Murky Clarity

My First Story in Print

I think I mentioned somewhere that I sold one of my stories to a vampire anthology. Well, the book/magazine is out, with over 145 pages. Well, here it is:

The image is linked to Lulu.com, where the book is sold. Super excited!

Mood: accomplished

Publishing your work

I wrote this as post responses at Sharon Bakar's blog:

 

Writing and publishing are two separate entities, and never let the thought of publishing tarnish your writing. If the reason you write fiction is for publication (works for hire are a different story, hear?), you’re likely to get disappointed. Publishing a story/novel is hard! But if you write for the love of it, because you have the urge to write, because you want to share your thoughts, your passion, you feel this undeniable elation every time you finish writing a story, especially if you think it’s good.

 

But it doesn’t mean it’s any good. I know writers are artists, and most artists are fragile creatures. But toughen up. Grow a thick skin. Do not expect only praises; be prepared to be criticized. If you cannot accept criticism, you’ll never grow as a writer and as a person. Don’t let your mother criticize your work; she’s bound to say she loves it, just as she loves you no matter how screwed up you are. If you can get a Trusted Reader, you’re lucky. If not, join a group. With the advent of the internet, this cannot be any easier. Websites like Writing.com are littered with writers and enthusiasts, but bear in mind that there as many good ones as there are bad ones. Join groups that will help you, but be prepared to give as much as you receive. Don’t be so kiasu. Polish your work. Write more. Edit other people’s work, and you’ll learn to edit yours.

 

Why Nicholas Sparks is my hero

A significant number of literary aficionados out there associate Nicholas Sparks with other writers like Stephen King, Dan Brown, Sidney Sheldon, and Danielle Steel (among others): writers whose works aren't even that great, and have recurring themes in their stories, but made bank, and end up in the bestsellers' list with every new novel. I like reading novels from all the writers above. People call their works 'popular/commercial fiction'; they are as good and delicious as fast food, but not exactly wholesome and nourishing. Personally, I think people are just jealous they're not as successful as these commercial fiction writers.

 

I do admit, each of the superstars I mentioned above have recurring themes: Stephen King writes speculative fiction with a strong horror element; Dan Brown writes conspiracy theories revolving around secret cults; Sidney Sheldon is always about fast-paced thrillers, while Danielle Steel will almost always write about upper class women and their upper class issues. Nicholas Sparks writes love stories. He gets irked whenever people call his works 'Romance'. In life, love and romance usually come hand-in-hand, if not always.

There isn't an easy way about it

Well, not normally, at any rate. Another of my stories has just been accepted a few days ago, a vampire short story that's not really about a vampire, but about an old woman reminiscing on her past, her youth. I wrote it for a fountain-of-youth-themed competition at writing.com (WDC) late last year, but it didn't place. Cleaned it up a bit, submitted the story elsewhere. Trust me, selling a vampire story is not easy, what with the multitude of stories written, and writers hoping to profit from the Twilight craze. Yes, I am aware that the 'saga' violates almost all aspects of accepted vampire lore, but the world in general is crazy about it -- well, crazy about Kristen Steward (Bella), Rob Pattinson (Edward), and Taylor Lautner (Jacob), but let's not get into technicalities.

 

Anyway, Skive has accepted my vampire story, after 4 or 5 rejections, I think. One of my WDC group members, Ben, even suggested for me to use a water spirit instead of a vampire. Since I love the story, and I love vampire lore, I decided against it and remained adamant about placing/selling the story as it is. And persistence paid off. I can't exactly remember how much I'm getting paid, but it's not much. What's important is that it's a print-publication, so I'll be able to hold it in my hands and show people my name as one of the contributing authors.