Friday, March 7, 2008
A Fly on the Wall
I have this uncanny ability to wonder into bookstores at the most opportune moments. I never check local papers for authors appearing at local bookstores, but it appears I have a homing device that clues me in on such occurrences. 
This past Saturday I wondered into a local bookstore and found a large crowd waiting in line for a book signing. The author was Homer Hickam. Mr. Hickam is a native of West Virginia who grew up in the coalfields. His book entitled Rocket Boys generated the 1999 movie October Sky. As a boy, Hickam launched a rocket from a coalfield, and later became a NASA rocket scientist. He has a new book release called Red Helmet. The book tells the story of a Sonya Hawkins, a wealthy and beautiful woman, who falls in love with a coal mine manager, and has a rude awakening when she reaches the coalfields from the streets of NYC. Sonya’s marriage gradually unravels, and a tragedy strikes causing Sonya to don the novice red miner’s helmet and go deep within the mine. Inside the mine, she learns more about herself than she ever imagined possible. While Hickam visited Huntington this weekend, he launched a scholarship program for Marshall University. You might recall the movie We Are Marshall starring Matthew McConaughey. It was about a fatal plane crash in 1970 that claimed the lives of the coaches and members of the Marshall Football team. This scholarship benefits the same University depicted in the movie.
I did something at this book signing that I have never done before. I stood in a corner and observed. I’ve attended book signings before, but I’ve always participated, this time I wanted to be an observer. I’ve found that in some situations you can learn so much more from observation and speculation. In this instance, I couldn’t have been more on target. I watched each individual’s face as they approached Hickam. As at most book signings, their expressions signified awe and gratitude for work well done. Hickam never wavered. He graciously signed each individual’s book, and spoke to them a few moments. He also did an interview with the local news. At certain points during the process, I saw fatigue in Hickam’s expression, but the smile never left his face and he remained the same gracious author. I was impressed, and couldn’t help but wonder what it feels like to attain that kind of success. How launching a rocket in a field as a boy led to the man sitting in front of me. I wondered how it felt to obtain success and then bring it home to where it all began.
I am struggling to write my first WIP. This man has six published books, is a former rocket scientist, and has a movie based on one of his books. What kind of determination does it take to obtain that level of success? If I gained nothing else from observing this man, I received a large dose of inspiration. I thought about how I have grumbled to myself in the last several weeks about the rigors of writing a book. I asked myself is it that difficult, or am I defeating the purpose before I ever begin? This man obviously has put forth a great deal of time and effort to obtain his place in the literary world, as well as use his extreme intelligence to improve space science. In observing Mr. Hickam, I was able to put my own goals in perspective. When God gives me skill, I shouldn’t grumble if it takes hard effort to produce a product of that skill. I need to thank him for it, and view it as a privilege to use it for achievement.
The most important denominating factors for achievement is determination and the belief in one‘s self. I view writing a book like losing weight; nobody can diet for me, just as no one can write my WIP. The desire comes from an ideal that you can do anything your heart desires as long as you want it badly enough.
I believe that the culmination of success is not reached just because you publish, for at that point, the real test begins. You must maintain your game. You have to prove to the world that you’re not a one-book wonder.
This weekend I observed an enormously successful man, and couldn’t help but think how it felt to be sitting on his side of the table. I can’t imagine walking into a bookstore and observing my book upon a shelf, or opening the newspaper and reading my name on the NYT bestseller list. I want to know what it feels like to become a full time writer. I want to be able to give part of my success back to my community. Overall, I want to achieve a dream.
I hope I get the chance to live that dream, and I hope that when I do, I handle it with the same gentle graciousness that I saw displayed in Homer Hickam.
What are your aspirations of success? When you become successful, do you plan to do more with that success than publishing more books? If you are already published, how did it feel to learn you succeeded, and do you feel a tremendous amount of pressure to maintain that success? Do you believe in the power of observance?
