What does your Creative Journey look like?
If you are a student, you expect your work to be validated in order to get a mark. But what if you’ve left education and you’re adult? Why is it that most writers and artists are desperate for validation from outside sources? In the main it is because it translates into sales. A prize; some praise, either written or spoken; encouraging words from family and friends; reviews from the public. They make a difference to the novel's visibility.
For example, recently, I was persuaded to read a novel by LJ Ross because of her popularity in an FB book forum. This multi-million selling author was initially turned down by every agent and publisher she approached. In the library, I picked up a copy of her Alexander Gregory series, (written after 21 books in the DCI Ryan series) and I thought: Yes, it's a good thriller. Thumbs up.
Then I had the opportunity to buy her first ever novel (publ. 2015) for 99p. It's called Holy Island, a DCI Ryan Mystery set on Lindisfarne. From the first chapter, my reaction was one of complete shock. In curiosity, I looked up the reviews when I'd finished, and saw that although many gave four or five star reviews, many had given it one star. In fact, the one star reviews were hilarious and cruelly accurate: they reflected my thoughts precisely.
One reviewer claimed Holy Island was the perfect book for a drinking game. Take a shot of vodka every time you read a cliche. (And you’ll be drunk in a few chapters.)
Another wrote: DCI Ryan is an escapee from a French perfume ad by way of Made in Chelsea.
I could go on, but this would be unkind, because the Alexander Gregory series is great fun and well constructed. And most importantly, because the DCI Ryan series went on to have the last laugh. The author self published and sold this police procedural in its millions.
When the big Five Publishers finally came knocking, LJ Ross, rightfully, told them to get stuffed. She’s making her money and she’s in control of her own marketing. And by the looks of it, she’s thoroughly enjoying her role as a crime writer.
When starting out as an author, what LJ Ross possessed was the two things we all need: a belief in our own creative work, and the ability to keep going despite criticism. Quite simply, one person’s inedible meal is another person’s caviar. We’re all different. I don’t think much of an unmade bed as artwork, but Tracy Emin will laugh all the way to the bank.
So if your only measure of validation is money, then be prepared to experience depression, because most of us creative geniuses make no money. I’ve read would-be authors’ work in workshops and thought, Ho Hum. Not great. Exactly what I would have said to LJ Ross in 2014. But that’s me. I've also read brilliant work from unknowns and yet it's gone nowhere.
I’ve been on the receiving end of people who wanted to tell me that my work was rubbish. Hurtful, but it didn’t stop me finishing my novel. I’ve won prizes for my debut book, Daisy Chain, and at the same time, had brickbats from my local bookshop, who decided I was too insignificant to even answer my emails.
So despite the lack of economic validation, why am I determined to keep writing and publishing? Quite simply, because I must. The reader's validation is very wonderful, and I am thrilled when you say you like my novels, but I’ll write them even if you don’t. I am always aiming to improve my style, but I won’t be put off if you want to sniff at my writing just because I'm not at the level of the wonderful Hilary Mantel.
I love writing. I always have, even as a child: I believe in my own creative output and I will keep telling my stories, even if you wish to criticise. Your validation is truly appreciated, but a lack of validation won’t stop me. A lack of funds may stop me publicising my work to the extent that you will pick it up - just as I did with Holy Island - but it won't stop the stories forming in my head.
Montecatini beckons. A murder mystery set in a Tuscan hillside town. I can breathe the scent of pine trees, and wine, and freshly made pasta with every scene. This is my latest venture and I will work to see it published, no matter what.
So what about you? What’s your creative journey look like?
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