Blogger: Mary Keeley
We talk often talk about the craft of writing and aspects of the writing life here on the Books & Such blog. Today, I want to view you as a writing entrepreneur and talk about what that means.
Dictionary.com defines an entrepreneur as “a person who organizes and manages any enterprise, especially a business, usually 
with considerable initiative and risk.” By that definition authors are in every sense entrepreneurs in today’s publishing world. Have you thought of yourself as an entrepreneur? When I hear that word, the first image that comes to mind is a businessperson who takes a risk to market something new in order to make a nice profit. It’s an exciting thought.
A smart businessperson first gets an education in his chosen field through a college degree and/or on-the-job training plus job experience to give himself the best chance of success in a future venture of his own. When he is confident he has the know-how and big-picture perspective he needs, he’s halfway to being prepared for starting his own business. This is true for authors as well.
There are no shortcuts to gaining necessary knowledge.
Writers committed to a career in publishing need to attend writers conferences to learn about the industry, attend teaching workshops, and invest in a professional critique of their manuscript to identify areas of craft they need to improve. You soak up every book on writing you can find and then practice those techniques draft after draft, manuscript after manuscript. You join a critique group in which authors, hopefully some more advanced than you are, challenge and support each other. Craft sharpening craft until your manuscript is irresistible. And you do it with passion because you can’t not write.
What do Amazon, Apple, Walt Disney, Google, Harley Davidson, Hewlett Packard, and Yankee Candle Company have in common? Each entrepreneur started his multibillion-dollar company in someone’s garage with nothing but knowledge and a willingness to work hard and persevere. But, you might be thinking, what was it about each of these companies that set them apart from the crowd? What vital ingredient caused their companies to succeed beyond anyone’s wildest dreams when others didn’t?
The quality of the product and the public’s need and desire for it.
This is the other half of the preparation. Apply it to writing. What are society’s needs today? The list is long, don’t you agree? Purposefully show a better way through your characters or topics. It doesn’t matter the genre, and it isn’t about crusading for a cause. It’s about demonstrating the truly redemptive way. Personally, I’m not interested in reading a novel that doesn’t have at least one stable character who exemplifies redemptive values. I want to read nonfiction books that inspire me to be better in some way. I don’t think I’m alone in this desire. Society craves it. Certainly not everyone recognizes their need until they stumble upon something they read that touches them deeply. Only the highest quality writing can accomplish that.
Today a lot more is expected of authors, and it can distract you from perfecting your product—your book. Platform building, marketing, promotion, in addition to the writing. All this without any guarantee of short- or long-term publishing and financial reward. But spending the extra time and effort to produce an irresistible book has other rewards. “You are what you eat” translates for the mind as well: “You are what your mind takes in.” Providing a buffet of healthy, God-honoring thought and examples to readers perhaps is the billion-dollar reward for a writing entrepreneur in the publishing world of the future. And by concentrating on ever increasing your knowledge of writing to produce your highest quality books that meet society’s needs, you may have the best chance of reaping financial reward as well.
Does this view of a writing entrepreneur inspire you to be that change agent who influences readers toward true redemption? What is your greatest need in preparation to be this kind of writing entrepreneur?
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If I may, I’d like to add a corollary to this –
It’s called “consistency of commitment”.
What it means is the willingness to absorb setbacks and seeming defeats in pursuit of the ultimate goal.
My thesis is based on the naval battle for Guadalcanal, which began on August 7, 1942, and was essentially concluded by the end of October of that year.
It was marked by several apparent defeats for the American forces…defeats that paved the way to the final victory, and started the Allies on the long road back from Pearl Harbor.
The Battle of Savo Island, on the night of August 8-9, saw the Allies lose 4 heavy cruisers (the American Astoria, Vincennes, and Quincy, and the Australian Canberra) at the hands of a Japanese force whose strategic intent was the reduction of the Allied invasion fleet.
The Japanese achieved tactical success, suffering minimal losses (and temporarily driving the invasion fleet from the area, leaving the Marines ashore isolated), but their strategic aim was not met. They withdrew because of the resistance they encountered, without even attempting to destroy the invasion fleet.
