The idea of the starving artist may be a stereotype at this point, but it’s far from an unfounded one.
I’m lucky in that I’m not technically starving, but there are times I come way too close for comfort. Many of my fellow authors would argue that I’m lucky to be doing THAT well, and I won’t argue with them on that point. I am fortunate to be in the position I’m in and I feel like I’m near the cusp of a real breakthrough in my chosen career, my passion.
Did you know I’m supposed to be on vacation this week? No, really!
Despite that technicality, you’ll get your usual content this week, with not a day skipped or an article missed. On top of that, I’ll still be fulfilling other obligations to other creators, my publisher, and everything in between. It doesn’t seem like much of a vacation, does it?
The truth is, when one is an author, be it a big published name or a Starving Author like myself, a vacation is not so much a time for rest and a complete pause of your writing adventures. No, a vacation is simply a reshuffling, a slowing of activity, and a readjustment of time. We allocate a smaller amount of time to the cavalcade of normal authorial duties and put that into our leisure. I suppose all artists are like that, as well as anyone who is self-employed. It’s not like we have employees or servants or fervent fanboy volunteers to do our bidding … at least not yet.
Maybe I should invest in some rabid fanpeople? Do you think they are available at the dollar shop next to near-expiration chocolate bars? Probably not, eh?
Are you an author or an artist? Do you have any tactics for making the most of your fleeting ‘vacation’ time? If so, let me know in the comments below.
Until next time, good reading, good writing, and good luck!
Despite the title, I’m pretty excited right now. ‘Slow and steady’ is an apt description as to my progress towards publishing my next two books, as well as my second editions, but I think that’s a good thing right now. The inner push to get things done led to the need for a second edition in the first place, after all!
I spent a good hour in live chat with Felipe de Barros, the new cover artist, last night and it was a really fascinating experience working so closely with an artist. I was really impressed by his desire to know more about the subject matter he was doing the art for, asking for explanations of plot points and characters so he could best illustrate them. I got a peek at his initial compositions sketch and frankly I’m really floored. If you wind up needing art done for your own books or other works, I’d highly recommend him.
Editing is mostly wrapped on everything, but I’m not rushing things. I’ll keep doing overviews and letting my beta readers ponder things up until the art is ready. I won’t jump the gun this time. Patience is the biggest lesson I learned from my first publication.
The second lesson would be self-promotion and that I’m still struggling with. It’s just not in my nature, I suppose. Still, that will not prevent me from closing this Weekend Update with a plug for the Kickstarter. Like posting a link to it, as if you haven’t seen that enough. If you’re a fan of the superhero genre, pro wrestling, or just off-the-wall independent authors, take a look. Chip in. Or just spread the word. Thank you.
J. B. Garner - Musings of a Starving Author 