Page 9 - Unleashing the Creative Process.pdf
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concept is very practical, in that book copies can be ordered at any time through the publisher or an online distributor.
Every author’s objective is, of course, to reach the greatest number of people and achieve the dream of becoming “a “successful” author or, better yet, a “best- selling”author. Intruth,ifyouarenotahouseholdname,theseare,generally, terms of art. No matter how worthy, interesting, informative, poignant, humorous, enlightening or well-composed a narrative may be, there is a chance that the work will not receive the recognition that it deserves. This is largely due to the author’s obscure status and lack of proper marketing resources.
When directed toward private figures, public opinion is indeterminate, variable, and highly unpredictable – or, perhaps, too predictable, hankering (as it often does) after sensational, graphic, or tantalizing subjects, sometimes outside the purview of a given author’s purpose.
Public figures, on the other hand, can “mainstream” their books with traditional publishers and garner a huge following simply by writing a family recipe or advertising their dog’s poems on Youtube (anything is possible, and pets are muses, Ibelieve). Namerecognitioniseverything;however,everyeffortislaudatory(no matter who puts forth an idea), as long as (in my opinion) it is well-intentioned and conduces to the public’s enjoyment. What occurs next - fame, fortune or, simply, private enjoyment and inner-circle recognition - is anyone’s guess.
Take a Leap of Faith
Does this uncertainty mean that the dream must die? Not at all. Ask yourself whether you truly want to proceed. If so, summon the creative muse (even if she is on hiatus), and take a leap of faith. You have the content – and you are the source. Don’t analyze or equivocate. Simply jump into the unknown, bolstered by the parachute of trust and respect for your task and those to whom you reach out for assistance. As mentioned, trust is an essential component of the collaborative process, and must be earned. Here is where the “leap” must be undertaken with care. Explore the services of prospective ghostwriters, and ask to speak with them. Typically, ghostwriters don’t have a lot of phone time, given their extensive writing
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