[Writer Post] Expectations
Expectations. We all have them. Our expectations expand and contract based on our perception of ourselves and our reality. Professionally, a lot of writers can either have deflated or inflated expectations. Frankly I prefer having deflated expectations. It makes having a grand time out in the world easier to accomplish.
What do I mean by this? I never expect to have a story accepted anywhere. I do my best and hope for the best, but I don’t expect an acceptance – especially if it’s a market I’ve done well with before. Rejections are hard enough in this line of work to expect to get into something and have a “it’s not quite right” letter show up.
When I go to conventions, I don’t expect to be treated like a Special Snowflake. I’m there to work. All I … expect … is to be treated with professional courtesy. I know, as a regional panelist, I’m going to pay my own way – food, room, transportation. Nine times out of Ten only the Guests of Honor/Special Guests have their way paid for them – which is why some smaller conventions can get Big Name Guests. I make the most of what programming I’m given (and sometimes will volunteer for more, if the schedule seems light). If I’m there, I might as well be useful, right? And reality check time, most writers are not “media” guests (actors) who can ask for the moon and at least make it to orbit. For the most part, Joe Q. Author ≠Joe Q. Actor. Just sayin’.
Coming from a small press background, I would never expect any publisher to do the heavy lifting on selling my book. No one has a greater stake in my success than me, and no one will sell my book with more passion (within ‘don’t be a jerk’ standards) than I will. This is now a reality even with the “big houses”, marketing takes the first and biggest hits when budgets are cut. It’s now up to us, the creators, to take charge of that aspect.
Expectations can do as much harm as good. Having decent expectations for yourself and what you want out of life can be a highly motivating factor in pushing you forward. Having high expectations for what other can/should be doing for you can hurt you personally and professionally.
This may seem weirdly rambling, but it’s a convention week… it happens.
1 Comment
That is some good insight on expectations. Too-high or too-rigid expectations can lead to devastating disappointment. I’ve learned to keep that in check now.