Persistence

 Catherine Dilts

In the day job from which I recently retired, I outlasted many employees who had much more flash and verve. Merely showing up and doing the work contributed to my longevity at the company.

So far, my writing career seems destined for more of the same. Persistence. Refusing to give up despite obstacles and difficulties. There’s no glitz or glamour involved. Just plain hard work. The path to becoming a published author wasn’t easy.

In the 1985 dark comedy movie Better Off Dead, starring John Cusack, the main character persistently pursues attempting suicide. I saw it years ago, before exposure to real-life tragedy made this theme not funny to me in the least, so this is not a recommendation to watch the movie. The reason I mention it is due to a persistent paperboy that serves as a running gag.

The kid pursues the main character through ridiculous scenarios, demanding he pay the two dollars owed for newspaper delivery. This boy is not going to give up until he receives what is due.

I could never see myself in that paperboy’s role. I struggle with promoting myself as an author. I don’t want to be that annoying person, chasing down strangers at parties or popping up incessantly on social media, demanding attention. Becoming a running gag.

However, if you don’t let people know you wrote a book, you’re robbing them of the opportunity to support your creative endeavor (I realize how silly that sounds). My husband has prodded me out of my shell. He introduces me as his author wife, then suggests I give them my promotional book mark, which they can’t refuse without being rude.

Yes, I am that shy. When I do push myself to mention my work to strangers, I get one of four reactions.

1)     The blank stare. Perhaps a nod and a bland “that’s interesting.” But no reaction encouraging further conversation. Awkward.

2)   The negative Nellie. “I don’t read books that aren’t true.” Yes, someone said that to me, in a snide tone, instead of an apologetic, “I only read non-fiction.” People can be adept at crushing your dream with a facial expression or cutting words. This type of human is inspiration for sweet revenge. My first short story sale was based on fictionally murdering this person.

3)      The I’ve Got A Story To Tell, Too. You mention you’re an author. Two things can happen. Either this opens wide the floodgate to a dissertation on their career or hobby, all shared without taking a single breath, or expressing a shred of curiosity about your writing. A conversation is supposed to have reciprocity, right? Or, the absolute worst happens when they say, “I have a great idea for a book,” which segues into variations on, “You can write my book for me.” Implying you can't possibly have an idea interesting enough upon which to base an entire novel. But they're willing to share their brilliant inspiration.

4)      The enthusiastic fan. This person smiles and asks questions. What type of fiction do you write? They might mention their own favorite author or genre. They patiently listen to your log line or blurb. And they promise to purchase your book or request it at the library. Whether they eventually do or not hardly matters. In this moment, the fan is a shining angel to the struggling author.

Ironically, my experience as an introverted author attempting to toot my own horn has made me a better listener. I feel for people who just need an audience, for whatever brief space of time. Honestly, wouldn’t the world be a better place if we all exhibited a little more conversational patience? Less me me me and more how is your life going?

But back to promotion, in most ways the antithesis of listening.

The rejections don’t bother me. Much. I recall the story told by a famous author during a writing conference (of course I don’t recall who) going into a bookstore and offering to sign copies of their recent release. The shop attendant gleefully brought out a stack of books – by a different author. Oops.

Whether a famous bestseller or their polar opposite, all authors struggle with achieving recognition for their work. The only thing you really have control over is to keep writing. Do what you love. Be persistent.