It's a question with deep implications. Burroughs said something like 90% of what he wrote he considered crap. You write for that 10% you get right, he said. (paraphrasing from memory.) In the last 4 years I've written four novels, all of which I consider to be quite good, but haven't been able to get interest from agents or publishers. Some praise, but no published book. I'd love to see one published, but fame and notoriety is all a wash, it disappears. Perennial books are as rare as unicorns. Nobody liked Moby Dick except Emerson and modernist writers in the 1920's, who rediscovered it. I've seen TV hosts quote something from a book, and the writer said, "I wrote that?"
The neverending edit.
My point isn't that someone might discover you when you die, my point is the opposite. Melville knew he wrote a great book. That's the point. When you feel that way, you've changed yourself, which is the point. And there's no boundary mark on that, that's always expandable. How much it's read doesn't change the work, and that's the mark to aim at, the work.
You're subscriber numbers and considerable views are surely something, they make they're way out there.
There's a criminally overlooked songwriter/musician, Rob Laufer, who has recorded songs that I believe belong with the best of them, but barely anyone knows his name. He poignantly wrote this, in his song Faith, from Excruciating Bliss. "You can pack your song in a case, and send it flying off into space, and trust that every word, will someday be heard, even if you're dead and gone, a universe in awe, the vacuum will applaud, and somewhere you'll be taking your bow..."
That's a very thoughtful, considerate reply, William. Thanks for reaching out. It's always good to strive to be better, whatever that ends up meaning, right? Again, thanks. Nogo
During the past few years it's been amazing what you've done,..... with the publishing of the books and this Substack that you are pouring out your thoughts and soul. Be Very Proud My Friend!!!
Thanks, pal. It's been fun and a lot of writing, more than I ever imagined I'd do. I appreciate your kind support and hope you didn't get yourself a sunburn down at Key Largo!
I admittedly haven't read your books, John, but it's evident that (a) you're doing something right, and (b) you do what many writers don't: start, progress, and finish. I.e., you honor your ideas by seeing them through to the end. That's no small feat. There's really no point in comparing yourself to others, I don't think. Every writer has their own voice and style, or at least should, and there are many ways to tell a good story. What I wouldn't do is judge your worth as a writer by the number of followers/subscribers, book sales, or similar external metrics. There are many great writers who dwell in obscurity, and many mediocre ones who are famous. Sure, keep striving to bet better, but mostly, just keep honoring your muse and doing what you're doing.
It's no easy feat getting several books traditionally published! As you know, it's when we settle for where we're at that we stagnate. You have a fan here!
It's a question with deep implications. Burroughs said something like 90% of what he wrote he considered crap. You write for that 10% you get right, he said. (paraphrasing from memory.) In the last 4 years I've written four novels, all of which I consider to be quite good, but haven't been able to get interest from agents or publishers. Some praise, but no published book. I'd love to see one published, but fame and notoriety is all a wash, it disappears. Perennial books are as rare as unicorns. Nobody liked Moby Dick except Emerson and modernist writers in the 1920's, who rediscovered it. I've seen TV hosts quote something from a book, and the writer said, "I wrote that?"
The neverending edit.
My point isn't that someone might discover you when you die, my point is the opposite. Melville knew he wrote a great book. That's the point. When you feel that way, you've changed yourself, which is the point. And there's no boundary mark on that, that's always expandable. How much it's read doesn't change the work, and that's the mark to aim at, the work.
You're subscriber numbers and considerable views are surely something, they make they're way out there.
There's a criminally overlooked songwriter/musician, Rob Laufer, who has recorded songs that I believe belong with the best of them, but barely anyone knows his name. He poignantly wrote this, in his song Faith, from Excruciating Bliss. "You can pack your song in a case, and send it flying off into space, and trust that every word, will someday be heard, even if you're dead and gone, a universe in awe, the vacuum will applaud, and somewhere you'll be taking your bow..."
That's a very thoughtful, considerate reply, William. Thanks for reaching out. It's always good to strive to be better, whatever that ends up meaning, right? Again, thanks. Nogo
During the past few years it's been amazing what you've done,..... with the publishing of the books and this Substack that you are pouring out your thoughts and soul. Be Very Proud My Friend!!!
Thanks, pal. It's been fun and a lot of writing, more than I ever imagined I'd do. I appreciate your kind support and hope you didn't get yourself a sunburn down at Key Largo!
Read through - am sitting, thinking - and will re-read again. Back in a little while…
I admittedly haven't read your books, John, but it's evident that (a) you're doing something right, and (b) you do what many writers don't: start, progress, and finish. I.e., you honor your ideas by seeing them through to the end. That's no small feat. There's really no point in comparing yourself to others, I don't think. Every writer has their own voice and style, or at least should, and there are many ways to tell a good story. What I wouldn't do is judge your worth as a writer by the number of followers/subscribers, book sales, or similar external metrics. There are many great writers who dwell in obscurity, and many mediocre ones who are famous. Sure, keep striving to bet better, but mostly, just keep honoring your muse and doing what you're doing.
Awfully kind of you to reach out Tim. Many thanks. 🙏
It's no easy feat getting several books traditionally published! As you know, it's when we settle for where we're at that we stagnate. You have a fan here!
Thanks!
Question: Based on your reflection, if you were to challenge yourself in some new way, what would it be? Just curious. :)
I’m really not sure. That’s a great question. Not certain how I would, if I should. Of course, the idea is to get better, whatever that means