So, I have been meaning to tackle a subject from my FAQ section in more detail, and it is usually on my mind after returning from conferences. One of the most common conversations I have with people who talk to me for the first time regarding the authoring world is their declaration:
1."I have an idea for a kids book" [aka the Dreamer]
2. "I (wrote / am writing) a children's book too", [aka the Hobbyist]
3. "My child is an amazing (writer / artist) and we think (he / she) should be published", [aka the Proud Parents]
Despite being presented these over and over, I never really know what to say, other than "that's great". I never know what they are hoping I will say. Sometimes they come right out and ask, "How can I get published?", as if there is one single answer for that one very simple question. I usually cringe a little every time. I cringe because I just don't know what to say.
My mom often uses the phrase, "casting pearls before swine", which I always interpreted, in nutshell, as meaning, "you can try to give something valuable to someone that doesn't understand or appreciate it, but they will not utilize its worth, so don't bother". As much as I want to offer advice to hopeful, eager people, I often don't. Its not that I feel it would be a waste. There are just tell-tale signs they are not ready for advice. I literally can't give them advice. My answers for them are to questions they are not even ready to ask, ("whoa, really?"), Its true, Grasshoppah.
