We’re going hypothetical today. It’s like a thought experiment on steroids, only if the steroids had themselves had been taking steroids in order to become super steroids on steroids. Or not. Here goes.
Question #1: Let’s say there was a seer who could tell you definitively whether or not you have the talent to be a published writer. Absolute 100% accuracy. But. If the seer person said no, that’s that. Final answer. Would you want to know?
Question #2: If the seer person said no, you don’t have the talent to be a published writer, would you still write?
Linda says
Yes. I like oracles.
Yes, but I’d stop writing synopses and queries and wasting postage on the ‘real’ seers – agents and editors.
I think freeing myself from the possibility of commercial publication, from constantly imagining how to ‘fit’ my ‘too literary’ stories into an increasingly flaky and dismal market might actually improve my writing. And then, I’d self-publish and promote like hell, and feel fine with it, integrity intact. Peace, Linda
heather simmons says
To answer your first question, I would have to say I’d want to know. It would give me an opportunity to adjust my perception and perhaps, nurture other parts of me that will flourish more. It would be a harsh truth but one that would make me realize that maybe PA is a great opportunity after all! If I think I’m too good for them right now only to find out later that I was wrong, that would feel like more of a loss. And to answer your second question of whether or not I would stop writing? Never. I may stop sharing it with others and I may evern stop seeing it as a future career. But, I would never stop putting my crazy thoughts and feelings into safe little words that serve as my only confirmatin of reality. Ever.
susandc says
Oh and one more addendum to that. I believe anyone who wants to succeed can do it. Swimmer Dara Torres (41 years old and going to the Beijing Olympics) is proof enough for me that if you really believe in yourself and are willing to back it up with hard work, you can make it!
Anonymous says
Yes, I would. My writing is for me. It is something I could not live without.
Sunrisen Traveler says
I’m not sure if I would want to know or not. I don’t think so. I don’t write to get published, I write because it’s a part of who I am.
Getting published – at this point – would be a nice perk, and would, in all honesty, give me a nice sense of validation. Knowing I could never get published would just be needlessly depressing and discouraging.
In short:
Q #1: No
Q #2: Yes
Interesting questions 🙂
AmyB says
1. Yes, I’d want to know.
2. If the seer told me definitively and with 100% accuracy that I’d never have the talent to be a published writer, yes, I’d stop writing with the intent to be published. I’d probably write fanfic instead. Or take up a non-writing hobby.
jellybean says
Yes, I’d want to know, but yes, I’d keep writing anyway.
Kara says
Q1: Hell yes I would want to know! If only to prove the seer wrong. That’s just how I am. Plus, the seer never said I couldn’t self publish. 🙂 If that’s the last resort, it has to be done I guess.
Q2: Hell yes I would still write. If for nothing else than to relieve stress and have a creative outlet.
Lynne says
Let’s see, return to Sunday School. Saul in the Old Testament got into major trouble visiting a ‘seer.’ Can’t quite figure out how Joseph, of the technicolor dream coat, ended up with a ‘divining cup.’ [Stayed too long with the pagans in Egypt is my best guess.] So…I would not go there, Sam I am. I’d rather eat green eggs and ham.
Tarot By Arwen says
Ok, accepting the hypothetical situation even though I am a professional Tarot consultant, I’d say no I wouldn’t ask.
The answer wouldn’t matter. I’d still write even if it were drivel only I gained enjoyment from. 🙂
2. If I did ask and he did say no, I’d sitll write. See Drivel=Enjoyment above.
Redzilla says
This answer should cheer you up, Nathan. I’d keep writing, but I’d stop pestering long-suffering agents like you. ;o)
Katherine says
All hypotheticals aside – the seer knows with 100% accuracy and if the answer is no the seer is always right.
So, deep breath, yes I will ask. Fingers crossed, eyes squeezed shut, breath held … and the answer is no.
I would pick myself off the floor, drink a lot of whisky, and then get back to writing. But I’d do it differently. I don’t have the talent to do this one thing I have been doing, so how else can I express myself? Interpretive dance? I don’t think so. Maybe a blog, maybe a stage play, maybe poetry. I love words and there will be another way I can use them. And I’ll be glad to have saved the time barking up the wrong tree and using words the wrong way.
