I’m Having a Hard Time Saying No: How Can I Be More of a Literary Asshole?
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The article discusses frustration with the trend in writing advice that prioritizes reader preferences, often framing readers as a monolithic group whose tastes dictate what writers should create. This approach reduces the relationship between writers and readers to a producer-consumer dynamic, where success is measured by marketability rather than artistic integrity. The author argues that this perspective flattens the complexity of both writers and readers, ignoring the personal and creative motivations behind writing. For example, writing advice frequently suggests avoiding certain elements because 'readers don’t like it' or promoting others because 'readers love it,' which the author finds depressing and limiting. The article also highlights the pressure from some writers who justify this approach by emphasizing the need to make a living, contrasting it with the view that art should stem from genuine curiosity rather than commercial considerations. The author acknowledges that while making a living is important, it should not overshadow the primary purpose of art: to explore beauty, joy, and the human experience.
The article addresses the challenge of managing unsolicited requests from aspiring writers seeking free advice, editorial feedback, or agent recommendations. These requests often come from acquaintances or strangers who misunderstand the realities of the writing and publishing process, which typically involves years of self-directed learning, research, and collaboration. While the author acknowledges their privilege in having a writing career and tries to be gracious, they feel their time and expertise are being undervalued. The article suggests establishing clear boundaries by politely declining such requests, as the author’s time is a finite resource. For instance, the author recommends responding to unsolicited drafts or requests for phone calls by stating they are too busy with their own work. The goal is to maintain professionalism without crushing the dreams of aspiring writers, while also protecting one’s own time and creative energy. The article emphasizes that not everyone will understand or respect these boundaries, but it is reasonable to prioritize one’s own commitments.
The article discusses the frustration of delayed or absent email responses from writers, agents, and editors, which can feel rude or disrespectful. While the author agrees that timely replies are polite, they acknowledge that the literary community often faces high volumes of correspondence, making it difficult to respond promptly. For example, agents and editors receive numerous emails daily, and their primary responsibilities (such as acquiring manuscripts or editing) may take precedence over email replies. The article suggests giving grace to those who occasionally overlook emails, as everyone has experienced similar lapses. It also notes that some people may 'ghost' (ignore emails entirely), but this is not the norm. The author advises remembering that delays are often unintentional and to extend the same understanding they would hope to receive. The context here is the busy, often overwhelming nature of the literary industry, where communication delays are common but not necessarily intentional.
