Writing
Gifts of the ABNA
March 02, 2008 00:07
Gifts of the ABNA
by Jeff Fielder
When Valya approached me and asked if I’d write the inaugural column for ABNA Books’ first month, initially I was excited and incredibly honored. But as I lay in my nightly insomnia-induced coma, stewing over the words I’d write, the things I’d say, it hit me like falling rocks: What in the world am I doing? What in the world am I going to say? I’m supposed to write something hundreds of other authors can read. Authors who can write circles around me in their sleep, mind you.
My stomach twisted in knots. Had there been a mirror near my desk, I think I would have looked a bit froggish.
At some point, I must have fallen asleep, because I remember waking up. But I certainly didn’t feel rested. I’ve been in a stupor all day, thinking and over-thinking.
ABNA Books. What a great concept. Valya with her marketing genius has given us a place to keep the dream alive. If statistics prove anything, most of us will not be published. That’s just the nature of the beast. No one sits down hoping to write a book no one will read. When we all sit at that keyboard turning thoughts, and dreams, and words into a cohesive story, we’re not thinking, “Man, I sure hope my bleeding pen and sleepless nights are for naught!” But that’s a sad reality of this business. Most don’t make it.
We do this for a reason. We want people to read our stories. We want to connect with people who we’ve never met and reveal a piece of ourselves that all too often remains guarded and hidden. For most of us, we are much better writers than orators. By opening our literary veins and spilling something akin to blood on paper, we are able to somehow be the people we really are inside.
The beauty of this contest is that our words were actually out there for literally millions (billions?) of people to read. For most of us, it was a chance to connect in ways we’ve never had, and to realize our dreams that, sadly, would not have come true any other way. Think about it: 836 novels, 836 people putting it all out there for public scrutiny. Here I am. Rip it all apart and show me how to put it back together.
It’s enough to drive anyone closer to that creative cliff.
Only one author wins the prize, but in the end, we all won. How many reviews did you get? How many amazingly positive things did you hear about your words (your babies)?
Beyond all that, beyond all the pats on the back, how many friends did you make? For me, that’s the biggest prize of all. I can go to any major city in America and meet up for a drink and conversation with people who before this contest didn’t exist in my world. Doesn’t that just boggle your mind? It does mine.
The forums were our silly little playground. We talked about everything and nothing, and in the end, we connected. That is a truly amazing gift. Top prize $25,000? Chump change. I made a friend. Or maybe two.
I would be remiss if I didn’t thank Valya for her efforts. She’s put a lot of work into this site. She’s an amazingly talented and selfless writer. She’s a gift.
For the rest of you (us), good luck. No one gets published without perseverance and determination, and yes, a pocket full of four-leaf clovers certainly helps. There is no recipe for guaranteed success, but there is one common ingredient:
Keep writing.
Jeff Fielder is the author of Life & Death. After serving six years as a Russian Linguist in Military Intelligence, Jeff earned his degree in Journalism from the University of North Texas. Today he is a graphic designer and freelance writer and photographer in Kansas City, Mo. He is also the author of a non-fiction book, Reflections: A Folklore History of Lewisville, Texas. You can reach Jeff at jfielder13@yahoo.com
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