“don’t edit your own soul according to the fashion.” Franz Kafka

Still unpublished and wondering why?

New writers may discover that they are incapable of handling rejection let alone a stranger constantly suggesting changes and revisions, pointing out errors and inconsistencies, ignoring their focus and dismissing their reasons for writing. No matter your literary creations. Your work might be extraordinary, but the man in the expensive brown suit behind the big oak desk finds you arrogant. Whoa! Regardless of the money to be made from publishing your manuscript, the publisher buzzes for another suited individual to usher you out. At lunch, he discusses with his business mates a list of reasons why he will refuse future submissions from you. Before your book is on the shelf, the inside men have you in the trash.

Listen up! Be prepared for the frustration, cancel the need for a drink, remind yourself that this too shall past, if possible, check if you can discuss their comments with them while remembering they are the experienced ones and that should you decide to ignore their opinions you have shown yourself to be a mature novice worthy of their respect.

What is true is that most rules and traditions in the world of literature, though modified, are nevertheless the same as those that existed for James Joyce and Ernest Hemingway. Over the years, beginning in the 1960s, moral obligations and speech restrictions became much less strict and rigid. Eastern mysticism and psychedelic drugs have influenced the Arts and Humanities. New styles, techniques and genres of writing can be found on Best Seller lists. Words such as ” normal ” and ” ideal ” have been tossed aside. Cussing and cursing, which were quick to be red pencilled by an editor are now to be accepted as the everyday language of the busy fast multicultural city.

Writing is an art as ancient as man. It seems to be a fundamental human desire. The need for self-expression has permitted us to reflect on the events that shape our lives as a global family. We call it History. As individuals we have chronicled dreams and nightmares, hopes and aspirations, that entertain readers of all languages. We call it Fiction.

File the rejection under badge of courage. Admittedly, an empty page waiting to be filled can be quite intimidating. Be honest, spontaneous and simple. Close the critical eye and let the writing flow. Write as little or as much as you like. Write as often or as seldom as you can. Do not interrupt the flow with worries about spelling and grammar. It is your book, your writing, so if it is neat or sloppy, small or large, is not the focus. Capture your idea, your story, your vision first, then apply the structural finesse and polish. Do not panic.

“There is no rule on how to write.” Ernest Hemingway.