Thus began a pattern of night-time naval battles (for which the Japanese had extensively trained, and at which they excelled) that cost both sides dearly. The Japanese sought to land troops on Guadalcanal, and keep them supplied; the Allies worked to strengthen their position.
This slaughter of sailors, on an industrial scale, effectively ended on the night of November 29-30, at the Battle of Tassafaronga, which cost the US the cruiser Northampton, along with grotesquely heavy damage to the Pensacola, Minneapolis, and New Orleans. The Japanese force, consisting of small, speedy destroyers, escaped with the loss of one of their number.
But it was another American victory. The aim of the Japanese was to resupply their slowly starving garrison, and they failed. That failure made it clear that the Japanese could not retake Guadalcanal, and that the Allies now had a secure base that would become the first steppingstone to final victory.
This wasn’t a case of “industrial might over skill”; the full capacity of American rearmament wouldn’t be felt for another year. The Japanese resources very nearly matched (and in some areas exceeded) those available to the Allies.
Victory was won by commanders who refused to back down, and who were willing to risk – and if necessary, expend – assets to keep true to the strategic vision.
Victory was won by the acceptance of setbacks, without loss of heart.
Victory was won by more than courage – it was won by commitment that stuck.
(I don’t intend to ignore the courage of the individual sailors involved – on both sides – but their contributions had to be taken as almost a given. It was the command decisions that defined and shaped the course of the battle.)
I’m an idiot. “…end of October…” in the fourth paragraph should, of course, read “…end of November…”
Serves me right. It’s 0300…do you know where your brain is?
I don’t.
Chuckling, Andrew. My brain was totally checked out at 0300. And you wrote an interesting comment with a grew perspective. Just sayin’. 😉
And consistency of commitment. Good point, Andrew.
“You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word. It is victory. Victory at all cost, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival.” – Winston Churchill.
Like many writers, I tend to be quiet and reserved (although you probably wouldn’t know that from my current gravatar). I strive to be a better writing entrepreneur by thinking, “Sure! Why not? Let’s try that!” – resisting my natural tendency to only keep to myself and write.
Carol, when you are passionate about something, like reaching children’s hearts with your boys and girls devotionals releasing this month, you aren’t reserved. Your change agent kicks in full speed ahead.
I like your philosophy here, Mary. I can’t say I’ve seen myself as that change agent, but my desire has been to bring about a message of hope to young readers: the hope that can only be experienced through salvation. In order to maintain my commitment to that mission, I want more time in His Word. I would love to attend a seminary school one day. A greater understanding would help me clarify that message of hope, especially when combined with some writing craft classes.
Cheryl, you consistently are realistic about yourself in your comments on this blog, sometimes possibly selling yourself short. I sense your fervent care and compassion for children woven into many of your comments. Surely it must show in your writing even in subtle ways.
Thank you for your kind words, Mary. What a blessing on a hectic day.
Walt Disney always inspires me. 🙂
Yeah, my greatest need is confidence. I was telling my family the other day that I had thought of being a physical therapist when I was young, but I “heard” there was much competition and that it was extremely difficult to get into the program. Even though I was in the top 5% of my graduating class and an honor student, that translated to: “You can’t do it. It’s too hard … you aren’t good enough ….” Sadly, not much has changed in my mind’s eye.
With my current WIP … I was greatly enjoying writing it. Had a blast initially reading it to my mother and my girls. A few months later … “this is no good” and trekked through reading it to my husband just knowing he’d hate it. A few months later, after huge amounts of editing, cutting, reworking, I’m starting to think, “I might have ‘something’ here.” What will next month bring? Who knows?! 🙂
Yet … though not much has changed in my mind’s eye, I am constantly amazed at the doors God continually opens … His grace … in spite of me. 🙂
Shelli,
First, I’m curious because you didn’t say: did your husband “hate” your manuscript?