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52 comments:
If you're are even the slightest bit competitive, there's always going to be pressure. Pressure you put on yourself, pressure of those professionals around you. You just have to learn how to manage it. Compartimentalize it into managable sections that won't overwhelm you all at one time.
I don't know if I think about actual success. I will say that I told Hellion if I ever have a chacne to give a speech at some fancy conference, I will reference TS in some way of changing my life. My writer life. Made me think differently about emotions and actions.
You know what I'd like to do? I'd like to mentor young girls who want to write. It'd be nice to inspire another girl to pick up a pen and put words down on a piece of paper. Something to show herself. Give her confidence. Self-esteem. Though eventually it will drive her crazy, but hey.. what's a girl to do?
Other than that, if I had money, the bukoo bucks, I'd donate it to a women's shelter.
I have to say being published and having books collecting dust in a bookstore somewhere is enough for me. Oh, of course, I'd love to read my name on the New York Times list ,or give an interview, or be a keynote speaker at a conference. But all of that seems, I don't know, so distant. But being published, for now anyway, is my BIG thing. After that who knows.
I have no doubt, however, that I'll see all of your names on the NY Times list one day based on your excellent blogging voices alone. Thanks for such a great blog! And yes I do believe firmly in observation.
I'm an observer by nature. I prefer to watch everyone around me, human nature is rather fascinating. Especially men--that's probably why I write men easier than women.
I would like to be a 'successful' author. And I don't want much more than publishing for the rest of my life. Well... if I ever picked up my other passion again, playing with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra would kick ass, and it would make me just as happy, if not happier than publishing... but at this stage, that's just a dream...lol
I know envisioning the future is key to even those with grave illnesses; they imagine themselves well and it often comes true. Positive thinking is no joke. But I don't let my mind get far into the future, and don't know if that affects my productivity. I tend to go book by book, project to project. I'm hopeful yet doubtful at the same time. I still say "IF I get published" instead of "WHEN I get published." And I'd much rather be the writer at home than the schmoozer at a convention.
I'm another believer in positive thinking. I have absolutely NO DOUBTS that I *will* be a published author and that I'll be able to make a living at it someday soon.
I know there's the pressure, as Sin pointed out, but despite that, what better way to live than living your passion?
I've gone into bookstores and visualized a row of books on the shelf with my name and a shelfhanger beneath proclaiming "Local Author". I've had dreams where I was published.
My goals after publication--to promote literacy, especially in women and to promote the romance/women's fiction genre in hopes to dilute the sterotype that it's all "fluff".
Wow, Lisa. What a cool guy to meet. And what a neat thing to get to watch. I do watch people a bit but I'm such an extrovert that I end up talking their ear off more than watching.
Funny thing is I'm less wrapped up in whether I can get published than if I can just finish something. At this point, getting to the end is my biggest challenge. I probably shouldn't try to think too far ahead of that.
I don't picture my books on the shelves or consider ever giving a speech at a convention - though that wouldn't freak me out in the least. I just want to finish a dang book.
Did you ever go talk to Mr. Hickam?
And I forgot to mention that I like to people watch. I can go to the library, curl up in one of the chairs in the third deck with a book and observe the madness below all day. Bookstores are the same way. Or walking through the mall or Walmart. Or Target. You get a good idea of how a person acts by the way they express theirselves.
I'm sorry I don't have much time to comment this AM. I appreciatre all the food for thought, and input.
I agree Sin, TS was a life changing book for me as well. It proved to me that you can make an alpha male mysterious and vulnerable at the same time and not lose his edge.
Kelly and Tiff, it is okay to have publishing as your main goal and not think beyond that moment. I didn't in any way mean to belittle publishing as a goal, I just wanted to see everyone's view on what lies beyond that moment.
Maggie, I like your ideal. Publish one book at a time and focus on the now. It seems less stressful than getting bent out of shape about things out of your control.I love your positive outlook.
Cinthia,good for you, I'm sure we will see you published, and I love your cause. Promoting literacy is a subject that gets addressed too little in this country.
