It's Work
When I first started writing full-time, it was a matter of write a book and try to get it published. Upon rereading that sentence, I realize the concept sounds pretty simple. It it were, a lot more people would be doing it. In a way, however, it was simple. I had one thing on my plate, and that was all I had to concern myself with.
As my writing career has progressed, the process has become more complicated, and writing sometimes seems like the least of my challenges. No matter how wonderful the book I write might be, without promotion, it might be read by very few people. Publishers definitely help in that regard. They send books out to reviewers and submit them for book prizes. They advertise them in periodicals and push them on their websites. They pursue foreign exposure. But as a writer, I can contribute on that front too. I can announce new books to my network of friends and peers. I can submit blurbs to periodicals and writing associations, and I can push books on my website, facebook, jacketflap, etc. I can do school visits and other speaking presentations. I can distribute bookmarks and stickers, and I can arrange launches for new books. I can apply for writer in residence programs and sponsored book tours. I can pursue television, radio, and newspaper coverage.
On the writing front, I can also capitalize on the fact that my writing history provides me with a ticket through the front door to publishers. No longer do I have to sit in the slush pile, waiting for a hired reader to eventually read my submission. Now I am not only able to contact editors directly, but I even have publishers contacting me sometimes. It's wonderful, but it still feels a bit weird. In addition, I find that some of my writing projects get contracted before I've even written them.
It's all good, right? Absolutely. However, all of these new avenues suck up a huge amount of my time, and I sometimes find myself chasing my tail.
Like right now. Granted, there are a whole lot of other things sucking up my time at the moment, but I am so busy 'arranging things' that I find myself strapped for time to actually write. There are a number of fabulous opportunities sitting in my lap, but I may lose any or all of them for want of writing time.
Can there be too much of a good thing? Perhaps.