I like the list of stuff we’ve learned format everyone seems to be using, so I’m going to go with that. I think what I’d like to talk about are five changes to my life since publishing my book and five lessons I’ve learned along the way.
1. Writing time is different than real time.
In some ways—those not related to writing—this year has gone quickly. But man, I tell you, last December feels like three years ago. So much has happened to me on the writing front. The thing is—and if you were here for our early posts this year you’ll remember—you’ll find that it takes quite a while to break into publishing. Why? Because it takes a long time to learn the craft, it’s terribly competitive, and a host of other reasons. The point is that usually one struggles in relative obscurity for years. But when your first book comes out, you’re suddenly getting a lot of attention.
The amount of attention you get is relative, of course. Some will receive more than others, but few will say that they receive less attention when their book comes out than they did while struggling to write short stories and work their way up the chain (or whatever it is they did during their apprenticeship).
So for me, this was one of the biggest changes: the simple attention that comes with a published novel. I like to think I’m relatively humble. I don’t particularly like talking about myself—I find it hard to hawk my wares, as it were—and I become somewhat uncomfortable, especially in person, if someone talks about my work too much.
Mind you, this doesn’t mean I’m not gratified to hear positive reviews. I’m immensely gratified. But adjusting to the fact that people are reading your stuff and talking about it is … a challenge.
I know. Cry me a river.
2. The work of a published author never ends.
Some of the attention for the book came from the mere publication of it. It shows up in catalogs, on various “upcoming” lists, and so on. But I also worked hard to get the word out. In some ways it’s felt like the things I’ve done haven’t mattered. Like an interview or a guest post is up one day and gone the next. But these things have a building effect. In the words of my agent, the exposure is like the drops that slowly build the stalagmite. In other words: my brand awareness is building.
As a small aside, some writers cringe at the notion of a brand, but it’s impossible to escape. Slowly, over time, the readership will build a certain view of you based on your works and your online presence. You’d be wise to help them form the right one.
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