Michelle says
Yes, I would want to know. Yes, I would keep writing. Because my stories bring joy to myself and the few other people who read them right now, and if that’s the most people that will ever read them, well, that’s okay.
Anonymous says
I would love to know so I could stop spending the enormous amount of time and effort that goes into trying to get an agent and a publisher. I’d still write; in fact I’d have lots more time to write!
Carol
Lisa says
Yes and yes.
philologia says
1. No. I don’t need the discouragement, and I don’t need the inflation.
If I don’t have the talent, I’d rather not know and get by on pure perseverance, working and working until whatever I do have is an acceptable substitute. A naturally uncoordinated person could become a tennis champ if they dedicated themselves to it and never gave up; hence each sports team honors both the Most Valuable and the Most Improved.
And if I do have the talent, I’d rather not find out in advance, or I’m likely to get complacent and lazy. :p
2. Yes. Because if nothing else, I can make a child smile as he falls asleep after his bedtime story. I can create a new parable to tell a friend why her decisions are putting her in danger. I can let my imagination fly and savor that moment when my pretend wings lift me high above the wind.
dernjg says
1. In a heartbeat.
2. I’ll never stop writing. But what I would do is stop submitting my queries to agents and trying to sumarize my stories into one page abominations. Instead, I’d keep writing what I was writing and enjoy telling the stories I’m telling.
midnight oil says
I would have to say no, I do not want to know. I enjoy the spontaneity of life. I wouldn’t want some “Seer” destroying possibilities. People live up to other people’s expectations, even when they are wrong.
Sorry it’s been so long since I de-lurked, but good question Nathan.
Miss E. D. Thor says
Yes, I’d want to know. In fact, I think I’d find it liberating to know that no matter how hard I try, nothing of mine will ever be good enough for publication.
It sounds a little odd, I know, but then, I think that little nagging voice in my head that says “don’t write that, no one wants to read that” would shut up and I could write what I really want to write.
I would clearly still write, I didn’t start writing with the decision to be published. I just did. That same impulse would keep me going. I’ll write for myself, for my friends… I’ll be sad that that’s as far as it will go but life goes on. There would be other ways for me to feel accomplished and successful.
jwhit says
I’m going to answer this without reading the other responses in hope that there will be a summary.
Q1 – would I want to know. Yes. Definitely. Information is power and shapes our behaviour.
Q2 – would you keep writing if the answer was no publishing. Yes. Even seers can be wrong. Greek gods are notorious liars. I’d just want to prove the seer was a fraud.
Anonymous says
My fortune cookie last week said that my success would astonish everyone. Does that count? If it does, then I knew there was a reason why I didn’t throw it out besides basic slovenliness.
Would I want to know? Sure. Why not? It’s not like I was going to give up my day job either way.
If the seer says I don’t have any talent, do I still write? Hell yes. I get to play God in a universe of my making, where everybody does what I say, it all works out how I want it to, and I have the last word. You can’t pay a therapist to give you all that.
As we’re asking hypothetical questions, Nathan, why agent to writers and not writer? Got any soothsayers in your closet you want to tell us about?
Deborah Blake says
It’s interesting to see how many people responded to this question–looks like you hit a nerve.
And I love that it only took two responses for someone to cheat. My biggest laugh of the day!
Yes, I would want to know.
And no, I wouldn’t write. Don’t get me wrong…I love to write. At the moment it is my number one obsession. (If you don’t count chocolate.) But I’m not a big fan of banging my head against a wall if there is no chance that the wall will ever give up and go home. And I have so many other things that I might do and succeed at, I would give one of them a try.
Of course, I am already published…so I guess that’s cheating a bit too… (Although only in NF, so if we’re talking about my novel, well…)
And my seer said I’d have an agent before the year was out. Please let the seer be right…please let the seer be right…please let the seer be right…
R. Daley says
Heck, that’s a no brainer.
Q1- Yes, I would want to know. I would also shoot for a couple winning lottery number combinations to test the seer’s abilities. Not much to lose there, and it would really make a negative response on the “talent to be published” question more palatable if I did win the lottery.
