I think some of the best novels of our time, some of the most unique and interesting works, will never see the light of day – never get out of a drawer or computer somewhere – because of this. I know it, in fact. I’ve seen some of them. It’s like hiding the Mona Lisa. And if you ever doubt your talent, know this: at least you had the GUTS to take it out of the drawer and show it to the world. That makes it better than the “masterpieces” in the drawer, because to be unread is to not exist.
Reblogged this on Anita Dawes & Jaye Marie.
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Reblogged this on A Goode One and commented:
I don’t do a lot of reblogs here, but this is so beautiful that I just had to share it. Dan Alatorre is one of the most positive, encouraging, supportive bloggers out there, and this single paragraph from him says so much about finding the courage to share our work with the world.
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I’m flattered. Thank you!
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You are so welcome! I don’t comment here often, but I always love your posts. You do so much to uplift the spirits of your fellow writers.
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You’re too kind. Thank you.
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The bravest part of writing is sharing it with others.
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Brevity! Great point
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I’ve been on a downer about self publishing for a few days, but after receiving a great review yesterday and reading these words today, I’m feeling more positive about things again.
I am glad I took my novel out the drawer and showed it to the world. Even if only a handful of people read it and enjoy it, I’ve sill achieved my dream.
Thanks for helping me feel better.
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That one simple act put you had about 99% of the “writers” in the world. Keep up the good work!
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Thank you. I will try.
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This is awesome! I completely agree with what you said. It not only applies to novels, it applies to every piece of creative content one can publish.
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to be unread is to not exist. – very nice.
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I’m not 100% certain that’s mine; it’s kind of an abbreviated version of another quote, I’m sure. But it works. And thanks.
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sort of like “you fail 100% of the books you fail to publish”. (Sorry Wayne.)
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Right! Good one.
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Very true.
That’s why I don’t begrudge terrible books for making it to a shelf or Amazon. They still wrote a book, an acheivement in itself.
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You know, that’s a very interesting way of looking at that. Good job.
And who’s to say what’s terrible anyway? My inability to get past page one – after a dozen attempts – of The Hobbitt doesn’t make it a terrible book to the world, just to me.
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Exactly, how many times are prize winning books dull as heck.
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Perfectly said. Couldn’t agree more. I may have to expand on it and link back here.
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Please do. I’d be interested on your take.
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I love that quote Dan thank you for posting it. It is particularly poignant for me at the moment when I have been going through my “dark side of the writing moon”.
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Damn, we have us some writers here, don’t we! Such eloquence. Dark side of the writing moon. Brilliant.
Well, don’t be afraid to reach out. Anyone that poetic has to be saved.
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I have a novel in a drawer which needs to be shown to the world – your words have inspired me to action!
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Music to my ears!
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I have a “novel in a drawer” as well…searching for the courage to set it free 🙂
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I’m so glad that had the courage to turn on the ‘public’ button on my blog. Now you’re inspiring me to take the next step. Thanks Dan
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Baby steps
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Great reminder, Dan.
Having just finished my first novel (now being beta read), I can assure you that only thing more heartbreaking than someone not liking your work is no one ever having read it.
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Yep. And when you realize that, everything changes.
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