Here to Create

If you need a jolt of writing energy, read How to Become a Famous Writer Before You’re Dead: Your Words in Print and Your Name in Lights by Ariel Gore. It may be just what you need to get moving again.

According to Gore, if you have no idea how to publish a book, get out there and do it anyway. If you’ve wasted too much writing time daydreaming about being famous, stop. Stop dreaming and start doing. Ariel Gore’s message is that no matter how shy and reclusive you are, even if you’re the stereotypical writing hermit, you can publish and promote your book.

In 78 brief chapters, Ariel Gore outlines the steps to “Give Yourself a Lit Star Makeover,” “Master Your Craft,” “Publish Before You’re Ready,” “Play with the Big Dogs,” and “Become a Brazen Self-Promoter.”

How to Become a Famous Writer is devoted less to the art of writing than to the art of becoming a lit star. Gore takes the stance that if your writing isn’t up to snuff just yet, constant practice and lessons from the school of hard knocks will get you where you need to be. “Publish Before You’re Ready” details ways to get your work published no matter what, on the theory that the experience of having your work in front of readers will teach you as much as endless writing classes. She addresses both traditional publishing routes, like finding an agent and an editor, as well as independent methods like zines and print-on-demand services.

Throughout, Gore interviews successful authors of various niches from household names like Dave Barry to lesser-known zine editors. Her quirky interview style gives bold insight into the guts of writing and publishing. A fast read because of Gore’s engaging style and sharp wit, it’s plain from her examples that she’s speaking from experience about mistakes she’s made and how she would do it again. I’m dying to read some of her other books and see how her voice is transformed by fiction and memoir.

The hard truth for any author in the competitive world of publishing is having to do one’s own publicity. Gore shares her experiences with promoting herself as a lit star, emphasizing the importance of writers viewing themselves as entrepreneurs. She tells how to take the promotion of your book into your own hands, whether you’re published or not, by a big house or with zines you photocopied yourself. She talks about gaining confidence through open mic performances, scheduling your own tours by grabbing some musical friends and going on a road trip, and the successes of others who have taken matters into their own hands. If it all seems like too much, too intimidating, Gore makes it sound like a blast. She doesn’t deny that promoting your own books is hard work, but her energy and enthusiasm are contagious.

“You must know that it is the writer’s job to love the world,” says Gore. Don’t let your fear of failure still your voice. The last thing you should do is sit and wait for the rejection letter, letting a publisher decide your literary fate. Anyone who works equally hard at developing their writing craft and their lit star confidence can impact the world with their writing. And why else did you want to be a writer if not to speak? Let your voice be heard.

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I saw How to Become a Famous Writer Before You’re Dead recommended on the Anti 9 to 5 Guide blog, another terrific resource for aspiring independent writers.