Q2- Lack of published works has not stopped me from writing so far, so I see no reason that perpetual publishing peril should suppress the flow of words.
Now my rhetorical question back to you, if I may:
If the seer did provide a winning lottery number, and did say I do not have the talent to be a published writer, should I be obligated to pay a commission from my winnings?
Speak Coffee says
Yes. I would want to know.
If the seer said ‘NO’ I would then write just for myself and become a trophy-wife as that and writing are the only two professions I’m really suited for.
DeadlyAccurate says
1) No, I wouldn’t want to know.
2) Probably, but I wouldn’t treat it like a job and write even when I don’t feel like it.
And the unasked bonus question:
3) Yes, they *would* find out how far a booted foot would reach in there.
gingersea says
1. Yes, of course. But then, I also wanted to know the results of the amniocentesis when I was pregnant. Including the sex of my son. I like information.
2. Yes, of course. The stories want to be told. And someone will want to read them whether or not they are published. But (the honest, painful part) perhaps I would work harder than I have till now to perfect my writing skill. I think I write well, but if the seer said no, I’d have to up the ante, wouldn’t I? Definitive or not, why should I take no for an answer? (Damn you, seer! Damn you, I say!)
AstonWest says
If I knew with 100% certainty (and I’d definitely love to know) there would never be any chance of publication, I’d definitely sink my efforts into something else. Why waste your time on it if there’s no chance of success?
But being as how there can never be 100% certainty, I guess I’ll keep on trucking.
The entire gambling industry banks on that sliver of impossible hope as well…interesting.
austexgrl says
ld write, but I quit worrying about query letters. I would want to know the truth!!
Lapillus says
I would want to know. It would allow me to take a step back and breathe.
“Okay, so I won’t get published. That throws a ton of work and stress out the door. Nice.”
And then I’d keep writing. It’s part of who I am. A seer would just make the path that much easier.
I’d probably still try to get published, too, just to see if I could prove her wrong.
abc says
Yes, I would want to know.
Yes. I’d still blog. But I’d give up novel writing and read more. There is just so much to read. Plus I’d find more time for reality television.
Moose says
1) Yes.
2) Only to irritate others (for instance, my blogs).
Polly Kahl says
With absolutely no cheating by finding ways around your direct questions:
Yes, I’d want to know. It would keep me from making a total ass of myself.
Yes. I’d keep honing my craft until, upon some future visit, the seer changed his mind. Just because I sucked then doesn’t mean I’d always suck. Most people are not born writers. They have to learn how.
Beth Terrell says
1) Yes, I would want to know, because if I didn’t have the talent, I would work until I developed it. (And I don’t see this as cheating, because you said the seer knows if you have the talent, not if you will EVER have the talent.) But if the seer is telling me whether or not I ever WILL have the talent to be published…well, that I wouldn’t want to know.
2) When Isaac Asimov was asked what he’d do if he had only a few days left to live, he said, “Type faster.” Me too. I refuse to allow some mystic to take writing away from me.
Charlotte says
Yes, I would want to know, and yes, I would still write. I would probably give up writing novels, though, go back to my writing day job.
Jen says
Oh, Nathan!
If the same Seer told you a specific author who queried you would become the next Stephen King or J.K. Rowling…but you didn’t fall in love with the manuscript they sent you…would you offer representation??
You didn’t think you could get out of this completely unscathed, did you? 🙂
JDuncan says
Someone has likely said it already, as I’m not perusing all 138 posts to see, but this begs the question, “Since when was talent an accurate predictor for getting published?” Had to throw that out there. If this is, as I’m assuming it was meant, to indicate if you could know whether your writing could be published at all, then my answer would definitely be ‘no.’ I like having the hope out there that I can indeed see my writing published. It’s part, though certainly not all, of my motivation to keep writing. Would I quit writing? Unlikely. I enjoy it too much, and I have a deep seated need to be creative. Of course, the Seer is making a prediction based on a current point in time. I get better as a writer every year, so I could easily enough outgrow any prediction the seer would be making. Now, if the seer was saying they could tell me if I would ‘ever’ be talented enough to publish, I might be more tempted to know.
