Want to be an overnight success as a writer? Pay your dues.
The Music Business blog has an excellent item that applies to ALL artists, including writers: "Overnight = 7-10 Years."
What a kick in the head. Seven YEARS?
The item notes:
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We, the music industry, make things look really easy. That's our job. We want the public to think that somebody was just plucked out of their job at the local fried chicken place when a record executive heard her singing and two weeks later, she's on MTV, getting ready to headline an arena tour, and making millions of dollars with record sales and endorsements.
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I'm convinced that the same time frame works for a writing career. You've got to put in the time. You've got to write and sell and promote a lot, so that people start to recognise your name.
Yep, seven years and over sounds about right to me.
This is a good thing. If you're whimpering because you've been writing for six weeks and sent out two short stories and a poem which have had zero effect on the literary world, keep writing and sending.
Are you willing to pay your dues?
