The Mirage of the Publishing Journey

When I was five years old, we took a trip from Seattle to Southeastern Washington. Not accustomed to long stretches of hot roads, I spied what looked like a puddle on the horizon, crossing the road. While "Dead Skunk in the Middle of the Road" played on the radio, I marveled that no matter how fast my stepfather drove, we'd never reach that huge puddle.

I know now that the elusive, moving puddle was a mirage, a trick of the eye. And still, we plodded forward, never reaching water.

It's a lot like the publishing journey, isn't it? We drive our literary vans toward publishing nirvana, only to arrive and find there's yet another nirvana waiting ten miles down the road.

I feel that way today. Do you? I am driving hard, seeing a goal nearly accomplished, only to find another one looming. Nothing ever seems to be accomplished fully. I seldom rest to acknowledge a milestone. Always driving driving driving to the next thing without thought to what's been done already.

She sat across from me, patiently listening to my woe of late in the publishing industry. She's not a part of this publishing behemoth, so she's a nice sounding board for me.

"Mary," she said. "Stop and think for a moment. When I met you in 2001, you were trying to become a columnist for our local paper, right?"

"Yes."

"Did you have any idea you'd be where you are today? Seven years later, you have how many books published?"

"Five."

"That's amazing. Would you have believed me if I told you you'd have five books published by 2008?"

I shook my head. She was right. I'd been so busy driving that I'd driven over five mirages without acknowledgment. Without stopping. Without celebrating.

It's a terrific reminder to me today. The more I'm published, the more exponential my work becomes. In my head are things like:

• Securing radio interviews (and writing thank you notes afterward)
• Writing freelance articles to keep the income steady
• Updating my website and blogs to keep my readership interested
• Giving away my time through The Writers View to mentor other writers
• Writing novels that stun, which takes everything out of me, and even then, I'm constantly battling a feeling of inferiority.
• Entering data
• Keeping on top of the business aspect of writing. The more I write, the more of a hairdo this becomes.
• Critiquing others.
• Thinking about how many bookstores I haven't frequented, corresponded with, sent cards to. (Karen Kingsbury used to give away pens to bookstore owners.)
• Marketing and publicity
• Courting speaking opportunities
• Procuring endorsements

The mirages are more frequent, but even so, I never seem to reach one. Maybe it's time to let out a breath, slow down, and think this thing through. Maybe it's time to search for genuine oasis instead of chasing after mirages. All I know is that there are times when I'm utterly tired, devoid of passion, needing to stop driving my Fred Flinstone, self-powered car and stop for a moment. Gandhi said, "There is more to life than increasing its speed." True, true, true. But it's sure hard for me to slow down long enough to rejuvenate in the oasis.

But I need to. Oh I need to.

Or I may just turn out smelling like that dead skunk in the middle of the road, stinking to high heaven.

www.marydemuth.com

www.wannabepublished.blogspot.com

www.relevantblog.blogspot.com

Comments

[Madison Richards]

Writers or not, I'm sure everyone can relate to your story. We all struggle to focus on "above the line" thinking - heavenly thinking, as opposed to earthly thinking. Taking things vertical melts the horizontal away, and yet:

"Did I turn the coffee pot off?"
"How am I going to pay these bills?"
"I can't stand that my husband and I are arguing again."
"The grass needs to be cut - everyone else's lawn looks so manicured next to mine."
"My boss is breathing down my next about this project."
"The kids need shoes - again!"

Particularly for writers (or others who are self-employed / work from home) this struggle becomes even more difficult to manage. Like motherhood, it isn't like you punch the clock at work and leave your office, turning off the lights until tomorrow. It's always with you and therefore harder to lay down. Now take a writer who's also a mother...you get the picture.

I struggle against these types of things constantly, always pushing back against the pressures of life to find that elusive place of contentment. Knowing what's right, admitting what you should be doing for all the world to hear, and actually doing it are three entirely different concepts.

For whatever it's worth, I give you permission to give yourself permission to relax and enjoy your life today!

Punch out. Go home. Put your feet up. And SMILE!

Madison xxoo

[Mary E. DeMuth]

thanks for the permish, Madison. I appreciate it. I just spent time in my yard, and a plot point jumped into my head. There's always that...

[Susan J. Reinhardt]

Hi Mary -

While I've had articles and devotionals published, the goal of publishing my novel is still in the distance. Thanks for the reminder to enjoy the journey.

Blessings,
Susan J. Reinhardt

[Jeanne Damoff]

Mary, I think you alluded to the source of a lot of pressure when you said you feel inferior. It's so hard not to compare ourselves to others--to assume that we should be doing and achieving the same things as So-and-so. It may sound simplistic, but I believe the key to the oasis is maintaining focus on the real prize. I'm not opposed to learning marketing techniques, creating an internet presence, or anything else on your list, but only so far as these activities further my progress in the one race that matters.

Sometimes God leads us to take what at first appear to be detours. Only when we trust Him over conventional wisdom do we find they are the direct route to abundant life and true success. You are neither superior nor inferior to anyone, not by nature of your accomplishments, but by birthright. You are free to be you. And I'm glad, because I like you. (I'm not overly fond of dead skunks.)

Love, J.

[Mary E. DeMuth]

I think you nailed it there, Jeanne. How much do I owe you for that psychotherapy brilliance? I have a few mirages I can offer...