JDuncan
sally apokedak says
Absolutely and absolutely.
Why chase a contract when you are not talented enough to be published? And why quit writing just because you are not talented enough to be published? There are many things to write besides published books.
Dana says
Well… here’s my thoughts on ‘roids answer, though they may only be sugar pills…
Would I want to know? Yes… I’m totally that person. I knew all my Christmas presents as a kid and I had surprises.
Would I keep writing? Yes, of course. Like Andrew, I think, said, talent doesn’t necessarily equal publication. I suppose I would rather view myself as a quite talented writer and not be published than give up on it.
mkcbunny says
Question A: Yes.
Question A: Yes. But on a more leisurely pace, without the stress of trying to work around every spare moment I have between jobs to get it finished. 🙂
pjd says
Wow, 142 comments. Holy smokes.
I would want to know. And if I had no talent for writing, I would no longer write. There are too many other things I enjoy doing, and life is too short to waste my time on guaranteed failure.
Anonymous says
The seer says yes, I quit writing.
Says no, chapter one involves a seer getting run over by an ice cream truck.
The Disgruntled Bear says
I would ABSOLUTELY want to know! My novel is on submission to a publisher now, and the suspense is killing me! If they say “yes” then I’ll have the seer’s answer! For real!
(Wow – look at all those exclamation points. I need to cut back on the caffeine).
A “no” from the publisher is like a “try again later” from the seer. If the seer said “no,” I would still write, but I would spend the bulk of my writing time on things like my family journal and other, non-marketable projects that I am doing for my kids.
Ruth says
Wow, a lot of commenters are completely sure they’ll get published. I can’t imagine me having that kind of… conceit? I can’t think of a better word. Being so pot-sure of myself.
1. I would always want to know, although I suspect it would have to be “published novel” rather than “published writing” in general, since I’ve already had a short story published and it wasn’t particularly hard to do.
Alternatively, the seer could say “There’s no chance you’ll ever be published again,” which makes more sense in my case. I don’t have the arrogance to say there’s no doubt I’ll be published; I’d like to, but writing’s such a subjective art I don’t think anyone can ever be sure.
2. I would keep writing. I wouldn’t explode or anything like a few other commenters have said, but I enjoy writing. I like playing with words, and worst comes to worst my friends can read them and I can post them on my blog. I like writing: it’s fun.
So I would want to know, but I would never quit. I guess publication is the major prize for writing; but if you don’t get the major prize, you can still get little runner-up prizes like happiness.
Simon Haynes says
Yes, in that situation I’d still write and I’d still send subs to agents. Why? Because I don’t believe in fate. Make your own way and bugger what everyone else says.
Also, your hypothetical doesn’t cover publication post-mortem 😉
April Hollands says
1. Yes I would want to know.
2. Yes, I would stop writing and spend my time trying to find an area where I do possess some talent. Anyway, I know I can write :O)
Usman says
Nathan,
If said seer told me that I had a great deal in store, my published novel would sell a gazillion copies and stay on the NYT for a 100weeks. And he says in his big, booming voice: GO SEE NATHAN.
After all that, I bring the said seer to you and my MS, which in your opinion stinks.
Would you sign me up based on what the Seer said?
Sort of curious based on your question.
Vanessa says
No, I wouldn’t want to hear it, but Yes, I would continue writing regardless.
Not writing would be like not breathing.
Alex Fayle says
Funny you should ask this question… I’m going to see a psychic with a really good track record this weekend. I’ll let you know what she says…
Stephen D. Covey says
1) Yes, I’d want to know.
2) Yes, I’d keep writing.
I find that I enjoy writing science fiction as much as I enjoy reading it. However, what I write would change. My natural length seems to be 9,000-15,000 words, with longer works reaching 40,000-60,000 words. For publication purposes, however, I must struggle to write short stories (under 7,500 words) or novels (over 80,000 words).
Knowing that I would not be published would give me more freedom. On the downside, when I hit a block, I’d likely go on to the next story in me, rather than push through and finish this one.
Lafreya says
No I wouldn’t want to know because as the poet Langston Hughes wrote
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly…
However if I did know the answer is no I would still write If only to keep from going crazy.