Ah, the dream. I write, I edit, I send my baby out to agents and publishers who will surely snap it up and make it an instant bestseller, and that’s when the fame and fortune starts rolling in.
Suddenly I can’t walk down the street without someone approaching me to ask for and autograph. Actors are calling me at my unlisted number to beg for a juicy part in the upcoming movie based on my book. Life is grand.
But wait. Is it? Is it really?
You want me to do what? Travel around the country doing book-store appearances? Living out of a hotel? Interviews on public television? And… public readings? I can’t read in front of an audience! I was happy sitting in my room behind my computer, half in the can with a bottle of wine! Quick! Somebody grab me my Haagen-Dazs and a spoon. I’m going to hide in the closet!
Is this you? Or is it just me? Because seriously, as much as the money would be nice, it’s not as though I can quit my job and go on the road. My kids are my job – they’re not quittable. I’ve never wanted fame. And I’m sure I’m not the most introverted person on the planet who chose to sit and write books. But does it necessarily have to be part of the package when a novel gets noticed?
I found this on Facebook this morning:
and it really rings true.
It’s a lot to think about. Are you ready?
Admittedly, today’s fiction has nothing to do with today’s topic; it’s a day I wouldn’t have otherwise written anything over there. So here it is, the continuation of the A-Z Fiction Story: http://lindaghillfiction.wordpress.com/2014/04/08/g-is-for-great-balls/ Enjoy!

April 10, 2014 at 4:23 pm
God be with the days when being an enigma was far more interesting than having to share what you had for breakfast on twitter! I’d imagine alot of authors struggle with the PR that’s expected around a successful book. I agree with you though, so I’m gonna see if I can make ‘mysterious’ the new famous (when fame comes knocking of course!)
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April 10, 2014 at 4:32 pm
Ah, to remain mysterious! You’ve given me an idea: to wear Groucho Marx glasses, eyebrows and moustache on my cover photo. Yes… that’ll do the trick!
Thanks, Evie! 🙂
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April 10, 2014 at 1:49 am
No, I am not ready. I would like a modest income provided by mediocre sales, thanks. None of that for me. Nope.
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April 10, 2014 at 1:50 pm
Have you published anything yet? I only ask, because I’ve never seen anything other than your blog. Am I missing something?
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April 10, 2014 at 1:52 pm
I have never published a novel.
Yet.
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April 10, 2014 at 1:54 pm
Short stories? What genre do you write? If you don’t mind my asking.
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April 10, 2014 at 1:55 pm
I write chick lit, mostly.
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April 10, 2014 at 1:59 pm
Cool. 🙂 Let me know if you ever need a beta reader 🙂
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April 10, 2014 at 2:00 pm
Will do! Thanks, Linda!
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April 10, 2014 at 3:21 pm
😀
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April 9, 2014 at 9:13 pm
Great quote from FB! And so true…
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April 10, 2014 at 1:44 pm
Isn’t it a wonderful quote? 😀
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April 10, 2014 at 6:47 pm
Yes it is!
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April 9, 2014 at 8:52 am
This is why I have no interest in publishing a book in any traditional sense. I write to express myself, and if someone wants to read it, great. If not, I have still achieved my goal. When and if I have something that will help others, like a professional baking book or book on child rearing, both of which I have expertise and training in, then I will make a PDF and sell it for peanuts, because my goal is to share with not necessarily to profit from others. I do have another way of making a living, so it is easier for me to be so magnanimous and I don’t mean to sound pompous. I just have no interest whatsoever in writing for a publisher or having an editor decide what I should say. Great that you brought this up!
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April 10, 2014 at 1:34 pm
Thanks, Beth. Having no income of my own–I survive off of the support I get from the government for my two disabled kids–anything I earn from writing will be a bonus. But I’m kind of like you in that I just want to express myself and give people something that I hope they’ll enjoy. I don’t want to be any more famous than I would if I was merely supplying a service.
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April 9, 2014 at 2:55 am
Chick, I have not blogged in about 4 days or something cos I got stage fright when it suddenly dawned on me that A LOT of people just READ me. ??? WTF is with THAT! lol!
VERY cool article dearest LInda – and so so so so soooo resounding around my brain 😉 There MUST be another way right??
