Writing proceeds apace on the Joshua tree book. I’ve finished a chapter that introduces the dynamics of the grass-fire cycle, and am getting ready to dive into the next one without stopping for breath.
I’ve been doing a lot of thinking spurred by Beth’s post here, on the fate of fine writing and small-house print publishing in the wake of the Internet. (Why yes. Nets can have wakes. I’ve seen them.) In particular, I’ve been thinking about this passage toward the end of her post, where she works toward a Conclusion To Be Expanded Upon Later:
It may be a radical concept, but I think serious poets and writers (especially those emerging from blogging and online grassroots communities, rather than the academia and the traditional literary world) need to gain the self-respect and confidence to refrain from publishing all their work for free online, so that their collected works in print gain in value and desirability.
She has a point. I’ve decided that with perhaps a couple exceptions along the way — work for which I’m soliciting specific feedback, maybe — I’m going to stop putting book chapters up on the site. Of course, if any of you would like to volunteer to edit drafts along the way, let me know.
Beth also says:
Readers need to support these efforts by buying the works of writers they read and admire on the web, perhaps using more of their book-buying dollars for short-run books and chapbooks, and using the library more for mass-market titles.
I couldn’t agree more. Her small press, Phoenicia Publishing, has just released Odes to Tools, a collection of poetry by our friend Dave Bonta. You should pick up a copy. And we still have copies of Walking With Zeke available for sale as well.
if any of you would like to volunteer to edit drafts along the way, let me know.
*raises hand*
Although I have professionally edited ONE COOKBOOK, I don’t think my skillz are sufficient to find any flaws in YOUR writing, Chris! I am sure I would read it and just say “It’s FIne!”
That article (Beth’s) is RIGHT ON THE MONEY! I agree one hundred percent. Quit sharing your writing for free all the time, I am EXACTLY the kind of asshole who will pay top dollar for it happily, provided that I haven’t already read it all for free already.
I wish that I would win a multi-state giant payoff lottery, so that I could set up a publishing house to pay writers giant bux for writing stuff, without having to worry about making any money at all off the enterprise. If fact, I kind of think that if I am not even TRYING to make any money, I will probably make tons. But a need a couple of million to get started! Like THIRTY MILLION. YES. YES THAT WOULD DO NICELY.
Chris,
Best of luck with the book and I look forward to reading the final product. I’d be happy to provide a sounding board on your chapters if you need volunteers.
-shaun
Happy to wield a red pen on drafts anytime! Just holler (tweet, ping, whatever..).
Hi Chris.
I bought Walking with Zeke two days ago and could not put it down. I held my breath every chapter, hoping you and Zeke would be ok for just a little longer. I felt your pain in the good moments because you were wondering every time if it would be the last time. Your descriptions of your surroundings are pure poetry and as beautiful as anything I have ever read.
Naturally, since I just got to the end of your book, I’m bawling. Thank you for sharing so much of your life. I already left a review on Amazon. I will recommend your book to all of my friends.
Thanks for the plug, Chris—I really appreciate it.