Patience, Perseverance, Proofread, Proposals, Publish it yourself if you have to. Author and speaker Cary G Osborne, AKA Cary G Herwig spoke at the December 12th meeting and had some interesting perspectives on the current state of literature and publishing. Independent publishers rule for the amateur writer as oft times they are the only means of getting ones hard work published. If the public catches on and accepts then it may be off to the races or a bad review can be a train wreck in progress.
Osborne, who has a number of books in print and in digital format has been through the minefields of getting her works into the hands of readers. From horror short stories in anthologies to a series of Sci-Fi novels now on Amazon and a new detective series rooted in Oklahoma weather she is an eclectic writer. From her first book which took years to write, to a much more accelerated pace Cary says that the key is to just keep at it. Write some every day whether you feel like it or not. If you don't feel like writing on a story in progress at least write something, You never know what is going to develop. Stray thoughts, concepts, characters, scenes, all and any may or may not be used in a story or plot some where. Find your place to write that is right for you. Some like peace and quiet. She likes a busy, constantly changing, yet familiar environment like a coffee shop or sandwich place where she can observe and type without much interruption but not total isolation either.
Cary cited "Writing Fiction" by Barnaby Conrad as a great source of ideas for the beginning writer. She also recommended one read, always be reading all genre and writers for ideas. Don't read to plagiarize, but for methodology and inspiration of style and usage of terms and expression.
Broadway, nah! Nowadays it's "If you can make it on Amazon you can make it anywhere" in the publishing world,. A click and a promise of adventure or inspiration. A smooth slide of a tome or novel from a library shelf or bookstore rack, the flip of a few pages to see if a summary or scene or phrase catches the imagination and the reader is off to another world or into the mind of the hero or heroine or a small child as another's world unfolds. Such is the goal of every writer; to be the one who unlocks the imagination of another reader.
It was a great topic and great presentation Cary G Osborne. We'll welcome you back any time.
Above, speaker, Cary Osborne is pictured between Rotarian of the day Roland Herwig (left) and club president Koorosh Zahrai (r). Shown on the table are some anthologies where her works appear. Also shown are her latest novels, Oklahoma Wind and Black Ice, etc.