Secondly, I think most writers struggle with self-doubt and with the feeling that “although I’ve had a great time working on this, it’s a load of rubbish.” That said, please stop being so hard on yourself. I say this as someone who is a recovering perfectionist and who has an extremely harsh critical inner voice that loves to abuse her and tear down her confidence. That voice is a demon. It is a liar. Tell it to shut up. God made you so you are good and God gave you the incredible gift of being a writer. Yes, as Mary said, you have to hone that talent, but God has entrusted it to you so He knows you can nurture it and do something great with it. It is a beautiful gift. Ask God to help you with developing it and trust that He will. God will help not despite you, but because He BELIEVES in you. Shouldn’t you, then, believe in yourself? Yes, you have to read your work with an eye to where it needs improved but also notice what works (and even what’s REALLY good). Don’t let the devil of self-doubt and self-criticism convince you that your writing’s no good and you should chuck it all. That lie is a fantastic strategy to prevent whatever truth God wants to share with the world through you from getting out. True humility is knowing your weaknesses AND your strengths (because they come from God).
Blessings of peace.
Thank you, Christine! My hubby … he’s a tough critic. Which is good. As soon as I finished the last page … he started telling me where I needed to go with the sequel! And he gave me some great tips throughout … a few cute things that I didn’t see along the way. He has different preferences in reading than I do … and bless his heart, I know it’s a struggle for him seeing the time I put into writing … so I felt defeated before I even began reading! 🙂
And everything you said … I truly know. And I’m the first to encourage others … but myself?? It’s always a struggle. But I’m going to print out your words … and keep them near. 🙂 You lifted me up this morning. Thank you again. This blog is a blessing.
Amen, Christine.
You’re welcome, Shelli. I asked God to give me the words before I started writing the reply. I just so felt what you were experiencing (because I’ve experienced it too) that I wanted to reach out to you in compassion and hug you. Like you, I can feel empathy for others and encourage and support them but find it hard to be gentle and compassionate to myself. I know that “be kind to yourself” is easier said than done but I’m glad the words helped. 🙂
Christine, as another one who struggles with confidence, your words spoke great encouragement to me today. I need these reminders from time to time. I’m glad you wrote them!
Shelli, it seems you’re going through the normal process. Celebrate when you recognize areas that need improving, refining, polishing. This is the hard but always positive work toward making your book the best finished product you can produce. No need to feel discouraged or defeated when you persevere to continue improving your work. I’m sure Walt Disney experienced delays and re-dos also. We see only his best final product.
Yes, Mary, Walt did experience much. I love the film on him at Disney World. If I have it correct, there were times when he was bankrupt … someone even underhandedly stole one of his characters … devastated him … but he bounced back. I don’t know his confidence level, but he remained determined.
“Celebrate when you recognize areas that need improving, refining, polishing”.
This is a shift in perspective I pray I can become more familiar with. I’m grateful God provided the money I needed to pay for a content edit from a reputable, capable editor. But dusting myself off took longer than I thought it would. I want to celebrate as I trudge on, because my tool kit for future edits has expanded immensely.
That’s sweet, Jenny. Thank you for pointing out Mary’s comment, too … I had to look at it again. Really beautiful. Recognition is key!
Yes! I’m inspired!
I’m with Shelli. I think my greatest need is confidence. Trusting that God will equip me for the journey He’s called me to should be enough, but it’s not. I need to keep my mind set on His truths to keep me encouraged when the road gets tough.
Another need is being aware of some of the nuances of our culture so I can have a good understanding of what people are dealing with. And how to point them to the Truth. This understanding can filter into my stories and the journeys my characters face.
Jeanne, I hope Christine’s comment encourages you. She articulated the antidote for lack of confidence well. It’s a keeper to have handy whenever needed.
It’s a challenge to stay in touch with our culture because it’s moving farther away from what most Christians value. But this underscores the great need for authors, agents, and CBA publishers to be salt that hasn’t lost its flavor.
Admittedly, I’m a news junky. I want to hear what’s going on from various perspectives. It’s the way I stay in touch with the broad culture beyond my Christian circles. And this method fits within my schedule. Maybe it would work for you too.
