So stumbling blind into an estate sale scenario as you did should be TOTALLY forgiveable--the rules vary from sale to sale, locale to locale, and are not made known outside of the classified ad or a visit to the sale itself.

But it seems less excusable to stumble blindly into writing. The mere act of finding a publishing house's address makes it fairly likely that an aspiring writer is going to brush up against that publisher's manuscript submission requirements. Unfortunately, it appears some people even ignore the requirements when they're spelled out clearly.

You're definitely right about the severity of the problem. Thanks for addressing it, and hope you have better experiences at future estate sales. The good ones are a lot of fun.

[Jennifer AlLee]

Great post, Sandra! Back when I lived in CA, I was a part-time Estate Sale person. It's a whole sub-culture unto iteself.

You're so right about the benefits of a conference. Not only is it a great place to learn, but also to make the human connection that a lot of us isolated writers so desperately need. At my very first conference, someone did exactly what you're talking about. She saw I needed help and she reached out to me. Now that I've got a little experience of my own, I try to do the same. It's a beautiful thing when we all move forward together :+}

Jen

[lynn]

Awesome post. 'nuff said.

[Pam Halter]

I was one of those truly innocent writers with a couple of stories I thought might make good books for kids. I recieved a brochure in the mail for something called a writer's conference in 1997, called the number and asked, what is a writer's conference? And I walked out of the first day thinking, these people are fanatics! But I stuck with it and after three days, I changed my thinking to, boy, do I have a lot to learn.

Today, I talk with lots of would be authors who don't have a clue. Most are eager to learn, but there are some who think learning the craft is beneath them. It's sad, because I really want to be the best I can be. I hope others would feel the same.

Thanks for the heads up about estate sales,too, Sandra! :)
pam

[Gina Holmes]

Great post, Chip. Within the CBA, I've experienced nothing but others holding open their open hand to me. I think you're preaching to the choir with this one and that's an awesome thing to be able to say. We're doing it right I think. Go us! Again, excellent piece.

[Lynn Rush]

Nice!

I was one who entered the world of writing for publication alone. No help. Made many mistakes until a few fellow writers took me under their wings.

They cringed with me, then we laughed and they took me by the hand to move forward.

Such a blessing to find that.

Love this post.

[Ava Pennington]

Great post. I've been amazed (and appreciative!) at how often successful writers, especially CBA authors, make a practice of helping develop other writers. I've been blessed with the assistance of an army of people over the years. In return, I now have the privilege - and the responsibility - of extending a hand to others.

[Rachel Hauck]

Great information and analogy Sandra. I don't always know who needs help, but I'm willing to answer questions for anyone who wants to ask for help.

So many writers helped me along the way, I am so grateful to be in a position to give back!!

Rachel

[Maureen McGowan]

Great post. It is crazy hearing all the mistakes people make with queries, etc. given how easy it is to find out how the business works. Problem is... if people believe what they've seen on TV or in movies about publishing... they likely wouldn't even think there was anything to find out and just forge ahead. The info's out there... But how do you know to look for it?

Finishing a book is exciting and a huge accomplishment. I do have a tiny bit of sympathy for people who just rush blindly into submitting it w/o doing research. (But only a little.)

[Lynne Connolly]

Skippety skip.

[Krista Phillips]

LOVED this post! I'm a garage saler though instead of an estate saler... now I see why! LOL

I entered the publishing world alone too. All I had was a mother who said, "Oh, it doesn't have to be perfect, isn't that what editors are for?"

Thankfully I was smart enough to ignore that bit of advice, and after only a few blunders happened upon a few groups of people who have come beside this fledgling writer and pointed me in the right direction.

For them, I will be FOREVER grateful!

[Stevie Rey]

Well, generally, I'm from the "First Break All The Rules Camp"...the Captain Kirk school of leadership...hee, hee. I reckon, there's a time to conform and a time to rebel, y'all...and wisdom is knowin' the diff'ernce. Thanks fer the story!

[Carol]

Great analogy. Thanks for the reminder that we are to share our blessings with others. Whatever the reason that someone ignores the rules, in writing or other areas of life, our own attitude and behavior toward them will reflect our faithfulness to God's instructions to "love one another."

[Janny]

I've seen far more writers who will help each other, sometimes to ridiculous lengths, than the converse. I HAVE seen the converse...just less often.

Which leads me to the flip side of this particular coin: that there are an amazing number of people out there who don't want to look at the signposts, even when you point them out. Or they claim they're watching the traffic light, and then, the moment your back is turned...they dart out into the intersection anyway. Then they get clipped--or totaled--and whose fault is it?

The publishing industry's, of course. (!) Which means that, often, that blame comes back on the person who gave them that advice. EVEN THOUGH THEY DIDN'T FOLLOW IT!

So here's another thought. While you're encouraging the newbies, spare a thought for us "old-bies" out here who have watched in frustration as people we've tried to help not only ignore our advice, but then come back and blame US for their failures. There are a lot of them out there, and they can be a discouraging lot to deal with...along with the myriad other challenges we all face in just plain getting our own work done.

And yes, I'll be glad to provide the address where you can send the chocolate.
:-)

Janny

[Jeanette Levellie]

Dear Sandra:
Thanks for sharing your embarassing story, so we could grow from it, and help others grow.

I have a friend whose second book just came out, and she had the kindness to give my name and email to a friend of hers who is one of the speakers at a conference i'm attending in a few weeks. That lady contacted me, asking, "Do you have any questions?"

I was so blessed by her kindness, i wanted to cry. Instead, I sent her my list of questions i'd been wanting to ask, but didn't know whom to turn to!

Again, thank you. You win the "Most inspired post of the week award!"
Jeanette

[Patty]

I was so annoyed the first time someone suggested writing conferences and books to help me learn to write. I KNEW how to write already. Just point me to the publisher!

After this post, though, I find myself wanting to pick your brain (Sandra) about how to turn an old typewriter into a shadow box.

[Karin Beery]

Makes me want to wear a big name tag "NEWBIE" with the hopes that someone will give me a hand :)

[Angela Meuser]

My only excuse for making lots of embarrassing mistakes is that someday I can use them to encourage newer writers. It was nice to meet you at the conference last week, and yes, I was flattered that you recognized my name.

[Christian Man]

And yet we often hear of the successful rule breakers (The Shack, anyone?) which lets in the sliver of doubt about the rules. (Especially after the latest "well written, but..." response from an agent.) I continue to plow ahead but I can't get it out of my brain that there is a greater power at work and "it's either going to happen or it ain't," regardless of talent or following the rules. Cynical? Maybe (and maybe not), but it does not derail the process. The writing and creating continue. Who knows what is around the corner? There is always hope... within the rules or out.

[Elizabeth Ludwig]

You made me laugh with the "you and your wild monkeys" line.

Great post, Sandra. Thanks for the reminder that it takes very little effort to be generous. Much harder to be stingy, mean, ungrateful, hard-hearted...oh yeah, and completely un-Christ like.

[Dana Mentink]

The best teachers I had coming along this strange road were people who encouraged me a bit, saw some sort of spark in my writing, then pointed me towards classes, crit groups, etc so I could learn those wild and wacky rules for myself.(Still learning, by the way. The "romance writing rules" just kill me.) I think if my beloved mentor had sat me down and told me all the rules and restrictions, I might have just turned around and become an orthodontist. (Oh sure, I'd have to have my fingers in people's mouths all day, but you can't beat the benefits package!) Anyhoo, as Ernest Hemmingway said, "No horse named Morbid ever won a race," so I try to temper the facts with encouragement as my mentor did for me.