*Silence Reigns*

*”I’m An Animal” by Neko Case plays*

*And the Silence Is Broken*

Hello Everyone!

Let me begin today’s posting with a disclaimer:  I am not an expert in anything.  (That’s not to say that I don’t have valuable expertise and experience to offer others.)  I am merely making some observations as I see them at a specific point in my development as an author, but more importantly, as a person.

My blog title is fully intended to be tongue-in-cheek.  (Sorry, erotic romance fans, it’s just my own tongue in my own cheek today.  *wink*)  Today’s title is an attempt to catch those who may have been keeping up with the litany of blog and news articles reflecting upon the changing state of the publishing industry.  Some speak of its demise, while others allude to the shift in publishing paradigm being one of natural transition in keeping with developments in technology and society.  Some blog articles have been indignant, claiming that today’s indie and self-publishing surge is a revolution against the traditional publishers who loath everyone’s work and happily live to send rejection messages to as many authors as possible.  (Yeah, I hate rejection letters, too, folks.)  In the end, right or wrong, mean or forgiving, everyone has a right to their opinion, as well as to issue it across the Internet via their blogs.  (Hence, here I am today, for example.)  Others argue that, given today’s publishing industry shift, authors can no longer make a decent living at writing.

I think that many of these articles, particularly those relating to the fiction writing industry, are missing the point, really.  In my opinion, here’s a plain truth that I believe everyone needs to accept:  Fiction writing is entertainment.

Oh, certainly, there are those elitists who will argue that modern literary fiction authors such as Jonathan Franzen and Jhumpa Lahiri are credibly altering the modern zeitgeist in some beneficent manner, elevating our thought understanding of the world around us and who we are.  Still others will argue that classic literary fiction from F. Scott Fitzgerald, J.D. Salinger, and Jane Austen must be retained above the fray on their unassailable pedestals; never to be compared to the likes of today’s fame-chasing harlots at the literary gates.

Listen, folks, I’m not here to take digs at anyone, Franzen or Fitzgerald.  Face it, each one of those authors (and so many others unmentioned) has earned their place in on readers’ to-be-read lists.  I’m attempting to convey that fiction is entertainment. That’s not to say that fiction can’t be inspirational, or in some manner, insightful into a better understanding of the human condition.  Merely, we read to be entertained.  I have experienced as many insights into the human condition from both “popular fiction paperbacks” and “the classics.”

There.  With that established, let’s advance “my little editorial piece” further.

To understand the publishing industry, one has to understand the entertainment industry.

That’s right . . . it’s all about entertainment, folks!  The publishing industry is not so far removed and different from the Hollywood machine.  Oh, certainly, business is conducted somewhat differently, but the end product is still intended to “entertain the masses in as financially beneficial a manner as possible, ensuring maximum return on an investment.”  That’s the publishing industry in a nutshell, whether fiction or not.  However, I’d like to keep my topic related to fiction, if only because I’m a fiction writer myself.  Fiction writing, like TV shows and films, is designed to be entertaining and make as much money as possible while doing it.

So, at the risk of bloviating, let’s wrap today’s article up so that you can return to some other entertainment, shall we?  *grin*

I don’t know where the publishing industry is headed, folks.  I don’t have a crystal ball.  However, as an indie author, I do have a belief that in order to entertain people, and make money, and sell books, one has to write stories that people want to read!

Great, so now you want to know:  what should I be writing?

Ah-ha, there’s the rub, people.  If I could answer that question, I’d be a millionaire, and so would all of the “traditional and respectable publishing companies” out there.  The truth is, they don’t know, I don’t know, and nobody really knows.  So, in the end, write what’s in your heart and in your head, and make a go at it, just like everyone else has for decades . . . in the entertainment industry.

Last question:  How can authors make a living today being an author?

Answer:  Just as with the entertainment industry, keep working.  If you’re writing, there’s a chance that you can make some money.  It’s not a Ponzi scheme, folks.  It’s a process.

Betty White, the cherished Hollywood actress who has defied the odds of so many others before her, has essentially stated about her career success:  If you’re working, you’re keeping your face and name out there, so there’s always another big break potentially around the corner. (paraphrased)

Authors, traditional or indie, there is your answer.

Keep writing, and there’s always a chance that you’ll be the next POPULAR flavor of the moment, raking in both readers’ accolades and a little cash to pay the rent.  I’ll be right there with you, in fact.  *wink*

Good luck to us all!  Now, I’m headed back to my keyboard and my latest YA paranormal romance project.

(Be sure to sign up for my newsletter at the right of this screen, and I’ll keep you posted on its progress!  *grin*)

Until next time, let’s all try to take care of one another out there.

Peace.

——————

Insider P.S. to a Dear Friend:  Okay, Mike…I’m ready for your critique.  (Jaz is about to get schooled, I suspect.  *wink*)

*Silence Reigns Again*