I did read and appreciate Christine’s comment! It’s a message I needed to hear. 🙂
I’ve stayed away from the news for years, but that is a good way to get a pulse for what’s going on in our culture. Thanks for that suggestion. 🙂
Entrepreneur:“a person who organizes and manages any enterprise . . . usually with considerable initiative and risk.” Except for the person part, Mary, this is an apt description of God. “Enterprise” covers everything from the universe to our manuscripts.
Dear God, may we step trustingly into the initiative and risk you wrap around our writing. Don’t let us falter in our initiative or run from the risk. Stamp your mark on our work. Amen.
Great prayer, Shirlee. I double amen it!
Sweet prayer, Shirlee.
Appreciate your prayer, Shirlee.
Mary, you remind me of the movie, “You’ve Got Mail.” “You are what you read.” It’s a weighty responsibility, and I agree completely with you that I want to read — and write — novels with characters who exemplify redemptive values. I wasn’t sure I had time to stop in here today, but I’m so glad I did. Great post and wonderful comments!
Meghan, I’m glad you had time to stop by. I always enjoy your comments and hope you’re encouraged today.
Lately I have felt the weight of oppression, when it comes to my writing. Not in editorial comments, or in the reception of early readers, but deep in my heart. I know I’ve been given a specific task, and the more I think I’m ready to affect change, the more I realize I am NOWHERE near ready.
I had the summer to breathe a little, now I’m circling the battle, looking for where God wants me to jump back into the fray.
I have five chapters to polish and send in, then once those are done, I HAVE TO go hide in my garage and work on 2 antique pieces…all the while, chomping at the bit to be editing the rest of the MS!!
Pacing my days, keeping my family and home going is one area in which I need to be a drill sergeant to myself.
If I am disciplined in the normal parts of my day, then I’m free to work.
But yeah, I feel the weight pressing in. Therefore, I need to spend WAY more time on my knees.
“More time on my knees” … amen, sister. I’ll be praying for you, Jennifer, for time to multiply!
“…the more I think I’m ready to affect change, the more I realize I am NOWHERE near ready.” Jennifer, that is a productive place to be in the process of improving craft, refining, and perfecting your manuscript because that awareness provides direction moving forward. Wouldn’t it be great if all of us could view a perceived setback, not as a loss, but as a learning experience? The timing of your antiques work is opportune, giving your mind a chance to percolate perfect refining measures.
I was intrigued with the steps listed for the entrepreneur, which as wise as they are, do not reflect my journey as a business owner. Sometimes God is in control of the path and the steps are jumbled as He leads to places we didn’t know we were going.
Back in 1991 when I began homeschooling my children, I hadn’t found the language arts program that netted the results I was looking for. I was naive enough to develop a program for them with no intention of doing anything but teach my children.
Without a college degree, and absolutely no knowledge of page design or marketing, I just did the task before me and somehow I ended up with an award-winning program. We attended our first home school convention in 1993 and I still didn’t know what I was doing. I went through the doors that opened for me, sometimes after knocking on a few closed doors, but all I did was follow the path laid before me. We’ve been around now for 20+ profitable years.
Which is not to say an education and preparation are not important components of a writing career. But perhaps there is one more important and that is just to follow the Leader.
How beautiful and encouraging, Barbara! Thank you for sharing that.
I’m late to the party, but this post and all the comments are a breath of fresh air.
“All this without any guarantee of short- or long-term publishing and financial reward.”
Many people don’t understand this. Well, in my circle of fiends anyway. Many who aren’t pursing some sort of creative journey just don’t get it why I would do all the work and training for possibly nothing. Passion and calling, I say. Then I get a polite smile and nod followed with a ‘good for you’ type remark.
But we do need to treat craft like we’re an entrepreneur. Over the years I’ve turned the tables on the naysayers in my life to educate them about the writing process and how it works. Some are getting more interested and comment on my perseverance and determination. They see how much I’m wiling to work without a “guarantee…of a reward” and want something to light a fire in their own life. It’s a wonderful thing to be a part of 🙂
WRITE FOR KIDS & CHANGE THE WORLD
*Growing up sucks *
My most important job – as a children’s writer- is to be some kid’s friend.