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My oldest son recently began applying for early decisions at his top university picks. Amazing that we're at this point in our lives already, but here we are. *sigh*
In high school there's been a lot of chatter about which high schools are superior, which are inferior, blah, blah, blah. Same with college choices. Public, private, JC, small, large, etc. It's a lot of noise for teens to muddle through. Our son has a solid idea of what he wants to do, but we all know how solid those solid ideas can be, right? *ahem*
Anyway, my hubby gave our son great advice. He reminded him that he'll hear a lot about which schools are the best, what he should do, etc. But there's only one perfect school--the school that's right for him.
Hubby's sage advice reminded me of the publishing business. How there's been debate about which path is the perfect publishing path. But the same holds true--the only perfect publishing path is the one that's right for you.
Big publisher, small publisher, indie publishing, hybrid publishing. We're all taking our own twisted paths in this crazy business, and my journey will not--and should not--look like yours.
I don't know about you, but I'm sooooo grateful to be a writer in this day and age. A time when anyone who has the courage to put words to paper can see their work in the marketplace. We are not held back by anyone except ourselves, and wow, what a liberating feeling that is.
Whatever path you take, I hope you'll enjoy the ride. Because you'll be on your own perfect path--the one that's right for you.
Friends, do you get flustered when trying to decide which path to take? Have you set out on one path and changed courses? Please share!
My path was the right one for me. Coming into this with next to no experience meant I needed guidance. I'm happy and comfortable with the path I've chosen.
ReplyDeleteAlex, your path was obviously the right one! It's amazing what you've accomplished so far.
DeleteMy daughter just started high school, which means she'll be going away to college in four years. It's all happening too soon for me.
ReplyDeleteI've had many path changes in my life, some of which were beyond my control. Hopefully the writing path I've taken is where I should have been heading all along.
Ken, amazing that your daughter just started high school. Doesn't it feel as if she was just in sixth or seventh grade? It goes by way too fast.
DeleteI'm sure your writing path is just right for you, no matter how winding or twisted it's been!
I love your attitude about this being a wonderful time to be a writer. I sometimes find it kind of scary but then again, I started way back when the traditional route was pretty much the only way to go. I am getting more comfortable though with finding my own way, my own path. :)
ReplyDeleteMadeline, I also started when traditional was the only way to go. I struggled to get the agent, succeeded with that, tried for the traditional deal, failed at that, etc. It's been a wild ride. But yes, I love how many choices we have today. It's wonderful.
DeleteThis post is so timely for me, Julie. You actually brought tears to my eyes. I've always been considered a leader. But when I entered the publishing world, my tail fell between my legs practically paralyzing me. Recent events have made me reexamine my past writing choices, even the path of agenthood. I'm ready to become my own leader again - scared as hell - but ready.
ReplyDeleteSheri, you absolutely ARE a leader! I admire how you've created wonderful forums for writers like WS4U, and other cool things. But I know what you mean. Becoming a writer is definitely a humbling experience.
DeleteBranching out from what we "should" do is definitely scary. Just know that whatever path you take, I'll be here to support you 100%.
In my dreams the big 5 are clamoring for my work . . . but I've smartly decided to stay small/independent/self published. My path has seldom been straight, but it's always been true.
ReplyDeleteDean, I'm SO glad you carved your own path. You're a gifted writer, and readers deserve to read your work.
DeleteVery well said, Julie. All our journeys should be as individual as we are!
ReplyDeleteEmily, exactly! Like our own finger prints or SS# :)
DeleteHi, Julie! You're absolutely right! Something that's right for one writer/author may not be right for the rest of us. It's important for us to follow the publishing path that we feel is best of our writing and books, not what others feel is the best way. Great post!
ReplyDeleteChrys, so true! And sometimes we don't know what the right path is until we've gone down the wrong path. It's all part of the journey.
DeleteGood luck to your son and his path to college; I'm sure that he'll make the right choice. I thought I knew what I wanted when I was eighteen; I also thought that I'd have what I wanted when I was in my thirties. It didn't exactly turn out the way I'd planned, but I think most people can say that.
ReplyDeleteHeck, my hubby and I still feel as if we don't know what we're doing. We've encouraged our son to relax and enjoy the ride, and to not fuss too much about knowing everything about life at this age. It's too much pressure!
ReplyDeleteGood luck to your son, Julie! Our nephew made the circuit of the schools you described a year and a semester ago. He wanted to go anywhere but in-state, North Carolina. So where did he end up? UNC. His choice! Part of the deal with his father was at least to visit the campus. He did. It was love at first sight.
ReplyDeleteDo I change paths? All. The. Time. Life is a journey with lots of "places" to visit!
Oh what a PERFECT analogy… absolutely perfect. And you have a very wise hubby! Your boys are so beautiful, Julie. What a fun time of life for you!
ReplyDeleteAnd those paths can always change too!
ReplyDeleteVery good analogy :-) It's hard not to compare your experiences to others and think that you "should" have done it some other way. But what works for me might not work for you and vice versa.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right--you have to do what's best for you and don't worry about everyone else.
ReplyDeletelove when we can cross over our thoughts and decisions and apply it to writing! hope your son the best of luck!!!
ReplyDeleteI agree with your husband's advice to your son.
ReplyDeleteSometimes there's a lot of advice out there for writers on how to create a presence for themselves, some of which I disagree with. (No, I don't have time to be on Twitter 24/7. I have a book to work on!) Ultimately, I go with what feels comfortable and true to who I am as a writer.
That advice is worthy of framing. And I agree with you about being grateful I'm writing in this time. Very exciting to have so many options.
ReplyDelete