After seeing many posts on various Twitter feeds but no information, I was curious about the situation with Barnes and Noble. So of course I did one of my favorite things–researched.
From what I’m understanding and feel free to correct me if I’m wrong– Barnes and Noble will no longer be carrying hardcover copies of certain works. I’ve only seen one article so far. I’ll be reading more but I wanted to start this post and then I’ll add to it later.
The first article mentioned the underlying reason for the controversy. Immediately after it started the doom saying that I see every so often that the industry is near the End Times That anyone is insane for pursuing a career in said industry and every author with a complaint is being referred to that famous law firm, Dewey, Cheatham and Howe.
Quite frankly, I’m tired of it.
Now don’t be offended. I know everyone has a right to voice their opinions, to discuss current events concerning the industry. I admire people who do that. And I feel badly for anyone who is being adversely effected by this. However, as we know, all businesses have some really fucked up shit going on. It’s not just our industry. Some things you have to live with, others you can fight like all get-out. Every time I read about something like this here comes that little voice that says, “Wendy, why are you bothering with this? The Publishing Apocalypse is nigh.”
This is why. And if I continue to look at those words of doom and gloom, I’d never get any writing done. Am I sticking my head in the sand? No. These controversies and reports are impossible to ignore. I’ll learn what I can, then go about my writing business. I don’t believe things are as bad as most people say they are. No, the industry isn’t perfect. No industry is. But I believe we need to press on and perhaps figure out a way to deal with problems. How? I really don’t know but I’m up for suggestions and will think on it. But humanity has fought for change in different situations and different ways since the dawn of human kind.
You may recall my talking several times about my writing defeat and how I quite writing for two years and other times where I was ready to give up. But I didn’t. Why? Encouragement from friends and loved-ones and oh yes, refer to the above meme.
And trust me, I’ve had a lot of negativity thrown my way too. And each time I allowed it to take hold that little voice would return and no matter how hard I tried I could not put pen to paper or more accurately, fingers to keyboard.
I now have a book out. I’ve waited for that day for 30 plus years. People are enjoying it. I’m having readings and signings set up, good reviews, libraries are carrying it, invites to author panels and I just was accepted into the Delaware Division of Arts: Artist Roster. Have a look. I’m happy. I’m terrified and I’m content. It’s all part of the business. The only time I’m not stressed is when I’m thinking about this wonderful thing that is finally happening to me. Hell, I’m surprised my head hasn’t swelled like a balloon. OK, maybe it has a little. 😉
I’ll take a moment to thank everyone who is involved now and will be in the future. You are all fabulous!
So keep pursuing the dream. Don’t give up and don’t allow the negativity to slow you down. We’ll get through whatever comes together.
Peace~
Wendy
Author WA Simpson 