Riding the Writing Rollercoaster -- a Talk by Robin Lee Hatcher

Riding the Writing Rollercoaster
April 2001 Meeting Recap w/ Robin Lee Hatcher
by
Rosanne Boettiger

Robin Lee Hatcher first published in 1984 and has 41 novels to her credit. A wonderful speaker, full of humor about the writing business and its foibles, she graced us for an entertaining, and informative hour.

Robin warns that the business of writing can steal the joy of writing. We are storytellers, first and foremost. We need to be aware of our craft and to stay in love with the art of writing.

Her thoughts on writer's/critique groups were - "find these with caution". Quick to point out that these groups are extremely helpful, she remained firm in the belief that the wrong group could hinder a writer more than help. "Finding a critique group is a little like getting married," Robin says. The wrong group can work against you. If you have a trusted friend, someone who can be honest without trying to knock you down or inserting their own voice into your writing, then go to them. Although she cautions writers, she points out that only another writer will understand what you are going through, and be able to offer valuable advice.

"Be prepared for bad feelings when you make it big, and your friends don't," Robin states. It is a sad truth in this business. Then she exhorted all of us to never become a "toxic friend".

Envy: this isn't necessarily toxic, and all of us feel it to a certain degree. Someone sells a book, or makes the New York Time's Bestseller list. You envy that person's success, but then you get over it.

Jealousy: you see what is happening to someone else, and wish it was you instead of her, and go out of your way to make fun of the author. Jealousy is petty and demeaning.

"Be prepared for the knife in the back," she says. When it comes from a friend it can be extremely hurtful, and when you need to examine your friendships. Are they based solely on your interest in writing, or are there other common factors?

With a big smile, Robin told us never to say 'yes' to that first sale phone call. Around the room, jaws had dropped. Robin continued, saying, "Tell them how excited you are, and that you need to think about it and will call them back." Once off the phone you are free to scream, dance around the room, and call all your friends. You will NOT lose the deal just because you want a little time to consider details. Then, go over the contract.

Most contracts are fairly standard, and cannot be negotiated, except for the option clauses. For these, agents are great, but you can do them on your own, just be careful. Option clauses can bind you in ways you don't understand.

For example, "The right for first look at your next book". This may sound reasonable, but you should limit it to the next book in the same category.
·    Limit the amount of time they have to look at the next book. 6 weeks is a reasonable length of time.
·    Time limit for negotiations. Again, 6 weeks is fair.
·    Protect yourself when you negotiate.

Don't compare yourself with anyone else. There are very few "big money" writers. Most of us are writing stiffs - supporting ourselves by writing, but it's just a job. Don't value yourself by only what you get paid. You will never get paid enough!

Set goals you have control over; such as the quality of your work, the length of the book, motivation of characters. Reach big, extend yourself, but make it attainable.

"Every book you write should be the book of your heart," Robin says. She goes on to explain that writing is like being pregnant. The child in the womb is the perfect child - just as the story yet to be written is the perfect story. The book you are working on now is the 2 year old having a tantrum. You cannot let thoughts of the book to come distract you from the book you are struggling with now. Many of us fear that we will loose the next story if we don't start it when the idea hits.

Robin says, "Don't rush it. Any idea that stays with you for more than the blink of an eye will still be there. Wait for it, and when it is ready to be written, it will come. Don't force it and every book you write will always be the 'book of your heart."

Rosanne Boettiger has been writing 'professionally' for six years now, but got hooked on writing in seventh grade. With several articles and short stories, and even a children's book to her credit, she is eagerly awaiting the 'big event' - the sale of her first romance.