Oh man, this is so badass. My most recent fiction writing teacher talked about this at the end of my first set of classes with her.
“If the book you’re writing isn’t really something you’re REALLY passionate about, be mindful about how you go out with it. It probably won’t go anywhere. Agents and publishers can feel that and why would they spend their time on it if you’re not super passionate about. But, if you’re that good of a writer - and this does happen - the book sells and does well, they’re gonna want you to write more and more of THAT. Agents and publishers don’t stop a gravy train. Don’t put yourself in a position where you feel stuck. Life is too short, time is too precious.”
It was such a bottom-dropping curveball for the class to hear that. Most new writers just want to get published. But this- like your post - is that next level wisdom that folks need to hear. That advice has always stuck with me and this post will too. I get so much energy writing my novel now knowing I’ve got more from this world. I’ve go so much more in the tank.
Really appreciate you sharing this story. So inspiring. Best of luck on your continued success. Appreciate you! 👊
“If you told me,” he said, “that in our first four years working together, you would have three published novels and three more under negotiation, I would say that you were exactly where you wanted to be.”
And that is what business people don’t get about artists. (As nice as the guy is, maybe it’s more like he was where he would want to be?)
“ And to be real, that money we lost will come back to me ten fold. I know it.” - But what if it doesn’t? I’m not trying to be negative; it’s more a question about the value of art for art’s sake. If it doesn’t, will you still be glad you did this?
Not so long ago I read an article about the power to say "NO" on how liberating it can be and how choosing projects that best align with your core values leads to happy creative life; less stress and profound better well being. It is a gutsy move Kern and I think you did the right thing as there are always non-linear opportunities as most creatives say and you have to gentle with yourself seems to be their message.
A good lesson that it is alright to turn good things down. As we grow older, it’s not always choose the next right thing but choosing between various goods, and accepting it with grace. There is no right one option in situations like that, it’s just make a decision and choose a path.
This struck such a chord, the strings are still wringing sound from the ether. I'm probably saying that wrong. My husband is the musician. As someone who has just dipped her toe in the water with an adult coming-of-age fantasy novel, I think most writers truly want to write for their intended readers, and are putting them first rather than sales. There is no doubt you have raised the bar for staying true to you, and I'm looking forward to reading your work.
Thank you, Lisa. Totally understood the chord striking analogy so all good there LOL. And you're right, we do want to write for our readers (and ourselves) first and money after. I feel like that is fairly standard among most authors, but alas, this is capitalism and ideal is not always possible.
I made the decision about 12 years ago to unshackle my creative and psychological well-being from my financial well-being and took a day job. I was publishing roughly a book a year, winning awards and it was making me miserable. I love the job I have now (teaching creative writing and researching the intersection of youth mental health and narrative). I don’t write as often but when I do I just love that feeling of total absorption in making something. It feels like tinkering with an old car engine on my days off or something when I already have a perfectly serviceable vehicle.
Oh I love this! I feel like a lot of creatives, especially starting out, can’t say no to things that *seem* to be close enough to their dream but isn’t quite. I’ve been in a similar situation and this is such a pertinent topic. Curating your own career and being honest with yourself about what you actually wanna do/not do is so important 🙌
We do feel like we can't say no. We don't want to lose the "opportunity" or burn any bridge. But we also intuitively know what we want out of our careers and that matters too, maybe above most other considerations.
This is beautiful. It’s so easy to find and contort your dreams to fit into the spaces life offers you. It takes real courage to decide to be relentless in the pursuit of what matters to you most. I’m proud of you for being brave enough, and I’m sure the universe will reward you times over for being true to your dreams. I can’t wait to read your next novel!
“But my dream matters too. And I know who I am and what I’m capable of and I want every book I write to be something that is part of my soul” Yes, absolutely!! I’m with you on this as the right choice, even when it feels scary to turn down the money and security. And like you, I’m convinced that you will eventually get a better deal when you follow your heart and real passion. And even if not, you will feel more at peace that you have chosen to act with integrity. I admire your choice.
Kern, I enjoyed reading your transparency in this piece. Was talking to my brother this week (who I know you known well!!) about the same idea. Leaning into our true passion regardless of the other opportunities in front of us that don't align.
My favourite part was when you said "I want to be the one to dictate my author career." It's so true.
Oh man, this is so badass. My most recent fiction writing teacher talked about this at the end of my first set of classes with her.
“If the book you’re writing isn’t really something you’re REALLY passionate about, be mindful about how you go out with it. It probably won’t go anywhere. Agents and publishers can feel that and why would they spend their time on it if you’re not super passionate about. But, if you’re that good of a writer - and this does happen - the book sells and does well, they’re gonna want you to write more and more of THAT. Agents and publishers don’t stop a gravy train. Don’t put yourself in a position where you feel stuck. Life is too short, time is too precious.”
