And in answer to a few critics

[Mythsaje]

Okay, yes. I am willing to stretch the bounds of good taste and decorum to promote what I write. In this day an age the only way an author can hope to rise above the pack and gain more recognition (or notoriety) is by shamelessly promoting him or her self.

I write futuristic urban fantasies. It's my own sub-genre and I'm pretty proud of it. But, as most of you know, I also write political essays. I do that because liberal and progressive causes are near and dear to my heart and it also increases my name recognition.

My ultimate goal is much the same as most authors. I'd like to have the chance to escape day-job hell and write full time. I wish I could say this is around the corner, but...well...a lot of it depends on the success of my next few books. I've been told by several reviewers, editors, and other authors that I have a very good chance of making that break. My stuff is very unique and unique sells. One of my current editors says that she thinks my world is one she can see developing a real cult following.

She also thinks my stuff would be great in graphic novel format. I happen to agree with her on that. I've thought so from the very beginning. Unfortunately, most of the artists I've known in my life (and I've known quite a few) have a tendency to be too flaky to stick with a long term project to its fruition.

Now, if I am indeed able to achieve the kind of success I wish for, I see it as a win/win all around. It gives me the escape from day-job hell I so desperately want, and it also gives me a much increased opportunity to become a more visible spokesperson for liberal/progressive causes. Which, in turn, will give me the opportunity to piss off the RW even more, which will, in the end, probably increase my book sales.

Last year I worked with a stand-up comic who told me, flat out, that if he were successful, he'd become a Republican. Of course, he was also a self-confessed sociopath, so that didn't come as much of a surprise. It highlighted something I've long believed--that too many people aren't deserving of the kind of success for which they strive. For them success is an end, not a means to an end. They see it as a way to glorify themselves rather than to make a difference in the lives of other people.

I recently read an editorial by Stephen King (admittedly, not one of my favorite authors, but, then again, not an author I actively dislike either). In it he expounds on the need for a new direction in this country and I was actually proud to be in complete agreement with him on this subject. We also have a favorite TV show in common, which makes me chuckle when I think of it. But our writing styles and genres are VERY different in most ways, though I think, deep down, he also believes in the power of humanity to rise above its challenges. Which is something that I consider an underlying theme in my own novels.

In short, I suppose I want to apologize if I come across as too pushy sometimes. I like having my stuff read by as many people as possible. Partly because I think I have something important to say, partly because I appreciate the critiques of my writing (good or bad), and partly because I am admittedly something of an attention whore.

I'm an author in the early 21st Century. It comes with the territory.

:)

[The Straight Story]

1. I don't think you are an attention whore

I think your ideas are - like all our ideas. They have a life of their own and want to be heard because we want to use them to help others.

[mdmc]

2. stay with the dems

if you make it big.:kick:

[Mythsaje]

3. Of course...

I will NEVER be a Republican. Ick.