We’ve all heard about the stars who turned down roles that turned out to become cultural icons. For instance, at least six actors turned down the part of Neo in The Matrix.
Perhaps those who turned down roles might say, “Wow, that could have been me! I missed a great opportunity!”
Maybe. Or maybe not.
Why? Because those films wouldn’t have been the same with the other actors. Perhaps the actor who ultimately played the role helped make the part iconic. Not that the others weren’t amazing; they would have just brought something different to the screen.
What Am I Missing?
As an author, you may feel you missed a great prospect at some point. I’d venture that if you don’t feel this way about one event or another in your life, you either are pretty young, haven’t been writing long, or both.
Just because [insert famous author’s name here] is a success at [insert dream publisher’s name here] doesn’t mean that if you and your book occupied that same position, you would have seen identical results. You may actually have been more successful, or you may have been far less successful. Books from incredible authors don’t always sell well, even when released and promoted by the most sought-after publishers.
If Only My Book Is Turned into a Movie!
Back to our movie example, if our book can be made into a movie, we can turn in economy air tickets for a seat on a Lear jet. But even when populated by big stars, not every film succeeds. To wit: See the list of “Ten of the Biggest Movie Flops of All Time.” And not every book turned into a film is a success. See the list of “Nine Great Books Made Into Movies That Flopped.”
Chemistry Matters
Regardless of what business you’re in, chemistry has much to do with success. While we all want to see if our chemistry works, not every opportunity is the right opportunity. I’m not pretending this is easy, but try not to be envious of an author who is where you want to be. Instead, know that breaks will come your way when the time is right. Keep working, and keep writing!
Fearful Writing
There’s a book that’s needed now
in a land that’s drowning,
and someone who may know how
to up and write bloody thing.
Can it be that it is you,
whose words can cross the dark divide,
show the right and left the true
way to raise bright hope that’s died?
Maybe it’s all gone too far,
but that, dear heart, I don’t believe,
for once there was a Magi’s Star
that marked what we could not conceive,
so write in faith upon the bet
that God’s not done with us just yet.
Pursuant to the above, it’s just so important to know that words matter, and their chemistry can change the world.
William Cowper’s poem “The Negro’s Complaint”, written at the behest of his friend John Newton (ye
S, Mr. Amazing Grace himself), was very widely distributed in pamphlets, and gave powerful impetus to the abolitionist movement in England.
Harriet Beecher Stowe’s “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” likewise caused a groundswell of shifting attitudes toward slavery in the US when published in 1852.
And, finally, “Jonathan Livingston Seagull” gave this country a measure of healing after the dreadful 60s.
Each work, in its own way, matched the need of the age, but someone had to place bum in chair and write it.
We surely need a Cowper or Stowe or Bach today, to use words to raise a lamp unto a better world.
Can it be you?
Will you try?
Inspiring, Andrew! Thank you.
Oh my, I remember that Gigli movie- it was horrid and best known for repeating the same few words over and over. Thankfully, I never actually sat through it. I do recall seeing a movie that had the lines “movie it, move it” and “fall out” as it’s main dialogue…….Thanks for sharing, Tamela.
Actually, I’m glad my “break” hasn’t come yet. Since my WIP has been delayed, God has brought much-needed contacts and information that I would have missed, had I rushed through the publishing process. Thanks for this post, Tamela.
God’s timing is always perfect. Who could have known it would take me ten years to land a publishing contract? I was gung ho and thought it would happen overnight. God knew what I needed and when I was ready to meet deadlines. My time has finally arrived.
Thank you for the encouragement, Tamela! A good reminder that sometimes things just click and work in beautiful and unexpected ways. I’m thinking about two different children’s book series that were made into movies. The Last Olympian and How to Train Your Dragon. I adore both sets of books, but was not fond of the first movie, although the second is one of my favorites. Interestingly, I think that one of the reasons the How to Train Your Dragon movie is so very good is because it is nothing like the books. The books are perfect, just how they are. But they are not movies. They simplified the characterization, gave the plot a grand and epic feel while making it less complex, and this worked perfectly in movie form. I’m so very glad the books had all of those delightful character details, but the movie was better off without them.
Hi Tamela!
I’ve heard agents say something similar about books they passed on for representation. Do you think this is true for agents and authors as well? How important is chemistry in that arena?
Megan, thanks for asking. In searching for an agent, I would focus first on that agent’s knowledge and expertise in the type of books you write. You and an agent can be the best of chums but if they focus on science fiction and you write historical romance, the business side of the partnership may not work.
After you evaluate and contact an agent based on a fit in what they represent, then go by the personal touch. In correspondence and (if possible) meetings, you should be able to pick up on whether or not this is a person you can work with. You can discern if that agent is enthusiastic about you and your work. Trust your gut.
Bottom line: unlike walking into an office at a company, where, for better or for worse, you work with the people your employer has hired, you and an agent get to choose each other. Wouldn’t you rather hear both good and bad news from someone you like than someone you don’t want to talk to at all?
Perfect timing for me as I’m heading to the writers’ conference at Mount Hermon tomorrow and had prepared myself with a little 1 Corinthians 13 this morning. Your conclusion about trying not to be envious of authors who may be where I think I want to be just settled it deeper into my soul.
Thank you for another great post, Tamela!
Dear Tamela
Thank you for the insightful messages in this article.
In the past, I have seen books and titles and said,
“That’s the book I wanted to write.” Somebody else did it, and I got to enjoy it, and yet could see a few points I might have added. Certainly felt good on both counts.
The jealousy thing is something that tempts me in areas of performance…comparing myself to others…and as pointed out to me, a sin and the need to face it in prayer. As I have grown in my writing skills and in aging, I realize most published writers have done their due diligence and should have my admiration without my petty jealousy. They have greatly blessed me. Including many of the articles from the Steve Laube family of authors and responses.