Inspired by Danielle of Another Version of Mother, I’m looking back again on my #BlogHer14 experience; this time, highlighting my tweets from Pathfinder Day, the preconference session. I attended Path to Published Author, which was led by two successful (i.e., published) authors, Hank Shaw and Margaret Dilloway.
Image courtesy of Danielle Tsi Photography
I signed up for the session because I was (and still am) interested in learning more about the publishing world and the book writing/dealing process. I was really looking forward to Pathfinder Day. And, it was…ok. Not exactly what I expected, though I did leave with a better idea of how hard it is to get published.
The day kicked off with a keynote address by Teneshia J. Warner, whose never-take-no-for-an-answer story about finding her way through the business world was very inspiring:
“You decide…what you can do” – don’t let other people set your path for you – advises @teneshiajwarner #pathfinderday #BlogHer14
— Kimberly (@redshutters) July 24, 2014
“Relationships are the currency that will fuel your dream journey” @teneshiajwarner #BlogHer14 #PathfinderDay — Kimberly (@redshutters) July 24, 2014
In our session, Hank and Margaret emphasized writing needs passion and deep, deep committment:
A successful writer must have a “fierce need within [them] to write” – @Hank_Shaw #PathfinderDay #BlogHer14
— Kimberly (@redshutters) July 24, 2014
They also, despite their success, were honest about the realities of the publishing world, explaining there is “no clear path to success” and:
“80-90% of published authors don’t make any more money than the advance” – @Hank_Shaw #writing #books #PathfinderDay #BlogHer14 — Kimberly (@redshutters) July 24, 2014
Even though rejections are frequent, Margaret was encouraging, noting that what’s “most important is to know your voice and cultivate it.” She also said:
“2 pages a day and soon you’ll have a book” & “don’t give up” advises @mdilloway #PathfinderDay #BlogHer14 — Kimberly (@redshutters) July 24, 2014
Margaret emphasized the first draft: “never say no to an idea in a first draft,” as those ideas can turn into something wonderful. You can always edit later. Editing was, in fact, a topic they emphasized, explaining the different kinds of editors (developments versus line) who can help shape a book. She advised not to “quit your day job,” since writing a book, getting an agent, and finding a publisher can take years.
And, Danielle, attending another Pathfinder Day, summed up what the preconference sessions are all about:
There is a common theme today: Allowing Passion to drive your dreams. #PathfinderDay #BlogHer14 — Danielle Barnsley (@danielleb_c) July 24, 2014
Another keynote session, moderated by one of BlogHer’s founders, offered a bit of reality:
“More money doesn’t buy you happiness; it buys you freedom” – @ElisaC #PathfinderDay #BlogHer14 — Kimberly (@redshutters) July 24, 2014
Overall, the Path to Published Author session answered the “how do I do this book thing” question (well, at least the basic question; I have a whole lot of new questions now!):
“The book proposal is the ‘rudder’ to guide you on the course that your book is following” – @Hank_Shaw #writing #BlogHer14 #PathfinderDay — Kimberly (@redshutters) July 24, 2014
Book proposal essentials from @hank_shaw at #BlogHer14 #PathfinderDay #writing #books http://t.co/lrpsT8rS6x — Kimberly (@redshutters) July 24, 2014
And, finally, for everyone who asserts that the book is dead, Hank provided a more positive perspective:
“Books are cultural objects,” says @hank_shaw. “And they will last.” #PathfinderDay #BlogHer14 #books #writing — Kimberly (@redshutters) July 24, 2014
Am on a path to being a published author? I don’t know that a one-day session can do that exactly. It can, however, inspire and offer up some much-needed food for thought.
My other great takeaway was Margaret’s books: they are now on my “to suggest to my book club” list. An unexpected perk!
Love the quote about money buying freedom. Sometimes trying to publish a book is like going to L.A. to be an actor. Glad you found the session to be inspiring and realistic at the same time. I, for one, would definitely read your book. 🙂
When you tweeted that last quote on Pathfinder Day, I retweeted it because I love it so much. My love affair with books started as a child and has never left; I hope I can pass that on to my children, and they onto theirs. We need books.
Thanks for the links and I hope you do the same for the extra session BlogHer is providing!!
As a Newbie, I am continuously searching online for articles that can aid me. Thank you kgeddeaegaaedkca