I’m fairly new to the blogging world–I heard about it for a year or so before I checked it out–so forgive me if this is an unnecessary reminder of conduct. I’ve been astounded at the resources available to a writer on the Internet. Click on Forensics and Faith and you go right into Brandilyn Collin’s brain. Seriously! Or stop by Novel Journey and glimpse the lives of many, many published authors. One of the most helpful websites, which I visit everyday even though they don’t post on weekends, is Charis Connection. I’m amazed by how open the authors who contribute to the blog are about their careers, hopes for Christian fiction, and the nitty-gritty aspects of writing.
I’ve also been amazed at how cavalierly some bloggers treat the authors’ sacrifice of time. As an unpublished author, I find that blogs, both the reading of and writing of, serve as instant networking in a profession that is notoriously isolating. We can contact our favorite author, read a sample book proposal, get a feel for an agent’s personality, and access writer’s guidelines within minutes.
A blessing that comes with much responsibility.
If we are serious about becoming published, we need always to conduct ourselves as professionals. I’m not saying you shouldn’t write an anonymous comment complaining about how hard it is to break into the industry, though I wouldn’t do it myself. I am saying that you should never, NEVER hit the post button on the comment. It doesn’t do anyone any favors, least of all yourself. If I were an editor reading such a comment, I would shrink back into my office chair and pray that the Lord would keep me far, far away from any contact with the anonymous author.
But should you post any comment if you’re willing to sign your name to it? Weigh it carefully. Again, the Internet has become the writer’s office. Be professional. You’re building your reputation.
Maybe the snarky comments are a twisted sort of compliment. Maybe some bloggers treat these authors with contemptuous familiarity in the same way we are meanest to our family members. I don’t really know.
But it embarrasses me.
So young and so wise . . . 🙂
Angie
Preach it, sister! (I mean, daughter!) As you and I have discussed many times (especially with each rejection letter) being published is all a matter of God’s will and timing, not ours.
It’s hard, so hard, isn’t it? When we want something soooo bad … want it want it want it … and we can’t have it. Not yet. We know that “yet” is there, hope is strong, but it’s not here right now when we want it most.
We have such a narrow view of Time sometimes. God sees the “Big Picture,” and knows exactly when “Our Time” is. How often does He smile and gently say to us, “Not yet. It’s coming. Wait.”
How we wait for it determines how special it will be when it finally arrives. How closely we remain HIS will determine how painful that wait will be.
Waxing eloquent this morning, ain’t I? I’d better quit while I’m sort of ahead. ; )
I agree wholeheartedly, Christina!
I am deeply embarrassed any time I see someone professing to be a Christian and then acting in a manner which is not only unprofessional, but unlike our Lord.
As a yet-to-be-published writer, I only want to conduct myself in the utmost professional manner anywhere I am, physically or on the Internet. After all, first impressions …
Thoughtful post. Thanks for the honesty. I suppose we all need to pray for discernment!