Read the Beforeitsnews.com story here. Advertise at Before It's News here.

By Teralyn Rose
Contributor profile | More stories

Story Views
Now:
Last hour:
Last 24 hours:
Total:

A Disillusioned Old Man

Friday, March 30, 2012 15:17

% of readers think this story is Fact. Add your two cents.

A Writer’s Journey

An old man in my writer’s group has never read his work to us and never asked for our advice. He doesn’t want our advice. He only wants to complain.

This man self-published his book, listed it on Amazon, and hasn’t done anything else since.

He writes philosophy, and he’s determined to believe no one reads philosophy anymore. The problem is, the only people who’s seen his work are people who read fiction. He’s angry that the world is wasting their minds on meaningless stories. I told him philosophy is one of the oldest genres of all time; surely someone’s reading it.

We tried to brainstorm ways he could get his novel out there, but he shot down every idea we had.

“You can advertise over the internet,” someone said.

“I don’t use the internet. I don’t know how and I don’t like it.”

“Local bookstores would be happy to host a book signing,” another person suggested. “You’re book is mainly religious, and there’s a Christian store nearby.”

“They wouldn’t be interested in my book. It’s not Christian; it’s about religion in general.”

“You could go to conferences and events and spread the word about your book.”

“There aren’t any conferences in this area.”

“You could find people who enjoy philosophy, perhaps at the university, and discuss your book with them.”

“I won’t find anything like that. No one reads philosophy anymore.”

Finally, I got frustrated. “What do you want?” I demanded.

He answered easily. “I want to learn and grow. I want to read and gain experience.”

“You do that already,” someone mumbled, clearly as aggravated as I was.

“Good. That means you’re happy and you don’t need to do anything else.” I hoped I had made my point and that would be the end of it.

“But I also want money and recognition,” the man was quick to add.

Another non-fiction writer made recommendations on how to improve his book in order to sell more copies. Then the old man said the rudest thing I’ve ever heard a writer say in my life: “I don’t think it’s a good idea to take advice from unpublished writers.”

I wanted to scream, THEN WHY ARE YOU IN A WRITER’S GROUP!?!

At this point, we all gave up. You can’t help people who don’t want to be helped.

It’s easy for me to be judgmental now because I’m young enough to feel invincible. I haven’t had time to be disappointed. This man is as old as my grandpa, and he’s tired of trying. It got me wondering what I would be like if I reached that age and didn’t accomplish any of my goals. Would I be just as bitter and hopeless?

Would you?

I want us all to close our eyes and do a visualization exercise. It’s thirty years from now. It was your dream to get published. But you were never good enough, you didn’t work hard enough, your novels weren’t salable enough, or you were published and the novel didn’t do well enough.

Now you’re at a loss of what to do. Maybe you should rework the novels you’ve written. Maybe you should write a new one. Maybe you should quit and find something else that makes you happy. Personally, I don’t know what I would do.

This is going to happen to most of us. We should decide now what kind of person we will be if we’re caught in this situation. Will you be bitter with the world’s poor taste? Will you keep trying? Will you keep doing what you love, regardless of the outcome? Will you move on?

Think about it.

On A Writers Journey, aspiring novelist Teralyn Rose Pilgrim talks about the excitements and disappointments that go along with her budding career. Currently agents are looking at her historical fiction about Rome’s Vestal Virgins.
teralynpilgrimm.blogspot.com

Read more at A Writer’s Journey

Source:

Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world.

Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.

"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, But it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.

Our Formula includes:

Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity.

Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins.

Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system.

Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome.

Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function.

Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules. Today Be 100% Satisfied Or Receive A Full Money Back Guarantee Order Yours Today By Following This Link.

Comments

Online:
Visits:	1,609,532,311
Stories:	8,168,000