9/10 "Writing is an art, publishing is a business"

Over the course of my college career, the overwhelming idea of writing for an industry, business, or other non-creative institution becomes very possible.  After reflecting on this I try to understand just how probable it is to find a market that I enjoy writing for, and that which will also pay bills.  However, writing has changed severely in only the last decade.  Had I been born sooner, I would not have the advantage that I do now as well every other writer graduating from college in my generation.  Each of us contains our own technique of getting the words on the page, but how is that valuable to other non-writers?  “The process” that many writers mention, exists not only in a creative sense, but perhaps even more so in business.  After studying the articles, the topic of handling rejection was the only one I felt comfortable accepting almost immediately.  Writing is a craft that needs to be focused and trained and it is entirely possible within my own means.  However, learning to say no to an acceptance letter never even crossed my mind.  This is especially helpful in the class because it provides a piece of cold truth in an environment (college) where fleeting ambitions tend to run wild in the young mind.  Evaluating a publisher or editor’s background should always be taken into account, especially with original work.  This checklist should be given to every aspiring writer.  Another article I thought was helpful was Lori A. May’s article on self-publishing.  It reminded me of people in other businesses such as media production, graphic design, and other growing niche careers in the United States today.  More and more people are self-producing and self-teaching creating a more competitive environment.  Technology has once again proved its worthiness for career-seeking college graduates.  Representing and selling yourself as a career writer, as well as connecting with other possible clients (LinkedIn) is extremely helpful.  On the other hand, when submitting poems and stories to publications, websites like Submishmash make it easier for writers to keep track of where their original pieces stand on the market.  Despite all this tech intervention, I feel most writers tend to carry a similar outlook and attitude towards creation and composition for writing.  We are all stubborn wiener dogs who will try and try again, willing to fail each time just for another chance at success.  Sometimes I have had trouble choosing certain topics to expand into detail on due to their graphic or otherwise personal nature.  My family and friends have this unspoken moral say when it comes to my writing, and the memoirs discussed in Elfrieda Abbe’s article give much insight to this issue.  The writer carries the innate instinct to spread the truth and the most accurate depiction of their vision to his or her audience.  However, it is of the greatest importance to take the people around into account for moral and ethical reasons.  While not everyone may decide to follow these rules, regardless; it continues to refurbish and mold the auteur writing style that almost every writer aspires to carry fully and effortlessly throughout their career.