Ter, the book signing was done by a lottery method. You took a number and they called it out when you could get your book signed. Unfortunately I didn't have the time to wait. It was a very large crowd,I didn't get to meet Mr. Hickam.
I am with you, I would love to finish a book.
I read a published author's advice to aspiring authors and I can't remember now who it was, but it really stuck with me. She basically said that there are only two options for aspiring authors: write and get published or give up and quit.
This seemed a bit harsh to me at first but it made me think that so often I put a timeframe on getting published (ie I want to get published in the next two years, etc). But, there really doesn't have to be a timeframe. I can just keep going, working hard, until I can't write anymore.
I would feel successful if people just liked to read the stories I write. I love reading for the feelings it gives me and I want to do that too. Publishing, etc, is just a byproduct to getting people to read my stories and, hopefully, have them smile and forget their problems for a few hours.
But, don't get me wrong, I'm not going to turn my nose at any money I make, though. LOL!!
Oh, I didn't think you were belitteling publishing as a goal. Sorry if I came across poorly. I think it's fantastic that you're looking beyond publishing. I would love to be on the NY times list, to make gobs of money and be on talk shows. I can see myself saying: "Well, Jay, there's more than just sex to my books."lol. I just meant my first and foremost goal was publishing and I'd be ok if no one ever bought the books.
Again I'm so sorry that I came across like big goals weren't ok.
Oh, I didn't' think you were belittling either... kinda hard to do that when publishing is really a HUGE accomplishment. Don't fret...all is good.
Kelly, I love what you want to say to Jay. LOL And no, you didn't come across wrong at all.
I take my goals in baby steps. I write one moment, one scene at a time.My first goal is to finish a book. I would love to publish, but it won't devastate me if it never happens. I'm all about the journey, and what I learn in the process. Thanks for commenting:)
Sin, I LOVE to people watch. I have found it is a great tool in writing character reaction and action.
Marnee, I like the concept of the author's comment. It's a do it or don't world, if we don't do it someone else will.
I'm like you it's enough for me for someone to comment that I touched them with my story.The money is nice as well. *g*
Lis, can you imagine us sitting at a coffee shop in the mall. Neither one of us would be talkin', we'd both be staring at people. And let's just say that sometimes I'm not 007 at it. LOL
Lisa, brilliant blog! Very inspirational! (Have you thought of becoming a motivational speaker? I could probably get you a good deal on a van.)
And I love that line: if I want to diet, other people can't lose the weight for me. *LOL* VERY TRUE and a good analogy.
*LOL* Sin and I had that convo about 12 Sharp last night. I said I could totally see that as her keynote speech...and that to shake things up a bit, mine would reference Harry Potter.
My friend Pat Jenkins had the most wonderful definition of success--
"Be happy with what you are doing. Feel good about it. Help others or look out for others. Success is being contented and finding something that makes you happy. People should be able to say they have been truthful their whole life. They should have a little fun and enjoy laughs with friends."
But if I got to the level of success that I had several books published...I'd like to buy my own house. And travel a little. That's basically what I want. I want to supplement my income enough to buy a house--and travel.
Everything else would be... *shrugs*
Hellion, is this the time I admit to being a motivational speaker at the women's conferences at my church? LOL And I'll keep in mind the van offer:)
I wish others could lose weight for me, I have a friend that's a marathon runner. She could do wonders for my body...
I can't wait for you and Sin's speeches, I'm sure that they will be great...and you know we'll have to go out for cheese dip after!
*LOL* Kelly, I've fantasized about being a guest on Leno too! (Crap, though he's retiring in a year or so! It won't be the same with Conan.) Maybe you can do Letterman instead...and do a Drew Barrymore. No wait, that might not prove that the books aren't only about sex.
