A Walk Down the Hall of Fame - An AW Chain Post
Well, it's once again my turn in the AbsoluteWrite Chain Post (this is their 6th Chain and the second one I participate in). Before me, Gillian was giving us her thoughts on how she regards fame and how much a part of it would she like.
Many people who look at the writing world from the outside believe that a writer is directly linked to the concepts of fame and fortune. They are used to watching these characters in movies, with their tweed jackets signing copies and drinking wine with hot editors. Most of us within the business have a more realistic view of things. Yes, writers also struggle to make ends meet, sometimes more dramatically than others. Let's face it, the world can only have so many Stephen Kings, J.K. Rowlins or Dan Browns. Of course I believe all aspiring writers (like me) want to get up there with them, but on our way we still need to worry about the bills and that horrible day job.
But the question is... do we really want to be up there with those names? Ok, sure we want, but... are we ready for it?
As I'm sure is the case with many of the peeps at AW, I love to get that comment, that email, that post saying "wow, I loved your story, you are really good". And when it comes from someone within the business, like an editor or another writer, it's a joyful moment. I want more, and more. But just how more can I handle? Am I ready to be recognized in the street by a housewife who will run up to me and ask me to sign her copy of my latest novel? Well, I'm sure the first few times I wouldn't mind at all. But what about when the number of housewives (or any other demographic, just using an example) increases? What happens the day I don't want to be recognized when I take a stroll down the street or run some errands at the grocer?
Someone once said "you are not truly famous until you have a stalker". A man once broke into Stephen King's house raving something about one of his titles. When he didn't find King, he terrorized his wife. Fortunately no one was hurt.
Do I want to be at this point of fame? Tough one. I sure want to be recognized, but I think what I want more is the credit, the pat on the back, more than the "groupies". I don't know about the rest of you but me, I'm afraid to say I'm not the most sociable person in the world, I'm actually very stuck to myself and to my few good friends (they know who they are =:) ). I'm also not good in crowds so I avoid them as much as I can. So, up to a certain point, I enjoy my peace and quiet. Jeopardizing it is not something I'm really ready for.
Does this mean I let that affect my dream of becoming a great horror writer? Not really. I do want the fame and fortune, it's the consequences I'm wary of. But then, another saying goes "never look at horse in the mouth". Whatever the future brings I hope I can embrace it, and above all, I hope I can enjoy it.
What about you? Are you ready for the consequences?
Maybe Cath at Curioser and Curioser will want to answer to this question. In any case, I know you won't want to miss what she has to say.
If you'd like to read the other posts in this 6th chain, here are the links:
TaliaMana
Peregrinas
IndianRaj
Just a Small Town Girl
A View From the Waterfront
Southern Expressions
Mad Scientist Matt
Organized Chaos
At Home, Writing
Writing From Within
Pass the Torch
BCOM
Fireflies in the Cloud
Sounds of Serenity
Kappa no He
Infinite Vanity
Gillian Polack
Of Chapters and Reels
Curiouser and curiouser
The Road Less Traveled
Livien
Enjoy!
awchain
posted by cesarcarlos @ 7:47 PM
11 comments
11 Comments:
Excellent, thought-provoking post. I am not sure I want that "level" of adulation either. Honest, heartfelt encouragement and applause; now that's something I always treasure and look forward to.
I would like to 'Keep the family fed', but dont' think I want to move to Beverly Hills...
Once when the local paper had an article about me, I got recognized by a complete stranger at a Chinese restaurant. It really freaked me out. I don't think I would do well famous.
Like I told Gillian, lots of readers and lots of money would be nice. The Fame? I'd take it or leave it.
No no no! Great post. :)
You have the core of it. We can dream about fame or wish for less-than-fame, but when we put our work out for others to see we can't control what comes back. If there are conseqeunces we have to deal with them. Still, dreaming about being known but not famous is cool - it limits the fear of sending work out into the hard world. (sorry, feeling contemplative tonight - New Year and all that)
Thank you all for your comments :) Looks like we are all on the same boat. I do hope all of us reach that point where our talents are singled out in the industry. I also hope that this doesn't affect our personal lives, at least not so dramatcally. All the best to all of you :)
Don't you wish you could pick and choose...me? 1. genuine respect from fellow writers and fans
2. enough money to live very comfortably in both countries
3. and to become chummy with all those 'famous' types I like so well
I'm ready. I'll hide out in the bush if it gets too rough :)
Someone once said "you are not truly famous until you have a stalker".I've had three. The first at 16, and had nothing to do with my writing or occupation or, well, anything other than they were insane.
So what does that say about me?
I'm ready. I'll hide out in the bush if it gets too roughI'm in Sri Lanka. Figure that's good enough? :D
Stalking... yikes that's creepy. But a good point - that sort of fame we can do without!!!
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