On Friday an anonymous commenter accused me of being too bleak and challenged, nay, dared, nay, triple-dog dared me to devote a week to nothing but positivity about the publishing industry, books, and the future.
My friends, I have two words for you: it’s on.
Let’s face it. This winter is feeling a little bleak. We could all use some more kittens and rainbows in our lives. Also puppies.
Everyone is here because of one reason and one reason only: we love books. We love the heck out of them. And last time I checked: they’re still here.
Um, right? They are? Yes. Okay. Whew.
So to kick off positivity week, I would like to devote this post to an ode to you.
Yes, you.
I am so incredibly thankful for the people who read and comment on this blog! Honestly, when I started this thingamajig I had no idea what to expect. These queries poured into my office and I sometimes stared at them thinking…… who are these people?
Well, now I know: You all are smart, intelligent, lively, funny, hardworking, supportive, caring, and if I may say so, you have been looking quite dashing lately.
Most importantly: Anyone who writes has my undying admiration. Writing is HARD. It’s not hard like dig a ten foot trench with a plastic spoon hard, but still, it’s HARD. It takes concentration, time, patience, and a whole lot of delayed gratification. There are things that are more fun to do than write a novel, like going to Disneyland or watching Mad Men or eating bacon (or all three at once — basically how I envision heaven), but you put those things off and stare at your notepad or computer and put words down. You’re making something.
And many of you have written novels!! Do you know how hard it is to write a freaking novel?! So many people say they’re going to write a novel someday and never do it. Many of you have done it. It’s an incredible accomplishment. It doesn’t matter how many people read it: whether it’s one person or a million it’s something that should be a source of immense pride.
Even if I sometimes feel like the Angel of Death when I’m answering queries, I hope you know that I am very thankful for the people who query me and I don’t take it at all lightly that people are putting themselves out there with their life’s work. I even (usually) get a kick out of the people who send me angry e-mails accusing me and my generation of being vain and vapid and everything that’s wrong with literature. Hey, buddy, my generation HAS our depression. We’re building character in spades. You got nothin’ on us anymore.
So check that negativity at the door. We’re getting positive, people.
Arron Ferguson says
Sorry to piss in the proverbial pool but isn’t that a link to copyright-infringed content?
I know it’s not your content and that you’re trying to add add a smiles to your readership but I find it ironic that a member of the publishing industry is linking to this so casually; it is an indirect show of support of this behavior really.
mary beth says
Nathan, I think you are now officially the King of Blog Awesomeness. Be prepared for an Imperial Margarine-like crown to materialize on your head the next time you post something. And for everyone too young to remember that crown it was surpassed in glory only by Lifeboy (SP) soap, which gave its users the power to walk on air.
I read this blog every day; it’s always substantive and almost always funny. Perhaps you should reward yourself with bacon and Mad Men. AND a puppy.
Vancouver Dame says
I wouldn’t call your blog negative, Nathan, since you basically lay the publishing information on the line. Positivity does help when everything in writing starts to look dark, but we must remember that posting (by Konrath) about confidence and delusion. I prefer the facts, combined with your subtle humour. I would say your blog is one of the least negative of the writing blogs that I read. I come here for information, not necessarily therapy. You have the most interesting followers, and I usually read most of the comments. Thanks for keeping it going.
Nathan Bransford says
arron-
This is a not-for-profit use of a very short excerpt from a larger work, and it has not been taken down from YouTube at the request of the rights-holder. I feel that it falls under “Fair Use,” but if someone else feels differently please let me know. Of course I respect copyright law.
Jen says
Your positivity week is matching my own positivity week! On Saturday I had a spanking new idea for a novel, and I am so excited about it I have been on cloud nine (and writing 2000 words a day..).
Also, everyone is out of the office today so I will have the whole place to myself, I can kick off my shoes and have a nap under my desk if I want!
(Note to Boss – I will totally NOT nap under my desk…)
ETA – verification = uphysiva, sounds like some sort of happy drug…
Anonymous says
The original post never implied that you, yourself, are a negative person. It merely pointed out that many of the posts focused on the dire state of the publishing industry. So hey, instead of focusing on the not-so-fun items, how about only focusing on the good things regarding publishing for a little while.
Well, judging by your post today and the reactions, it seems you have done just that. And I think you’ll agree, what a wondrous thing it is, positivity. With only a few words, you have inspired many, and at just the right time.
Well played, Mr. Bransford. Well played indeed.
Anonymous says
If the plastic spoon breaks -as they tend to do- I think you can get extra ones from the nearest McDonalds, or any other cafe…
Steve Fuller says
What are you people smoking?
Please never be positive again, Nathan. It makes everyone act weird.
Authors don’t need gloom and doom (because things aren’t gloomy and they aren’t doomed). And authors don’t need their egos stroked with empty words of false hope.
What we need is to realize the new world of possibilities out there. We need to stop acting like victims. No one is out to get writers. We need to learn how to take advantage of all the great opportunites that exist in 2009.