I'm trying to think: do they interview writers on talk shows? Well, except Oprah--though I think Lisa might be able to pull off publishing an Oprah book. I think Hollywood thinks of writers like they poked fun at on Shakespeare in Love. Actor 1: "Who's that?" (pointing to Will Shakespeare.) Actor 2: *looks* "Who? Oh, he's nobody; he's the writer." *LOL*
Thank goodness Captain cleared up that TS thing. I was really confused.
Lisa - if you figure out how that runner could lose weight for you, pass the secret my way, huh?
And I'd buy a ticket to see those speeches. I'm sure words like "spider monkey", "monkey ninja", and "rum" will make it in there somewhere. LOL!
I'm a confirmed people watcher too, and a college campus is a great place to indulge. :)
I dream of being published, but the TV appearances and conference speeches hold no allure for me. I prefer the anonymity of browsing in a bookstore and hearing a reader exclaim "I loved that book" and realizing the book she's talking about is mine. Or of responding to an email from a reader who will be as thrilled to receive my message as I was the first time I received a message from MJP or Eloisa James or Anne Gracie. The best seller list and hefty royalty check would be nice, but they really do not fuel my dreams.
And I don't want to be interviewed on Leno, I just want his job.
So when I'm the host of The Tonight Show, it will be all writers all the time!
Teri, I like the way you think. I want to see Hellion on your show tell all about her cake=plot theory.lol.
And,yeah,Hellion it won't be the same on Conan, but I'll take it and Letterman too.lol.
You realize if you have Leno's job, you'd have to let someone else talk occasionally, right? And you might even have to agree with their opinions occasionally.
He doesn't debate, he interviews. And I'll have you know I'm an excellent interviewer. You forget I did this in my former life. LOL!
Sorry, Kelly, I have officially made it a rule that I can't talk cooking with Terri while I'm physically located within choking distance. It would have to be one of those satellite interviews, with the delayed questions and answers.
For Terri's safety.
I appreciate your consideration. Though I'm sure we would be perfectly fine. It's plotting with a *cake* reference. I could totally handle that.
And it's cake! You can't put cumin in a cake!
On to safer subjects-
I think Conan and I would get along fabulously. Both cracking stupid jokes and laughing manacially like loons. Yup, it would be great. I'd have to touch his hair of course.
But I'm like Lisa. I want to be that type of writer that is very rarely scene in public. Who is down to earth and has a group about my series and plays on it every day with fans. Who will take the time to email a fan back and talk to them about inane stuff going on. That's the type of writers I admire.
Yes, but you can put cloves and nutmeg.
Yes, you can put nutmeg and cloves in cake.
And I can totally see Conan and Sin in an interview. How weird is that? I mean, it's literally unfolding like a bit of movie reel, complete with tossing his coxcomb hair and laughing maniacally, tugging at his tie.
I'm sorry for having restarted the cooking tangent.
Kelly, I forgot to give you a huge thanks and a big hug your your wonderful comment about our blogging voices. You're such a sweetie pie.
It's not a tangent. And why are you apologizing? I'm not the teacher.
And Conan and I would get along just great. My interview would consist of us talking about his ring spinning, his guiter playing, manaic interns, his strike beard (which I loved) and his hiliarous jokes.
And you wouldn't have to look down to talk to him. That might be nice.
You're right. I think he's about Matty's height. I'd be wearing boots. That's the perfect height for me to converse with someone.
Hellion I love the cooking tangent.lol.
And Sin you've definitely made going on Conan seem more appealing. He's very funny. Maybe he'd take me for a ride on his desk.lol. Wait I just read how that sounds.lol. But he used to have a sketch where he'd drive his desk around with an audience member or guest with a fake moving background...And I was attempting to keep my convo out of the gutter*sigh*
I remember taking a ride on Conan's Desk...that was a funny skit when he did it. Campy but fun.
Having Conan take you for a ride on his desk totally seems appropriate for a famous romance novelist guest, Kelly...I say go for it, and gutter-minded snipes be darned!
Sorry, but since I don't watch Conan, (HOW LATE DO YOU PEOPLE STAY UP?!) I went right to the gutter.
