the craft. zoom out.

I’m close to six months post publishing date and it feels like every day there’s a 2022 book roundup that I’m not on. Now, this could launch you into a myriad of feelings. “Maybe my book wasn’t good.” “Maybe I should hang it all up.” But I’m actually happy to report that I’m kind of past that point in my career. It’s not that I don’t have those moments, but they are fleeting. I know I write well. I’ve convinced myself of that at this point. However, I am human, so when moments of uncertainty creep in, I ask myself, “how do I zoom out?”

When we have those thoughts, it’s often because we’ve zoomed in too much thinking our absence from that kind of reverence is a personal assault to our talent. It’s not. The reality here is that it’s hard enough to be published. Honestly, most people will never even get across that finish line. Then once you are published, the reality is that many authors can struggle to sell more than 500 copies. So congratulations if somehow you’ve gotten past those first two steps. Zoom out.

Lists, starred reviews, critical acclaim are still based on opinions. Remember, even getting published is hella subjective. I’ve resolved that the critical acclaim that matters the most are the messages I receive from readers.

What this all does make me think about is how do I continue the momentum after the fanfare of the release? How do I keep the conversation going? How do I continue to build my marketing strategy now that the inbox is a lot slower from the publisher side? For me that means, continuing to build my network of writers. I’ve met a whole gang of LA authors recently. I’m also working on some social and visual assets to continue selling the idea of a film/TV option. Remember, the algorithm is not kind and even though you may feel like you’ve posted about your book ad nauseam, there are still people who will have no idea you wrote a book.

You know what I’ve learned is the most important thing to do during all the lulls of publishing? Whether it’s waiting on copy edits or contracts? Regrouping after the release? Keep writing. Writing is one of those crafts where I feel like you’ll only get better with time.

When I first embarked on this journey, I had no clue I would actually sell my book. It was a lofty dream. And once I did, I knew this was only a building block of where I hoped to get to. Zooming out has been working on the next project. Then revising the one after that. While I was waiting on edits in 2020, I wrote a whole different novel. And after that, I have notebooks filled with ideas.

Joél Leon reminded me a while ago now that writing is a long game. You cannot allow the instant gratification of today’s society blind you to the reality of this age old craft. Keep working while the world is conspiring for your ascension.

These things tend to have the opposite effect on me where they only make me want to work harder. And that day will come of starred reviews and end of the year roundups. But even then, I will remember not to listen to my ego when I’m up and not to listen to my ego when I’m down. That is what will help you be able to tune out all the noise and continue doing the work you were made to do. Zoom out.

I hope you’ve been okay with me sharing mindsets in addition to craft because writing is as much a mental game as anything.

Writing/Job Opportunities

Pitch interviews with interesting people to Lola Christina about unique job diaries, work morning routines, side hustles, drastic career changes, young people making a lot of money doing unconventional jobs, for Insider. lalao@insider.com.

Inverse is looking for pitches. Ambitious features about TV, Movies, Gaming, Science, and Tech. $1000 for deeply reported and original features (and less $ for less ambitious work). Email: jacob@inverse.com.

Made in LA is accepting submissions. (Dec. 31)

Word in Black is hiring a Community Engagement Manager.

Law and Crime Network is hiring a Deputy Managing Editor.

Pittsburgh City Paper is hiring an Editor-In-Chief.

The City is hiring a Newsletter Writer. (65-83k).

Noema Mag is hiring a Senior Editor. (110-160k).

Insider Inc is hiring a Personal Finance Editor. (65-70k).