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April 10, 2014 at 12:50 pm
However did you manage on HR? Haha! I’m actually going through it a little at the moment with my fiction blog – I’m basically writing a story for the world to read and I have no idea what’s going to happen in it AND I have to have it completed in 26 chapters. I always fly by the seat of my pants when I write a novel – but I’m not doing it in public!
Why, oh why do I do this to myself? 😛
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April 12, 2014 at 3:34 pm
Linda dear, first let me say ‘Missed you!!’ 😉
Second – OMs blog was not MY blog – I was not the boss you see – it felt different! (I think I got over it though- it was probably due to all the other drama in life creating insecurity – more than the actual bLOGGING side of life?) I DUNNO!!!
AS for why we do it- cos we have goals and responsibilities? 😀
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April 12, 2014 at 6:42 pm
True enough – writing on someone else’s blog does take some of the responsibility off. Even if you’re writing for a huge stadium’s worth (or a small city’s worth) of people. 😉
I’ve missed you too! Hope your little one is on the mend!
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April 12, 2014 at 6:54 pm
Thanks babe! I think we are fairly in the clear now. SHe IS sounding one HECK of a lot better 😀
Yeah – HR is somehow different – I could give a hundred reasons why – but for me – oddly – it was more about me feeling MORE responsible NOT to produce horseshit?
So I did not get TOO much of that after thought of – oh yeah…THAT ridiculous post! LOL! (Refer latest blog entry entitled ‘A blog post’ 😉
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April 12, 2014 at 7:20 pm
I’m headed over to your blog in a few to have a look. 🙂
So glad she’s feeling better. What a relief, eh?
And yeah, when you know that many eyes are on you, it’s not as easy to hit the publish button after just jotting something down. 😛
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April 12, 2014 at 7:26 pm
Stupid really…
I am being brave though – lol!
Having been off for a while I see that I missed it! And – and – I KNOW there is no truer saying than -‘you cannot please everybody’ (I know you are like that too – worried to PISS someone off! Believe me – I could do that in a flash – THAT’S the problem for me sometimes! oops… 😉 )
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April 12, 2014 at 7:37 pm
True, I often change my words to attempt to stay (mostly) pc. Sometimes it pisses me off! haha
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April 12, 2014 at 7:42 pm
Yip…
I have 80 drafts DARling…yes – I do.
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April 12, 2014 at 7:46 pm
Wow! 80 is a lot.
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April 12, 2014 at 7:51 pm
can’t help myself. Though some are lists of things to do that I write down when I cannot find paper.
I know I wont lose it and I know I wont lose it in the computers messed up filing system. Reliable wordpress – my resource for everything these days 😀
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April 13, 2014 at 3:41 pm
I have a whole private blog where I keep ideas. 😛
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April 14, 2014 at 5:42 am
Me too actually….;) I DO – I really do have another blog 😛
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April 12, 2014 at 7:27 pm
just made me remember ‘Just Jo Jan’…. 😀
Gees – that was like AGES ago… can’t believe…
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April 12, 2014 at 7:37 pm
It does seem like forever ago, doesn’t it? 😛
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April 8, 2014 at 9:15 pm
I’ve thought about that, too. I like being on THIS side of everything — especially when super cool authors come here for Ottawa Writers Fest and I get to listen to them talk about funny things — and the thought of being on other side, even though I want to publish a whole whack of stuff, leaves me reaching for the wine!
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April 8, 2014 at 9:31 pm
Right? It’s a conundrum, to say the least!
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April 8, 2014 at 9:38 pm
Another Ottawa writer!
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April 8, 2014 at 9:41 pm
Yes! Isn’t that great?
Michael, meet Allison… Allison, this is Michael.
😀
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April 8, 2014 at 9:54 pm
Intros happening at Allison’s “about” page. Thank you, Linda.
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April 8, 2014 at 9:55 pm
No problem! Always happy to introduce fellow writers, especially ones who are close by. 🙂
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April 8, 2014 at 8:50 pm
Haha, love your description of the scenario “Somebody grab me a Haagen Das and a spoon. I’m going to hide in the closet!”
I agree–this would be a difficult lifestyle to live or adjust to. Although I think I could do the public speaking part because I find when I’m really passionate about something my shyness fades away. Interesting post!
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April 8, 2014 at 9:30 pm
Thank you! I suppose I’d probably get used to it. Maybe I’ll start by practicing on the collection of teddy bears in the closet… when my mouth isn’t full of course. 😛
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April 9, 2014 at 7:24 pm
haha 🙂 perfect audience!
