[Jade]

Hi Gord! Do you remember when I said I'd beat you in your book writing? Like, the number of books you've written? Well, I'm starting. So what counts as a "book" to you? Would it count if I posted something on Wattpad? I'm not, but I want to know. When you think book, does indie/self-published count?

Be blessed,
Jade

Hi, Jade,

Sounds like you've got #1 finished!

To me, I'm an author because I've found several publishing companies who want to print what I write. In other words, if those publishers think it's a book, then it is. Having said that, self-publishing is something I never did, but it has become a quite legitimate way to publish. So when I think about self-publishing, it's something I won't do. But I would never stop anyone else from self-expressing in that manner. 

I just read that over, and it sounds snooty. Sorry. I just feel that going through a publisher, or going to a publisher through an agent, shows that the author has faith in his/her product. And self-publishing is a teeny bit cowardly.

And I'll bet that's exactly what you didn't want to hear. But you did ask. So forgive me for sounding preachy because I would never lie to you or soft-pedal anything.

And I wish you and your family a happy and blessed Easter.                                                                                      --G--

[Jade]

It's not that I didn't want to hear that, but goodness gracious, that made me laugh! No, I don't plan on self-publishing, at least not in the traditional way; my dream is to become a traditionally published NYT bestseller. Thank you for being real with me! I asked your opinion and you gave it--so many people will try and beat around the bush, and be like, oh, but blah blah blah and neh neh neh but in the end I'm just grateful you didn't waste my time with fluff! Thank you!

So really, I don't think posting something on Wattpad counts as a book, so I won't count any of those in the challenge. 

Thank you for your in-depth answer! Yes, what you said does sound kind of snooty, but what is there to do about that? Sometimes you can't make the truth sound happy and nice and pleasing-to-everybody. Honesty often isn't like that.

But, cool! Also, thank you for happy Easter wishes. Passover isn't for a really long time so I won't wish it to you just yet! 

TLDR; Lol! Your reply made me laugh. I'm not offended. Thanks for being blunt; I REALLY appreciate it. Thanks for Happy Easter! No happy Passover yet because it's not for a long while.

Be blessed,

Jade

And thank you, Jade, for being so kind and understanding. You and I have been friends for a relatively long time, and friends are honest with one another. As for Wattpad, this is the first time I've heard that name. I have no idea what it is. Sorry.  --G--

[Jade]

You are an awesome friend! Also, if you don't know what Wattpad is, I don't think you should try and learn. It has... a reputation.

 

 

[Rajeevemeks]

If the path to becoming a traditionally published NYT bestseller is littered with rejection and doubt, what unconventional strategies or mindsets do you think aspiring authors should adopt to not only survive but thrive in this challenging landscape? Would embracing failure as a necessary step in the journey alter the way we approach our writing careers?",
"refusal

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Raj,

For me the path wasn\'t littered with any rejection at all. My first effort saw print, and subsequent titles have made it as well. My list is up to 104, and 105 is due out in Jan.  So I guess I\'m not the one to ask about the gloomy side of writing. What you seem to be asking is what gimmick there might be to avoid the \"challenging landscape.\" I recommend that you write your stuff, period. If you don\'t make it by being yourself, so be it. But there are always new ways, new thoughts, different viewpoints, and no one can tell what will catch on and what won\'t.

I realize all this isn\'t very encouraging, and I\'m sorry about that. I wish you well. I wish everyone well. I know what it feels like to have something to say and to wish passionately to have an audience for it.

Good luck.                                                                                                      -----Gordon Korman-----

[Rajeevemeks]

Is the pursuit of becoming a traditionally published NYT bestseller an unrealistic dream for aspiring writers in today's digital age? Considering the rise of self-publishing and the changing landscape of reader engagement, do you think that aiming for traditional publishing might be limiting one's creative potential? What are the potential pitfalls of adhering too closely to mainstream success metrics?",
"refusal

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Adhering to tradition ensures that someone will very likely read your stuff, which is the purpose of writing, after all. The pitfalls exist not in ahering to tradition, but in sttraying so far that one is not relevant in the industry.

And that, you'll be pleased to know, is the sum total of what I intend to opine on the subject.                                --GK--