Write Literature, Not Parables

Many writers think that they're the bees knees. This, of course, leads to pieces or articles depicting the writer's struggle and how we just want our art to be shown to the world and why editors are evil. Well, editors are not evil and, more than likely, these writers are just pieces of crap posing as intelligentsia. 

Art is both objective and subjective. There is a definitive right way to go about the technical creation of a piece. Grammer, conventions, and industry practices all have a right and wrong way to go about them. Sometimes you can get away with breaking a rule but, generally, you just look like a right jerk. The subject-matter and theming are where it gets subjective. Once a piece leaves the writer's desk, they lose ownership of the theme and the message of the piece will be decided by the reader. (Hence, why themes and critical analysis are complete bullcrap according to Salinger.) If a writer crams nothing but their gospel or writes from a specific theme rather than emotional response, their piece stops being subjective art and is now just a tool of conversion. These will also get a writer declined since editors want literature, not a call to apostasy. 

Write pieces for both the audience and yourself as catharsis, not exclusively for one or the other, and not to be preachy. In essence, don't be bad. - Cheers. 

Thoughts on Niche and Keish

Niche: Something that most anyone that manages any sort of business will be familiar with is the concept of niche. Niche is the mixing of two or more market spaces to create a small but well-defined market. For instance, my twitter timeline consists of wrestling commentary, thoughts regarding metal and heavy (real) music, dad jokes, and sometimes stuff about being a professional writer and editor, so my target market is sports dads who appreciate good music and the occasional bit of literature. It may seem small but that's because it is. While I may not have immediate widespread success, I do tremendously well with five people in Brunei.

That's all one needs, to be honest. The form of marketing proven most effective is word-of-mouth. There are some sports dads who want to find creators involved in the same collection of hobbies they are. My dad readers tell their dad friends that I do cool stuff once a month or to check out a journal I'm in and they are introduced through only one denominator of my niche. After a brief time of following, a state of gradual influence occurs where a reader or following starts exploring the other aspects of my niche until they are invested in all elements to some extent.

Create a niche focused on markets you fully passionate about and let your hot little daddies spread your message for you.

Keish: Delicious. -Cheers