"Sometimes life is about risking everything for a dream no one can see but you." ~ Christina Galbato
For love or money? Which do you choose?
Saturday, I attended a free workshop sponsored by the Mississippi Writer’s Guild. I joined the Guild in 2020 right before Covid hit. My local chapter meets monthly in Hattiesburg, but there are chapters across the state.
This particular workshop featured Melissa Carrigee of Brother Mockingbird Publishing. She shared many of the ins and outs of the publishing world which was very helpful, and extremely eye-opening.
Given that I lived in Nashville for years, and pursued a music path at one point, I am no stranger to how creative endeavors work. Most of the time is about who you know more than any talent. Being in the right place at the right time is all it takes for someone to have that “lucky break.”
Since childhood, I have thought of myself as a writer. One of the greatest joys in my life is reading. My home is overflowing with books, and thankfully, I married someone who loves reading as much as I do. Being a storyteller myself, I want to grace the world with my stories for others to enjoy.
In April I will resume work on my novel, The Red Chair that has been in progress for at least two or three years in some form or another. Even though I have been helping authors self-publish for the past eleven years, I plan on seeking a publisher for The Red Chair. I truly need someone to help with the marketing and distribution channels, which is a full-time job all on its own.
Small publishers like Brother Mockingbird offer the type of services that I would need. Designed to be a traditional publisher, no money exchanges hands. She makes money when I make money. Her services span all aspects of publishing, but focuses heavily on marketing and distribution. An unspoken truth is not how much talent you have, but how well you sell yourself. It’s a rat race world and very competitive. I plan to seek a small publisher like her when I am ready to start that process.
Carrigee asked the question of those attending – What do you want more? Make money or do it because you love it regardless of how much money you make? Well, the answer is both. It would be fantastic to help supplement our income. I’ve certainly been able to do that through my illustration work. However, am I still willing to work that hard and never make a dime?
Hands down, I will continue to write and create regardless of monetary gain. For any of you who have a dream or passion – pursue it like the speed of the wind. Do not let anything or anyone stand in your way. It is never too late and you are never too old to follow your heart.
What would the world be without art, music, and books? Thankfully, we will never know. For love or money? Love wins, every time.