I am thankful Nathan gives THAT to us. If I want someone to tell me I’m wonderful, I’ll call my mom. If I want gloom and doom, I’ll turn on the news. I want reality, and Nathan provides it.
Crimogenic says
Nathan,
Thanks for the shout out to writers :), Your blog is awesome and I depend on it for my publishing news, whether doom and gloom or cheers and rainbows.
Ink says
I’m waiting for the Darth Vader voice-over…
Oh, okay, I admit it, I like me some Kermit the Frog. Though, as confession is in the air, I’ll say that my favourites were the two old grumpy guys in the upper balcony. Who’s with me?
My best, as always,
Bryan
Vancouver Dame says
Bravo – Steve and Bryan. I also liked the two grumpy old men in the balcony on the Muppets. They provided a touch of reality.
Lisa Schroeder says
I'm sitting here watching the markets tank, and I click on your blog. Hooray!!! Just what I needed – KERMIT!!
All positive all the time for a whole week!!! Bring it, Nathan! <3
I really need to watch Mad Men. So many people rave about it. Oh wait, I have a contracted novel to revise. Maybe when I'm done?
Mira says
Steve Fuller, I’m not sure how you can say no one is out to get writers, when I’ve got a list here on my desk……where is it…..of writers I’m am definitely ‘out to get.’
So, in the future, if you wish to be completely accurate, you should say, ‘no one is out to get authors, except maybe Mira, if you’re on her list.’ You, Steve Fuller, are NOT on my list, though, so you can relax.
Nathan, I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. You’re my hero.
Positivity is just what we need.
And I LOVE that song.
And thank you, I think we all do look quite dashing lately. Including you, Nathan.
Mira says
Oh. If the lawyers ask. By ‘out to get’ I meant buy their books, of course.
Just a cheerful joke about death threats. Ha Ha.
Melissa McInerney says
My teeth hurt. Is this a blog about batteries? Electricity?
Ohhhh, positivity. Just be my very own Angel of Death and I’ll forgive all the saccharine comments today.
Anonymous says
Not to get too metaphysical but I believe that your reality is based on your perception…ie.whatever you focus on is what grows. Not to discount the overall economy out there which has obviously affected the publishing world as well, but if you focus on negativity, you will certainly find plenty of it.
On the other hand, if focus on things like puppies and rainbows, you tend to find more of them as well. I agree with the post about seeing this as a time of opportunity for writers rather than being victims. Thanks Nathan for a wonderful blog, but I still think you shouldn’t post on Friday nights! 🙂
Kimber An says
Oh, Kermie! I’ll take one Himalayan kitten and three butterflies, please.
I think it’s also important to remember one positive thing for all of us involved with books during this recession. *Humans need great stories during difficult times.* Ask anyone who went to the movies during the Great Depression or World War II.
ryan field says
I remember when you first started this blog. It was announced on another agent blog.
It’s a great accomplishment to manage to attract a large readership to a blog. And you’e done that.
Anna says
oh, this made me chuckle. ta love…
Adaora A. says
I didn’t find you negative, just realistic. Neverthelsss, I’m sitting in my university library laughing so loud that people are looking at me strangely. The “my friends” link really set me off.
But when it’s a really dark tunnel, there is always the light at the end to look forward to.
Dori says
Hurrah for positivity. I wouldn’t say your posts are overwhelmingly negative, but there have been a few reality checks that had the optimism of a sledge hammer and a crystal vase.
In the spirit of your post, thank you for an entertaining and informative blog. I’ve been lurking for months now, and your blog always makes me smile …
Or cry (see above).
Anonymous says
After watching the My Friends video I did some Tube surfing (as you do) and saw this
youtube.com/watch?v=wzyT9-9lUyE
I bet you Obama dances like that in real life!
BarbS. says
Make your world complete, Nathan.
Get yourself a guinea pig.
Or two.
Or three.
They’re addictive.
HAD to say it. 😉
WORDVER: HYPERR
That’s right. I just had highly-sugared coffee and bounced here from authonomy.
Travis Erwin says
You had me at bacon.
Marilyn Peake says
Vegas Linda Lou,
You crack me up! Today, I needed to hear lots of positivity after I forced myself to watch the business/financial channel for hours on end. The experts who have been so sure that everything will work out said a lot of scary stuff today, with their eyes widening to near-anime size, making statements for the very first time about how it might just be that investment companies have never really understood how the global markets work. Wow – that was some strong bleaching type toothpaste that will surely keep my teeth from getting cavities no matter how many sugary blog posts I read. (The news, however, did set my teeth on edge.)
However, since this is positivity week, an idea in which I thoroughly believe: there are LOTS of fantastic, truly amazing deals on just about everything, including travel, right now. I’m thinking about scheduling a vacation to someplace that used to be expensive, taking advantage of the incredible discounts, some as high as 75% off.
