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Dear Lee

Dear Lee,

I haven't quit my day job yet, but I am published and by the grace of God have a wonderful agent, finally. Just wondering if I am the only fiction writer who finds every other fiction writer to be much better than herself. Within the past year, the books I read seem to be so much better than mine that I can't imagine my work published by a known publisher---ever. This hasn't been the case within the ten years I have been at the craft---only fairly recently. Do you suppose I am getting down because I haven't cashed in, or am I simply seeing the light?

-Alone in my mind.
Dear Alone,

Just like actors, there are not a lot of writers who can afford to quit their day jobs. However there are a lot of writers who earn a nice living in the field they love. In addition to your writing, you can teach continuing education courses on novel writing at your local community college; offer private writing consultations, co-author, ghostwrite and conduct workshops and seminars. It seems that you have held a steady course in making your dream of becoming a published author a reality. Good for you. Right now, you’re walking through the storm of self-doubt. It’s something most of us do and it’s actually a healthy sign because it means that you want to improve your work. Hemmingway once said that he was a continual journeyman and always learning something new about his craft. That kind attitude sure beats the hell out of, let’s say, a science fiction writer who novelizes a television series and thinks that they hold the key to the publishing kingdom. Keep steady, Alone. Think about this: James Patterson started publishing around 1978. He kept steady and just look where he is now. It’s important to remember that being an author isn’t just about writing books; it’s also about self-promotion and advertising. Fill the trunk of your car with your books and pass those babies out every opportunity you get. No matter who your publisher is, hold your head up high, be proud of your accomplishments, ignore your detractors and don’t let anyone get between you and the vision you have. Hey, I have a song I want you to listen to: “When You Walk through a Storm.” I think after you listen to the words a couple of times, your spirits will pick up. In a week or two let me know how you’re doing. I’ll bet you have some great advice to share with other readers of WNW.

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Dear Lee,

The moment I decided to become a writer, I froze and couldn’t write a word. What’s that all about?

-Ice Man Cometh
Dear Ice Man,

It could be one of two things: Fear of Failure or Fear of Success. Then again, it could simply be a case of wanting to be a writer as opposed to being one. Here’s an offer: Contact Lisa at editor@writersnewsweekly.com and offer to do a column or series of short stories. She’ll put you on a deadline, and then we’ll see if you have the stuff real writers are made of.

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Dear Lee,

I’m totaling pissed about the column that appeared in WritersNewsWeekly titles “Male Fantasy: Why Do Fictional Woman Always Have Big Boobs?” As a male writer, I’m begging you to please spread the word that “WE WILL NOT GIVE UP OUR FANTASIES.” We men have drawn the line: We are keeping our large-breasted, long-legged, over-sexed female characters.

-Anonymous (Have to be or my wife will kill me)
Dear Anonymous,

As long as you are keeping it between, excuse me, the pages, I don’t see any harm.


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Dear Lee,

I was publishing by a POD publisher. This publisher is getting slammed on popular Internet and blog site for writers. I noticed that the same people who are dissing my publisher are being sued for libel. I just want to say that I made an informed decision to go with this publisher. I’m a new writer and by being a new writer there are not many doors that are open to me. At least this publisher gave me a chance to see my book in print. I literally have sold my book door-to-door and store-to-store. I am paying my dues. I’m working hard to make a name for myself. In doing so, I have run across bookstore owners and writers groups who will not allow me to participate because of my publisher. I’ve gotten excellent reviews, great endorsements and my book is selling. I’ve even made money. When I asked why they have such a poor opinion of my publisher they referred me to those above sources. Don’t those people understand that they are not helping writers and in fact that they are hurting them? I noticed that when an author tries to defend their publisher or attempt to correct misinformation that has spread, these people who operate the sites get really hostile. They went as far as to post personal information about an author that, I am sure, was quite embarrassing to him. I felt so bad for him I bought several copies of his book and recommend his work every chance I get. In closing, I hope they are found guilty of libel and all the other charges. Maybe that will allow us new authors to get on with our careers without their Internet inference.

-Leave My Publisher Alone
Dear Leave,

First, you’re assuming that they really do what to “help” new writers. Maybe their true agenda is to “hurt” new writers. Don’t let these people derail your efforts. Treat them the way they desire to be treated: Don’t visit their sites. Don’t take their advice. Ignore them. Right now, there are not many laws in place that protect us from Internet inference, but, to quote Bob Dylan:
“Come writers and critics
Who prophesize with your pen
And keep your eyes wide
The chance won’t come again
And don’t speak too soon
For the wheels still in spin
And there’s no tellin who
That it’s namin.
For the loser now
Will be later to win
For the times they are a-changin.”

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Submit Your Questions to: dearlee@writersnewsweekly.com.