Do I need to lose my job and get a sex change?

Shadow_Ferret · Aug 19, 2007

Just saw a story on ABC News about one Stephanie Meyers, who was an out-of-work mother with no writing experience, and has now written several best-sellers.

Of course the inevitable comparisons to JK Rowling came up. I guess I don't understand the comparisons, I don't think these are YA stories, they seem like paranormal romances or at least vampire love stories. But I could be wrong, I haven't read them and hadn't heard of them until this very minute.

ETA:OK, I just read it's for teens, thus the comparisons.

I know I should be happy for these people, but I really have a hard time with instant success when there are so many of us who've been struggling for years and never gotten a nibble.

Shady Lane · Aug 19, 2007

Yes.

But not for writing. Just...because.

Shadow_Ferret · Aug 19, 2007

because... it would make me more sensitive to the human condition?

Esopha · Aug 19, 2007

I think you should get two sex changes.

Then you would be really sensitive.

Prozyan · Aug 19, 2007

I think you should do it, then write a book about the experience.

Shadow_Ferret · Aug 19, 2007

That would be non-fiction. Did I post this in the wrong forum?

Esopha · Aug 19, 2007

You could write a novel based on the experience.

Ravenlocks · Aug 19, 2007

Or you could write a book about the experience without having had the experience. That would be fiction.

ON TOPIC: I hear ya. Rowling isn't even all that original. Neither are vamps. But hell, if I could be one of them, I would be.

Shadow_Ferret · Aug 19, 2007

Why does one novel become a runaway best-seller and another of similar topic and probably equal or superior writing not?

Part of the mysteries of life.

scarletpeaches · Aug 19, 2007

Just lie and call it A Million Little Ferrets.

Shadow_Ferret · Aug 19, 2007

Hey. I think you're onto something.

JoNightshade · Aug 19, 2007

I wonder if part of it does have a lot to do with the author's story.

Let's say we have two authors of similar ability. One has your average, nice suburban life. The other has been through some major hardships and has some interesting personal stories to tell.

Both of them get published. Press releases go out, etc. The same number of people initially read both books. But then someone in the news picks up on this hard luck story. They need something to write about, so they ask for an interview with the hard-luck writer. Everyone loves a rags-to-riches story. The attention in mainstream media leads those who would not normally pick up the book to give it a try. It's like free advertising for the author. People who would not normally read the book like it, and they tell their friends this "hard luck story" and pass on the book. Word spreads.

Leaving regular run-of-the-mill author in the dust.

scarletpeaches · Aug 19, 2007

That's me sorted, then. A childhood of abuse and being related to a famous 60's musician should keep the media interested.

KTC · Aug 19, 2007

I am a famous dragqueen from the village. I have several best sellers. I wrote them in a laundrymat while waiting for my falsies to tumble dry.

Ravenlocks · Aug 19, 2007

I'm now dusting off every hardship in my past.

Rolling Thunder · Aug 19, 2007

Use a pen-name if you're a guy posing as a woman author.

A penis-name for the opposite. Problems solved.

KTC · Aug 19, 2007

My penis name is Stretch Armstrong.

Shadow_Ferret · Aug 19, 2007

I'm doomed then. I've led a rather uneventful life.

scarletpeaches · Aug 19, 2007

I wasn't kidding in my last post. That was the truth.

Think of how exciting my lies are gonna be!!!

Esopha · Aug 19, 2007

scarletpeaches said:
Just lie and call it A Million Little Ferrets.

I'd buy it.

Well, I have an extremely boring suburban life. I guess I should look into becoming a disgruntled youth, piercing every part of my body, and getting a tattoo.

Later, I can claim that 'writing saved me' and get pity points.

Shadow_Ferret · Aug 19, 2007

I believed you. I'm curious who the 60s musician is.

KTC · Aug 19, 2007

Shadow_Ferret said:
I believed you. I'm curious who the 60s musician is.

I was just asking myself that same question. Sadly, I did not know the answer?

Shadow_Ferret · Aug 19, 2007

It's a whole new dimension to SP of which we were unaware.

KTC · Aug 19, 2007

SP has way too many dimensions. It's scary, really.

Soccer Mom · Aug 19, 2007

Shadow_Ferret said:
Just saw a story on ABC News about one Stephanie Meyers, who was an out-of-work mother with no writing experience, and has now written several best-sellers.

Of course the inevitable comparisons to JK Rowling came up. I guess I don't understand the comparisons, I don't think these are YA stories, they seem like paranormal romances or at least vampire love stories. But I could be wrong, I haven't read them and hadn't heard of them until this very minute.

ETA:OK, I just read it's for teens, thus the comparisons.

I know I should be happy for these people, but I really have a hard time with instant success when there are so many of us who've been struggling for years and never gotten a nibble.

You could have a sex change. Or you could just write really great books that people want to read.

Actually, Stephenie Meyer has a degree in literature from Brigham Young and a long love affair with books. She wasn't really "unemployed", she was a Stay-At-Home Mom with three young kids. And her books are great. She has an incredible sense of atmosphere.

Do I need to lose my job and get a sex change?

Court Jester

my name is hannah

Court Jester

bam pow zap.

Are you one, Herbert?

Court Jester

bam pow zap.

How novel.

Court Jester

Court Jester

has finally arrived

Stand in the Place Where You Live

How novel.

Stand in the Place Where You Live

Court Jester

bam pow zap.

Court Jester

Stand in the Place Where You Live

Court Jester

Stand in the Place Where You Live

Crypto-fascist