What it takes to be successful in this business
Last week one of my favorite writers, Sara Zarr, wrote a wonderful blog post about success as a writer--essentially that this business isn't a sprint, it's a marathon.
Do yourself a favor and go read it if you're thinking about a career in this business.
I've often thought that "success" is a relative thing--a moving target. And it's that way for everyone, I believe.
When most writers are first starting out all they want is to finish a book. Then all they want is to get an agent. Then a publishing deal. Then another. Then a bestseller. Then a movie deal...
Etc. Etc. Etc.
There will always be a new goal on the horizon.
And that's okay.
-Ally
Do yourself a favor and go read it if you're thinking about a career in this business.
I've often thought that "success" is a relative thing--a moving target. And it's that way for everyone, I believe.
When most writers are first starting out all they want is to finish a book. Then all they want is to get an agent. Then a publishing deal. Then another. Then a bestseller. Then a movie deal...
Etc. Etc. Etc.
There will always be a new goal on the horizon.
And that's okay.
-Ally
posted by Ally Carter at Thursday, October 30, 2008
10 Comments:
Hi Alley!! I'm a big fan, your book changed my life, literally. One of my best friends passed away, and I was really sad for a long time. After I read your book, I realized, just because life doesn't go as planned, it's ok. I can't wait 'till your next book, and I'm soo excited about the movie. I can't wait!!
With Love,
Dana Smieja
Hey Allie,
Congrats on all the accomplishments! You're the grestest!
Hm, let's see... I've finished a book and I would like an agent, but right now I'm trying to focus on editing my book. I'm a perfectionist, so there's no chance that I'm going to try to get an agent or a publishing deal until I get to a point where I don't hate all 84,666 words of my book.
im so confused about this whole movie thing..is it going to be a movie, an option to be a movie, or what? i went to Walden Media's site but it wasnt listed under coming soon, in production, or in development. it wasnt even listed as an option for a project! Im so confused, can someone help me out? thanks!
Writing a book really isn't just about making it into a movie or it becoming a bestseller. If you're in the business for that I don't think you should be in it at all.
-Devin
im still in stage one, aka finish book. of course, if i just compiled all my essays that i have to write for school I could have a novel about the size of war and peace, but i don't think anyone would buy into that (unfortunately. some of us could make a ton of money if they did)...
*J*
thats cool ally!!! so how are you doing with those kids?? :D
Very true, ally! There is always 1 more thing to do. I, personally, am still on finishing a book.
--Nadia A
Thanks Ally! I love how you link to other author's posts. It makes it so much easier to learn about writing and all that there is to it. Thanks again!
*Marina*
I agree with Devin. Writing for others is impossible. One person might say how much they love your books while others say it's the worst thing that they have ever read. You need to write for yourself, not anyone else. (Although being on New York's List wouldn't be so bad) Also i had a question. About how many words are your books? Please answer.
P.S. Don't forget about knitting!
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