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April 10, 2014 at 1:43 pm
🙂
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April 8, 2014 at 5:09 pm
OK, I’m willing to do one interview on Oprah. Other than than, I’m staying in my closet. 🙂
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April 8, 2014 at 7:41 pm
Sounds like a plan, Susan! 😀 Just don’t forget the ice cream!
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April 8, 2014 at 4:21 pm
I would hope that my book opens discussion. If I become famous (scratch that)… when I become famous, it will open up a whole new world and allow me to speak to others and offer encouragement and hope. Well in my mind at least. 🙂
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April 8, 2014 at 7:41 pm
I’ve said it before, and I’m sure I’ll say it in the future: You’re a brave lady, Sue! 🙂
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April 8, 2014 at 3:17 pm
Great topic for discussion, Linda. I, for one, am happy that I must write / blog under the anonymity of a pseudonym. Not doing the in-person book signing thing may (or may not) detract from sales, but I’d rather keep a humble life.
Besides, the women in my family have already picked Nathon Fillion for the movie. Whether he likes it or not. It’s not as if anyone else will have a say in the matter. };-)>
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April 8, 2014 at 7:40 pm
He’ll be perfect for the handsome male lead of your autobiographical book! 😀 Not sure if he’s tall enough, mind you…
The humble life of the millionaire writer sounds like heaven to me too.
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April 8, 2014 at 7:58 pm
Oh, that stereo! With no Daniel Craig or Angelina Jolie phoning to bother you.
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April 8, 2014 at 8:00 pm
Pesky actors. Who needs ’em? But the stereo…. *daydreams*
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April 8, 2014 at 3:14 pm
I’m sure, that you would find a way to deal with it Linda. Remember that interviews also can go through Skype, so you don’t need to leave your home. Sometimes you will need to do offers to receive, so few visits to some book stores should be possible. You don’t need to go crazy 😀
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April 8, 2014 at 7:37 pm
You’re right, Irene. Set limits! 😀
I’ll manage if it ever happens. 🙂
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April 8, 2014 at 2:58 pm
That’s a great piece, Linda. You’re right…not alone. I would feel the same way. I write for the sake of writing. I would find ways to deal with it, sure, but ultimately, I write to share the ideas floating around in my mind, nothing else. I like my life the way it is. The only thing I would want money to afford me is MORE time to spend with the people I love.
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April 8, 2014 at 7:36 pm
Thanks for letting me know I’m not alone, Hanna! 🙂
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April 8, 2014 at 2:35 pm
I think that if fame and riches came your way, you would somehow deal with it. You could always hire people to hide behind, and your kids might enjoy traveling with you (and the requisite nanny, of course). Heck, I sorta feel the way you do, but I’m sure my attitude could be readjusted really quickly (said with a wishful sigh).
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April 8, 2014 at 7:35 pm
My kids don’t travel to the grocery store well … a book tour is pretty much out of the question I’m afraid. 😛
As you say though, I’m sure we’d manage somehow. 🙂
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April 8, 2014 at 1:15 pm
I do it for riches, fame, a different lifestyle. Mine’s not that great. I have nothing tying me down. And fan girls. In which case, I might have something tying me down ^_^
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April 8, 2014 at 1:33 pm
You can only hope, my dear. 🙂 Maybe a good hint would be to attach a bit of rope to each of your books. Then a bunch of fan girls can get together and tie all their bits of rope together to make one long one, just for you.
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April 8, 2014 at 1:13 pm
Back in the day when I wrote a column for the daily newspaper that had my picture attached, people thought they could march right up and talk to me about it anywhere, any time. And I was just a local Joe writing about sports, and then music.
I hated when they did this when I was eating dinner or out with my family.
I could only imagine what it’s like for authors who are truly famous.
Good piece, Linda.
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April 8, 2014 at 1:31 pm
Thanks a lot, Mark. 🙂
See, this is what I mean. Can life really be the same after your picture is mass-published? Even without the book tours.
Maybe I can just be famous in the U.S. 😛
I appreciate you sharing your experience. Thanks again 🙂
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April 8, 2014 at 1:36 pm
I think you should be allowed to be famous in the country of your choice, Linda. I am rooting for you on American soil. Will you trade me Canada? Ha.
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April 8, 2014 at 2:19 pm
Sure! Canada’s all yours! 😀
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