Let's Smash The Literary World Into Bits With A Wrecking Ball!

I don't think it's bad to think of writing as a job, or as a way into certain social circles. I mean, if you can make money at it, I think it would be a great job... you wouldn't have to drag yourself to some horrible fucking office everyday, and it will get you laid, I bet. It's prestigious to say you're a writer.

Really, it's the same as being a teacher or a rock star or a plumber or a firefighter or a guy in an office somewhere. Ultimately, the difference you make is going to be very little. It might seem like a big deal because people tend to think of things that way, but it's really not.

I mean, exactly how much does some book matter to people? Ultimately, most people are concerned with paying their bills and making sure they have enough to do everything they want to do. The rest of it is just a distraction. So that is what writers do. They create pleasant distractions to provide people with a temporary sense of self-worth.

 

Also, a 'revolution' is the world's oldest marketing tactic for artists and politicians.

 

Do you honestly believe Truman Capote, Oscar Wilde, Shakespeare, Dennis Potter, Arthur Miller, Byron, etc etc etc etc wrote to become famous? I truly think they wrote for the sake of expression and did it so well that others could not deny their genius.
It is a far cry from someone who wants to "smash the literary world" because they can find no place in it. If you are not a genius then you are something else. It is enough that the geniuses exist. It is stupid that you want a door into the literary world, because unless you are the genius they are looking for - youre part of the dumbing down we settle for. In other words - let them come to you - otherwise accept that you may just not be good enough. If you think youre good enough keep trying !

 

Honestly, I don't know. But I think most people want to be successful at what they do.

 

The traditional publishing industry: endless books that are too much alike and low paid workers putting in loooong hours.



I do not blame people working in the traditional publishing industry for the fact that too many books are too much alike. Even if an editor personally LOVES a manuscript that may not matter, because the book must also be commercial. If that manuscript does not have STRONG commercial potential none of the major conglomerates will publish it.



I do not envy editors and other workers in the traditional publishing industry. They often put in very long hours. Their jobs are very demanding. They are often paid low wages that don't go far in expensive New York City where many of them live.



There is no job security. Employee turnover is high.



I also notice that few traditionally published books bear a "union bug" or union emblem. Perhaps the people printing up the books aren't paid all that well either.



I wonder if workers in the traditional publishing industry are like other workers throughout America - trying to do the jobs of two or three people on half the wages they rightfully deserve.



Cheers!



Wolf Larsen