But I pretty much live there so don't mind me.
I love when he does the French guy skit and turns his desk into one of those scooters. I know I've seen him do it once. He puts on this fake accent and equally fake mustache and a beret and a scarf... It's hilarious.
As to how long I stay up. I get about 4 hours of sleep a night. On a good night. LOL
Teri, the gutter can be lots of fun.lol.
We're an hour behind you, Terri. Leno comes on at 10:30 (not 11:30) and Conan comes on at 11:30.
When I was in NYC, I was amazed at how much later everything was shown. I'm amazed anyone watched what I term the 9 pm shows (who watches Grey's at 10 pm? I'm in bed by then and reading and such.)
I don't know if Kelly lives in our neck of the woods...but if she does, that's what makes it easier for us to "stay up later".
Kelly is with me but she's a college student so she needs no sleep. LOL! Hell, when I was in college, I never slept.
It has been weird to grow up in Eastern time zone then live in the Central for 10 years. And even after 10 years, my family could never figure it out.
Really? Folks, it's one hour. Come on....
For me Grey's is at 9:00, but LEno is 11:30. I'm in Florida. And I haven't stayed up for LEno or conana in a while. I love my DVR.lol.
You're right about little sleep Teri. But I devote it to reading or studying. Mostly reading.lol.
It has been a long time since I've been up on purpose past 11:30. :)
Me publish an Oprah book, surely you jest...
I can see it now. I'n sitting on Oprah's leather sofa, and looking spectacular I might add. Oprah is making comments about how she wants a pair of FMP'S just like mine....*eye roll* You all are in the front row waiting for the second segment which features Eric Bana. Sin is whispering "Lis you've tooted your horn enough, get over yourself. Oprah get Eric out here so I spider monkey his ass."
Yes, I do believe it would happen just like that. LOL!
You're good....
I wouldn't whisper.
And there definitely wouldn't be any whispering going on if Eric Bana showed up on Oprah with his 5 o'clock shadow, faded jeans and black boots. There might be frantic fanning and fainting *maybe* but more in likely Oprah would end up with a fine from the FCC.
Fines, screaming, Eric broken in half from Hellion and Sin fighting over him ...yep I can see it all.
yeah but who would get which end?
Dear Lisa:
Thank you for including me in your blog. I wish we could have met that day. Yes, it was a very long line but I believe if anyone is going to take the time to come out to see me, I'm going to take the time to make eye contact, listen to each story from each person in the line, and do what I can to make the event a personal and enjoyable one. That's just my philosophy when out on book tour or making a speech, or any other venue.
That said, since yours is a writer's blog, let me say that I was no overnight success. I started when I was in my late 20's as a free-lance writer mostly submitting articles to (of all things) scuba magazines. I was a scuba instructor and I saw a niche that I could fill. Pretty soon, I was in demand because I could write and I figured out how to make my writing interesting. Getting published in magazines is great raw training for writing novels and other books in that you learn how to grab readers in the first paragraph and also how to tell a succinct story with a beginning, middle, and end. Surprising how many writers forget that simple requirement! In any case, if your readers will go to www.homerhickam.com and click on "Advice to Writers" I have more suggestions on how to they might improve their writing and also how to get published.
I admire you and what you do. Next time, please sneak in and say hello. I love my fellow writers. Believe me, when it comes to wondering if a publishing contract will ever happen, we've all been there. We are family, we writers, who love writing AND reading.
Best wishes and keep aiming high,
Homer Hickam
www.homerhickam.com
Mr. Hickam,
Thank you for taking the time to comment. I'm honored. I hope that the next time you visit Huntington I'm prepared and schedule my day without an impatient 8 year old in tow:)
I have visited your website and the advice you've posted for writers is very helpful. I know some fellow writers who have started the same way you did. I can understand how writing free lance articles can help tremendously with writing skill, and be used as stepping stones to bigger aspirations.
Your success is inspirational. Thank you once again.
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