Welcome to the ninth installment of “Becoming a Better Writer” An investigation in to the art of creativity – in ten easy lessons! I hope you’ve enjoyed these lessons as much as I’ve enjoyed writing them for you! As always, you can contact me for advice or my opinion anytime at: Rob@easywaytowrite.com A quick thanks for all those wonderful people out there who expressed sympathy over my getting mugged. Looking back, it wasn’t as bad as it could have been and I’m fine now. Thanks again. You made my day! Lesson Nine The Pursuit of Fame Nowadays it’s regarded as a little strange or perhaps unseemly to admit you are driven by fame – and fame alone – to achieve success. You may have problems with the idea of it too. Writers are a shy and sensitive lot, after all…aren’t they? Whatever, I’ve known at least half a dozen very successful writers (and many former students) who have used the idea of achieving fame as their sole motivator. What’s really strange is that they would probably all deny it now! Famous people tell us fame is not so hot. You get mobbed, hassled, your privacy is shot, you’re always having to look your best and perform. Okay, but it’s not quite so bad for a writer. You can hide to a certain extent. You don’t have to put your picture on the jacket. You don’t have to go on Oprah. But… Increasingly, in our modern age, it’s difficult to become successful if you don’t actively promote yourself, whether by signing books at the mall or doing local radio spots. Everybody accepts that fame – though not great in itself – is supremely useful as a tool for creating success. It’s getting so that you can’t really compete unless you’re willing to promote yourself along with your writing. This is not such a bad thing. It’s obviously hard to make a shift from solitary wordsmith to debonair chat show guest. But you’ve probably noticed that the writers who do force themselves in front of the limelight do sell a whole load more books! But how is this information useful to you as a writer right now? One particular writer I know (who’s still not 30!) always wanted to write for Hollywood. He spent a whole year (in between short stories) firing pitches over there. Now, not one of them was accepted. But – the big but – through his actions he met a guy who introduced him to another guy… and to cut a long story short, he’s now writing for one of the biggest Hollywood producers of our time! It’s not the pursuit of fame that really matters. As I’ve mentioned many times before, it’s goal setting that is the key. The next time you sit down to write a book and short story, go the extra nine yards. Write down your goals for the work. Do you want it published in the local rag? If you do, and you study what that market requires, chances are you’ll get there. By why stop there? Why not imagine your story or book on TV or as a movie? Or maybe as a franchise, a series, or even a set of kid’s toys. Look at your work from this perspective and sometimes you can see EXACTLY what’s wrong with it. After all, if you can make your story work in a big way, it will probably make far more of an impression on agents and publishers in the short term, let alone a couple of years down the track. Don’t be afraid to think big. Let your imagination soar in your writing, yes. But also try seeing yourself as one of those famous writers you see on TV. Why not? They’re not so different from you. It’s a myth that famous writers are cleverer, wittier and possess some secret you do not. Have the courage to be the best you can be. Not just as a writer but as a person, and perhaps a personality too! ©robparnell 2004 This is the ninth of ten short lessons on “Becoming a Better Writer.” They arrive weekly. You may unsubscribe at any time – but of course, I’d much prefer if you didn’t! After a short gap, I’ll be producing another writing course on “Inspiration – the gift of the Gods – and where to find it.” You may like to forward this email to writers and colleagues who might find it interesting, fun and educational. No problem but - no editing please! Best regards and keep writing. Don’t forget, you can contact me for any reason at rob@easywaytowrite.com ============================================= Make Yourself Rich and Famous - The Easy Way! http://www.easywaytowrite.com/Spin.html ============================================= PS: Next time, the last lesson. The Surprise Ending! Till then, keep well and happy. Ciao One-Click Safe Un-Subscribe http://secure.MakeBuyingEasy.com/r.cgi?ID=55590 Powered by MakeBuyingEasy.com http://MakeBuyingEasy.com/x.cgi?id=730