Into the Fire

I'm not in the high school frame of mind when it comes to the writing world. Admittedly, that's a bit unfair, but let's be real: the publishing world is clique-y. Since it's important to make good impressions on future business associates, all you have to do to be reminded of what it felt like to either be in the "popular" crowd or aspire to be in the "popular" crowd, is to read the blog comments on professionals' posts, be it their blogs, Facebook, or Twitter. Idolatry is alive and well in the publishing industry.

Hey, for a short season I felt like every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the professionals held special benefits for all who read or heard them. Until I realized most of what is advised and discussed has to do with the "rules" of writing, conduct, and solicitation. This is no doubt for the convenience of repeating solid advice to the ever-present newcomers to the writing world. If the pros can get them schooled early, just maybe that stack of ill-written or undesirable manuscripts in the slush piles will diminish. Not likely, but getting ahead of the curve never hurts.

Some of the pros go the distance for future clients, show their generous spirits and humility. Others elevate their noses in the air ever so slightly just like that one blonde who dated the senior QB in high school used to do.

In reality we're all just people at different places in the writing universe. Equal in every way except in our writing appeal. The old phrase "to each his own" really holds significant meaning when your writing is being evaluated, and it's important to realize that just because you're not in the "in crowd" writing-wise doesn't mean your writing isn't any good. It can mean that, but it isn't a given.

I'm not easily impressed with professionals. It's not that I don't admire the success and acquired knowledge. I do. However, they're just people with their own set of tastes, "rules", motivations, and decisions to make. Just like you and me. 

Father, we're not special. You make us worthy in your Name. Apart from you, we can do nothing. Help us to remember our equality in you – and act accordingly. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.