Dragoncon 2009

I had the good fortune of attending DragonCon this year. For those of you that don’t know, DragonCon is one of – if not the – largest sci-fi fantasy conventions held annually.

In truth, I never planned on going. I’d never been to a convention before and didn’t have any plans on going. However, one of my brothers lives in Atlanta and had the foresight to invite me and our oldest brother over to attend the convention. A bonding experience in the epicenter of all that can be defined as, “Nerd.”

At first, I didn’t know what to expect, but I had a blast. We spent hours each day going to panels and talks, mobbing around through the throngs of costumed convention-goers, and trying to get autographs from some of the celebrity attendees.

A lot of the Battlestar cast was there. I managed to score a signature from Mary McDonnell and Michael Hogan, two of my favorites from the show. They were the first autographs I had ever gotten, I shuffled on my feet like a nervous fan boy and told the actors how much I enjoyed their performances on the show. They were both very gracious.

I also got to meet – however briefly – Jay, Grant, Tango and Steve from TAPS. I told them how much I liked their scientific approach to the paranormal. They were all very nice people. Steve and Tango made a point to shake my hand.

The last event I went to was a talk hosted by Kevin J. and Rebecca Anderson, who spoke about writing. The discussion was titled something like, “Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Writing.” It was a great talk, highlighting a lot of information about the business of writing. Some of it was concepts that other writers had brought up before, like Heinlein’s rules. But most of the information came straight from their personal experiences as writers, which was very refreshing to hear.

One pearl of wisdom I really liked: Kevin and Rebecca made an offer to the aspiring authors in the room. If anyone can produce eighty rejection letters and not have one single published work – not an article, short story or novel – then they offered to buy them dinner. It’s an offer they’ve been making to fellow writers for years, and have never had to cash in.

Rejections are a part of writing, which is common wisdom. But it was the illustration that spoke to me. Eighty rejections. I quickly counted up how many I had – nowhere near that many. Kevin told us that he had more than eighty rejections under his belt after a few years of writing, but he also had several published works. Their point was simple: Just keep writing. If you’re not getting rejected, then you’re not submitting, which means you’re not being a writer.

All in all – a great trip. I got to see family, and I got a dose of writing wisdom.

Honing the Craft

So far, I haven't had much success - which is to say none - with my query letters. This has given me some cause for pause...

Deep down, I suppose I’ve always held the secret wish that my first novel would be incredibly well received. After I finished my first draft, I had wonderful visions of my manuscript being carefully read, page by page inside of some smoky editor’s office. Yes, my work alone would have the power to restore the jaded publisher’s love for the written word. “My god,” they’d gasp after finishing the last page of my masterpiece, “This is why I got into the fucking business in the first place!” It’d sell in the millions and I’d finally be able to pay to have the leaks in my roof fixed. My life would become a dream-like existence of high-def televisions and name-brand breakfast cereal. Shit was going to be tight.

But then there’s reality.

The truth is, most authors don’t hit it out of the park the first time around, and I’m absolutely no exception. Jim Butcher writes about how the published version of his first Dresden novel was really more like the fifth complete revision. He’s just one of many that aren’t afraid to say that writing is as much an evolving skill as anything else. In the years that I’ve been taking writing seriously, I can look back and see a definite progression in my work. But still, I have a lot to learn.

I was recently fortunate enough to have a professional critique my manuscript. An opportunity that most beginning writers such as myself would give money, blood and reproductive organs to receive. Through fate, kismet, and an overwhelming kindness on the part of the The Professional, I found myself in this position. Overall, they told me that while I am a good writer, that while I write dialogue and action well, and while parts of the novel really do shine… It’s not quite ready for publishing. They recognized that their opinion is exactly that, an opinion. But when it comes from a person who knows the industry, I’d be stupid not to listen.

I received some specific advice on what I could do to tighten up the manuscript, exercises that will help me determine what will and won’t work for readers and publishers alike. For the most part, the biggest issue in the piece right now comes from classic beginner’s mistakes: Introductions that last too long, scenes that don’t serve enough of a purpose, etc. The best advice I was given: Don’t be discouraged, keep at it.

I’m very excited to begin a new chapter in my development as a writer. I’ve gotten my hands on several different writing texts and I’ve made myself a schedule of books to read and analyze. I’ve also set several writing goals for myself – practice, practice, practice as they say. When I’m ready, I’ll come back to The Red with a blue pencil and start making a better novel out of the one I’ve already written. For now, it's going to take a little rest while I gain some perspective.

One day, you may still see this asshole in print. It just won't be today. :)