Topic of the Week: What Has Changed Since You Signed Your Contract?

[neeshadm]

As we get closer and closer to 2009 (OMG it's October!!!  How did that happen??), it's likely settled in that you do, in fact, have a book deal and that, indeed, this book will, in all likelihood, be published in the foreseeable future.  So, now that the initial shock and awe of it has (probably) passed, what has been the biggest change in you and/

Comments

[neeshadm]

For me, so much has changed. First and foremost, I am taking my writing wayyy more seriously now. Getting an agent, and then the book deal, was SO validating and affirming. It meant that this could be a viable "career" for me. Whereas before, it was something I did on the side, I can now put it more front and center -- give it more time, "legitimately."

I think things have definitely changed in the way people interact with me. Friendships have changed -- some people have drifted away and others have moved closer. I've also met some wonderful new people with whom I hope to have long, lasting friendships.

My family? Well . . . my parents have stopped asking me if I'm looking for a job to "help Hollis out" and have begun to ask if I've sold the next novel to "help Hollis out." :D

Looking forward to seeing others' responses!

[jonnyskov]

Strangely, the single biggest thing for me has been getting to know other writers. I've only had a few other writer friends, even virtual ones before. And those I knew, most of them didn't take it especially seriously.

For the first time since I quit the acting biz, I feel like I am a part of a artistic community. And that's been pretty damn nice.

It's also nice to not feel like such a poser, but I was already getting pretty good at ignoring that kind of stuff on my own.

[neeshadm]

You were an actor?? Kewl.

I was in an MFA program, and part of a writers' community before that, so writers have always been around me. What has been really nice, though, is meeting other YA/MG writers! We all know who rocks harder between YA/MG and Older Writers (hee hee). I love that others are also stuck in that angsty place -- even if it's only through their stories ;).

[jonnyskov]

So are you saying that what makes a YA writer is arrested development? ;P

[anywherebeyond]

You can be our poser, Jonny Angel.

[mandyhubbard]

OMG, I just got the vaguest sense of rising panic when I read "OMG ITS OCTOBER!!"

holy crap, it is practically 2009.

[neeshadm]

I know, can you believe it?! The rest of the year moves SO fast once you get to this point!! Breathe . . . one, two, three . . . breathe.

[bostonerin]

Great topic, Neesha

[neeshadm]

LOL, that "constantly querying until I died" -- SO know what you mean.

The friends drifting away thing -- well, that has always happened on some level. Life changes and there are shifts and movements. But there have been definite changes since the deal. I think some of my friends, who knew me when I was in third grade, for example, are kind of weirded out. Then again, so am I, a little bit ;D.

[anywherebeyond]

I have made some awesome friends. Spent a metric buttload on postcards. I am more aware of my weaknesses as a writer (as opposed to my neurotic projections.) Everything else is the same.

[neeshadm]

Ditto the metric buttload :).