Being Beth says
This blog and tht Kermit video make me smile. Thanks!
Kelly Pollard says
Love the post Nathan! Thanks for your props to us struggling writers, it takes the edge off the rejections…
Amanda Cobb says
Haha, this made me smile. Thanks!
Mayumi says
Nathan: You are so rad. Thanks for putting a friendly face on the publication biz.
Camels & Chocolate says
Dude, I needed this. It’s already been a lame week…the only thing getting me through is the Bachelor Party.
Also, Rainbow Connection was always my favorite!
Scott says
Thanks, Nathan.
Here are a few positives:
1) I’m positive that song is going to be stuck in my head the rest of the day!
2) I’m positive that glass of wine I’ll have when I get home will help maintain my newly ‘positive’ attitude.
3) I’m positive this post just made my day.
Thanks again!
p.s. two dogs and two cats at home, no more puppies or kittens allowed. I’m also ‘positive’ about that! : )
Anonymous says
Who was that masked Anon????
Lady Glamis says
What a sweet post, Nathan! I hope you know that we all appreciate you, too. You do what you have to do to make a living and sell what is good and fits your bill. I hope one day I fit the bill whenever I finally get my Monarch partial to you.
This positivity week sounds great! I look forward to all your posts. Thanks for an awesome blog!
Anonymous says
Man,
Last week I buried my old dog. (not a WIP)
This week I am trying not to have to bury the other one.
I am not ready to contemplate puppies.
As a matter of fact, I am getting ready to throw out the cat.
Pesky critters, they are so cute…
But given my state of pets in crisis, I do soooo appreciate a positive week somewhere to check in.
thanks…
Kristy Colley says
I wanted to comment, then saw there were already 84… *sigh* how the hell does that happen so fast?!
But then I thought…shazam…I’ll comment anyway. (yes…I actually thought ‘shazam’)
So here’s my obligatory w00t to this post. w00t!
Lisa Iriarte says
Thought this might interest you.
https://www.boingboing.net/2009/03/02/amazon-supplier-lose.html
Ginger Simpson says
Wow…I needed this. My muse has been trampled by watching political news, and the blog I started to promote myself has become a rant against the economic injustice. I’ve broken my own vow to avoid religion, politics, and ethnic issues. Your post came just in time. I’ve dumped out my prozac, tightened my bra straps, and hiked up my panties. Give me more positive feedback. I’m drowning in bad news here. *lol*
Karen says
I’m positive that this will be an enjoyable week in Blogland.
Nikki Duncan says
I am positively laughing my rear off right now! I can never hear that song without seeing my former Marine buddy singing The Rainbow Connection in a crowded Karaoke bar. And to top it all off, at my birthday dinner the other night another guy friend of mine proceeded to sing it to us at the dinner table.
Lupina says
I already have a puppy, and I’m allergic to kittens but the Rainbow Connection was very nice.
My fave line: “Somebody thought of it, and someone believed it…”
Doesn’t that describe the author/reader process?
Oh and I agree writing is totally like digging that big hole with the plastic spoon, except with revisions you also have to fill it back up and then redig it, often again and again.
Denise Eagan says
Thank you Nathan. Got another foot of snow in the Northeast today. Positivity is much needed.
I'll add something–my sister-in-law works at a B & N. She said last quarter was a banner quarter. Only one store, true, but hey I'll take any good news!
thespectacleblog says
I feel better already.
But I’m not above having more bacon.
Parker P.
Chad Carver says
Bacon is meat candy!
Hilabeans says
AND the Bachelor finale is tonight!
Can I get a rose with my rainbow/kitten/puppy/banjo-playin’ frog?
hil
Meg says
Thanks for the ego boost on the whole you wrote a novel its an incredible accomplishment thing.
Amy says
Ahhhhh…
The perfect day for a little positivity, I needed that, I look forward to a week of sunshine and flowers.
Thanks Nate!
Aaron Stephens says
Positivity is always welcomed.
You aren’t the Angel of Death…you are more like a young Michael Landon from Highway to Heaven. 😀
I think it is kind of hard to write a novel, but if you have an idea and the passion to write it, then it won’t be too bad.
And I dug a ten foot trench one time with the ground soaked with a spoon….come to think of it, it was a Shooter. Nevermind.
Jen says
Chad Carver said…
Bacon is meat candy!
Bahahhahahahahahhaaa! That’s hilarious!
Oh, I also wanted to add that my sister and her first husband had The Rainbow Connection as their first dance at their wedding. (Yeah, they got divorced, but the sentiment is still nice!)
S. Mozer says
Thanks for the appreciation. Right back at you. It is an excellent blog full of great resources. Thanks for doing it.
Joann Mannix says
Oh Nathan…sigh. Thanks for that rainbow and all the love thrown at us slaves to writing. Out of the dark will come light. Let’s all chant positivity together. By the way, It’s liberating to be out of the lurking closet.