My kids are off school this week which means my schedule is out the window. And to throw a further wrench into things, we took off for a bit of a holiday. For Easter and the first half of the week we escaped to the mountains, and then we skipped over two provinces for a brief stint in the prairies.
What does this mean to my writing? Well, like I said, the schedule is out the window. But I’m still managing to sneak some words in where I can.
But more than that, there’s another situation that’s come up on my travels this week as I’ve encountered a variety of friends and family members I haven’t seen in awhile. 
Inevitably the question comes up, “Are you still writing?”
To which I answer, “Yup.”
“Have you been published yet?”
“Well, yes, a few things.”
“What about your book?”
“Well, um…no, not yet.”
I hate this conversation. A lot. And it’s not because they don’t care. It’s because they do. That, and they don’t realize how hard it actually is to get published.
There seems to be such a misconception that if you simply write a book (cause that’s simple, right?) then it should be available in the bookstores a few weeks later. It can be incredibly hard (impossible) to explain the ins and outs of the industry. So often (okay, most of the time) I don’t bother, I simply respond with, “Not yet. But I’m working on it. I’ll let you know when you can buy it.”
I realize it’s a cop out.
But what about you? Do you get this question? How do you handle it?
Leanne Shirtliffe (Ironic Mom)
Elena Aitken
Trish Loye Elliott
Great post!
And oh yes. I’ve had an other variation as well. “You have written several stories? Can’t you make a living from that, then? You ought to!”
Depend on the person, I like to explain that lots of people write with different goals, that I don’t write just to get published (not that it wouldn’t be great, but it’s not the sole purpose), that it’s a long process, and that I’m still revising my novels, so right now I focus on short fiction for publication while I work on my longer stories. I find that it’s easier when you start getting something published, but it may “backfire” and cause some to ask that if something got published, then why isn’t the rest.
Haha, um, yeah, I get this question often. It’s nice to know that people seem interested, and I tend to find my answer changes based on mood. Sometimes I give them a little glimpse into what the process is like and they seem fascinated, while other times I just don’t feel all that energetic about not being as far along as I would like (such a perfectionist!) and so I give a short, courteous response that moves us to another topic quickly.
I know there’s this big emphasis on crafting and practicing your “elevator speech,” but I am probably more emotionally invested in answering these “book status” inquiries well. How do you talk about your writing life in a way that is honest, understandable, and enjoyable to hear at the same time?
Thanks for the comment.
It’s so true. My response varies depending on my mood. Lately I just don’t seem to have the energy. It think it’s a great idea to hone the ‘book status’ inquiry answer as well. If anyone has any suggestions on this, I’m all ears!
Yes, I figure this may be a no win situation. I’ve had a handful of stories and essays published which is great but everyone still wants to know when they can “buy the book”.
One day…
Great post! I finished my first mss one February and my sister asked if it would be out in time for summer. Then my mom asked when she could buy copies to get a jump on Xmas shopping. #oy
I get this ALL the time! We live in an order-online, drive-thru, Tweet-across-the-world society. No one seems to understand that some things still take a lot of TIME to go from idea to product. Ah, the book industry. How to explain that one?
I usually just inform the person that it can take years to go from first draft to published novel on a bookstore shelf. Then I get, “Really?” Some people ask more questions, most don’t. I also tend to agree with their request that they be the “first one” to get a copy when my book does come out — although I’m starting to wonder how I can honor all of those requests!
Hi Julie,
thanks for the comment.
I like that simple approach. Just telling them it could take years. They don’t need to know about the agent hunt, etc. etc.
And yes…everyone should get the first copy. ha ha
My wife is the only one I know personally that understands how difficult the writing process is much less getting published.
I had an acquaintance, I reserve the word friend because he wasn’t such, that was stupified at my not being published at that time. “We’re number three in publishing houses in the country,” he told me. I tried explaining how much work goes into it all bwhile he stared at me like I’d grown an armpit on my forehead. He didn’t get it because he believes that life should like a microwave; ready with what you want in two minutes or less.
I love it…armpit on your forehead. That’s exactly how people look at you.
The question I get is even more embarrasing: “Have you written your book yet dear?” My answer is always the same. As a college student my time for such endeavors is small. I think as long as one keeps active in their craft success will follow…regardless of the scale of it. Some of the poetry I have written in writing workshops is due to publish in May. I can’t tell you how gratified I am by that
. So you keep plugging along, the timing of when your work gets recognized or is miniscule compared to the quality of your effort as a whole!
It’s true. People don’t get it.
For me, because I’ve written a few (un-published) they just assume that something’s wrong with me because I don’t have them published. But no…just getting better each time.
Congrats on your poems!!
and yes…I agree…as long as you stay active and keep learning (see above) success WILL follow.
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Oh, yes, I get that all the time–probably because I’ve been promising to write novels since I was a teen, and I’m now a, gulp, grandmother. Short stories and such don’t seem to count–has to be a novel, and I’ve had a bit of trouble selling one of those.
I know that once I DO sell a novel, half my family will say, “It’s about damn time!”
I hate when people ask me if my book is published yet. Argh! I mean, I appreciate that they’re taking an interest, and I understand they’re totally clueless about the publishing world, but still. Kinda makes my self-esteem take a dive, even when I know it shouldn’t — like I have to justify not being pubbed yet or something. Almost makes me wish i stayed in the closet, ya know? But thank goodness for writer friends who DO get it! Where would I be without them? Well, probs in a closet, weeping & rocking.