Introducing…
Friday, October 26, 2007Author Flo Fitzpatrick was kind enough to take the time to write a guest blog for my readers (and donate a prize to one lucky one…so keep reading). Without further ado, here it is…
Taking Risks
A brief intro. I’m Flo Fitzpatrick and I write “romantic suspense/mystery with humor and some splashes of paranormal.” (Four books to date.) Jennifer was kind enough to invite me to blog after we “met” through an online loop of authors and readers. I’m also a choreographer and performer, although the performing is more singing than dancing now.
When I started musing, “What should I blog about?” a conversation from ten months ago flashed into my head. I’d been chatting after a meeting of my local RWA chapter with two very delightful ladies. We were discussing an upcoming conference and I asked them if they were going to try and get an appointment with an editor or agent. Identical sheepish looks crossed their faces when they stated, “no.” I asked why not and was told that they’d had appointments the year before. They been quite successful because the editors had asked to see the full manuscript they’d been pitching. The problem was they didn’t have a full manuscript to send. They’d never finished writing. A year had passed and the “book” still languished somewhere on a computer.
Fast forward to the last few weeks I’ve been living in Manhattan. I keep meeting people who ask me what I do and when I say “I’m a writer” they get excited and respond, “Me too!” We talk about what we write (mystery, sci-fic, women’s fiction, romance - it runs the gamut.) They ask if I’m published. I reply, “Yes - you?” The answer always seems like Yogi Berra’s famous, “déjà vu all over again.” ”Well, I haven’t finished anything yet.” Or “I haven’t sent anything out.”
Apparently there’s a huge fear of taking risks out in the world today. Painters don’t finish the painting. Writers don’t finish the story or play. Sculptors leave an arm or two on the floor. I’m not a psychologist but I can only surmise that a lot of this is fear of rejection or failure. So, for anyone interested, I’ve been working in fields notorious for rejections and I’d like to state for the record “Rejections don’t kill you.” Yes, they may make you head for the nearest carton of Double Chocolate Rocky Road, but it’s a pretty sure bet you’ll survive.
I personally think it’s hard to grow as a person unless you take risks. Not necessarily deep sea diving for buried treasure or bungee jumping into the Grand Canyon (unless you’re a Criss Angel and have an idea of what you’re doing!) but getting back to finishing - or starting something you’ve dreamed about doing for years - then why not just take that risk? Sure, there’s a possibility that the book won’t be published, the painting won’t become part of an exhibition, but if you think you can handle rejection - or success - then give it a go.
Finish that novel or play or even short story - and send it out. Finish that canvas or mold that piece of marble. Whatever your passion is, don’t be afraid to take a risk. If absolutely nothing else, you can be proud that you finished - something half the world doesn’t do.
Thanks, Jennifer, for letting me muse about risks today!
Thank YOU, Flo, for being a guest! This was a wonderful and inspiring post! I know I definitely need to take more risks.
Flo Fitzpatrick’s latest literary enterprise is a risk - it’s an “E-book” which is a new venture for her in publishing. Haunting Melody can be found at www.cerridwenpress.com Flo is also a partner with Athena Critique Services. Check out the weekly writing tips (no risk!) at www.athenacrits.com. And for a peek at first chapters of Flo’s previous books, her web site is www.flofitzpatrick.com
Available now at www.cerridwenpress.com
This giveaway is going to be a quickie giveaway!
One lucky reader will win an ebook copy of Haunting Melody from Flo.
To enter just leave a comment below, but hurry this contest ends at NOON EST, Saturday October 27! The winner will be announced some time Saturday!
Comment as many times as you like, but only one entry per person will be counted!
Please read the contest rules before entering!
So tell me, do you take risks?
We in NJ Romance Writers have a motto on our t-shirts that reads, “Finish the damn book!”
If not for yourself, for the sake of the characters! Don’t leave them hanging in mid-air, don’t let them go loveless forever…and while you’re finishing up their stories, dare to send it out to an editor or two.
You can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs. The only way to see your dreams come true is to finish the book and send it out. The only way!
who doesnt?
though not a writer
life is one big risk
Enjoyed the post! I think having children is a risk and I gave birth to two so that must make me a big risk-taker.
I tend to shy away from risks. I know you can’t always avoid them, but I try my best to be prepared when they come along.
Enjoyed the post. Yes I took several risks and I am proud of some I have done. One is with my own business doing book thongs, arts & craft
something I enjoy doing.
Hugssss
LindaH
Having children is a risk. Life is one big risk. Like Flo Fitzpatrick said it is hard to grow as a person unless you take risks. Enjoyed the post!
Flo Fitzpatrick is one of the best writers there is in New York City. Her Bollywood novel “Hot Stuff” is running towards film production - to commense production before Christmas 2007. Time Square had better get ready for this Bollywood Parade!
“Hot Stuff” will be directed by one of the biggest name directors there is in the industry - “War of the Worlds” - “Gangs of New York” and “Die Another Day” loaded with this director’s talent.
The novel by Flo Fitzpatrick - “Hot Stuff” will become a best seller for Kensington Books with the release of the Bollywood movie. There is no greater risk than making a movie, and Flo Fitzpatrick’s talent as an author is more than worthy of the risk we all take.
When you write from the heart and soul the risk as an author is minimal. For those who have not read “Haunting Melody”, buy a copy, the chances of seeing this story go into production is a risk we would be willing to take.
Pamela Faye
Associate Producer
Rolling Seas Productions