It was such a bottom-dropping curveball for the class to hear that. Most new writers just want to get published. But this- like your post - is that next level wisdom that folks need to hear. That advice has always stuck with me and this post will too. I get so much energy writing my novel now knowing I’ve got more from this world. I’ve go so much more in the tank.
Really appreciate you sharing this story. So inspiring. Best of luck on your continued success. Appreciate you! 👊
Appreciate you too Matt. Bad ass was not how I thought about it, but I'll take the compliment LOL
Such a good point!!
“If you told me,” he said, “that in our first four years working together, you would have three published novels and three more under negotiation, I would say that you were exactly where you wanted to be.”
And that is what business people don’t get about artists. (As nice as the guy is, maybe it’s more like he was where he would want to be?)
“ And to be real, that money we lost will come back to me ten fold. I know it.” - But what if it doesn’t? I’m not trying to be negative; it’s more a question about the value of art for art’s sake. If it doesn’t, will you still be glad you did this?
Oh I'm already content however things end up. My decision wasn't made with money in mind. It was purely for my soul and my artistry.
So hard to spend the time and energy a novel takes on a novel you don't feel or love.
Soooo hard.
Not so long ago I read an article about the power to say "NO" on how liberating it can be and how choosing projects that best align with your core values leads to happy creative life; less stress and profound better well being. It is a gutsy move Kern and I think you did the right thing as there are always non-linear opportunities as most creatives say and you have to gentle with yourself seems to be their message.
You have reminded me that in life you have to say no to things, in order to be able to say yes to other things!
You need to make space. Everything can not fit all at once.
It does feel equally gutsy and liberating, Nicholas. But the liberating part is what makes the decision worth it.
Honouring your dreams -- and your authenticity -- makes you a better writer. ✨️
A good lesson that it is alright to turn good things down. As we grow older, it’s not always choose the next right thing but choosing between various goods, and accepting it with grace. There is no right one option in situations like that, it’s just make a decision and choose a path.
This struck such a chord, the strings are still wringing sound from the ether. I'm probably saying that wrong. My husband is the musician. As someone who has just dipped her toe in the water with an adult coming-of-age fantasy novel, I think most writers truly want to write for their intended readers, and are putting them first rather than sales. There is no doubt you have raised the bar for staying true to you, and I'm looking forward to reading your work.
Thank you, Lisa. Totally understood the chord striking analogy so all good there LOL. And you're right, we do want to write for our readers (and ourselves) first and money after. I feel like that is fairly standard among most authors, but alas, this is capitalism and ideal is not always possible.
I made the decision about 12 years ago to unshackle my creative and psychological well-being from my financial well-being and took a day job. I was publishing roughly a book a year, winning awards and it was making me miserable. I love the job I have now (teaching creative writing and researching the intersection of youth mental health and narrative). I don’t write as often but when I do I just love that feeling of total absorption in making something. It feels like tinkering with an old car engine on my days off or something when I already have a perfectly serviceable vehicle.
What a beautiful mental and emotional space to occupy!
I love that you shared this story. It's hard to say no to what looks like success on paper, but really takes you away from your dream.
Oh I love this! I feel like a lot of creatives, especially starting out, can’t say no to things that *seem* to be close enough to their dream but isn’t quite. I’ve been in a similar situation and this is such a pertinent topic. Curating your own career and being honest with yourself about what you actually wanna do/not do is so important 🙌
We do feel like we can't say no. We don't want to lose the "opportunity" or burn any bridge. But we also intuitively know what we want out of our careers and that matters too, maybe above most other considerations.
A brave choice many others wouldn’t have made. No doubt you’ll be successful in the writing you’re passionate about. Onward through the fog!
God, I love this is so much. 🔥🔥
Thank you!
Beautiful. Boundaries and staying true to oneself is so important!
So important!
This is beautiful. It’s so easy to find and contort your dreams to fit into the spaces life offers you. It takes real courage to decide to be relentless in the pursuit of what matters to you most. I’m proud of you for being brave enough, and I’m sure the universe will reward you times over for being true to your dreams. I can’t wait to read your next novel!
Dream my friend. To write is to dream out loud ❤️
It is!
“But my dream matters too. And I know who I am and what I’m capable of and I want every book I write to be something that is part of my soul” Yes, absolutely!! I’m with you on this as the right choice, even when it feels scary to turn down the money and security. And like you, I’m convinced that you will eventually get a better deal when you follow your heart and real passion. And even if not, you will feel more at peace that you have chosen to act with integrity. I admire your choice.
I do feel at peace and overflowing with creativity. It feels good! Thank you :)
Kern, I enjoyed reading your transparency in this piece. Was talking to my brother this week (who I know you known well!!) about the same idea. Leaning into our true passion regardless of the other opportunities in front of us that don't align.
My favourite part was when you said "I want to be the one to dictate my author career." It's so true.
Appreciate you brother. It was so hard to actually act on that thought. I didn't want to disappoint anyone, know what I mean?
Yeah, it's tough when you're the only one who understands your true motivation, when others think it's too great of an opportunity to pass up.