ARCHIVE FOR Behind the Launch Lab: Craft & Commerce

By Katrin Schumann

People tend to think writing is romantic, and they’re not entirely wrong. It’s romantic in the way that being obsessed with someone who kind of, basically, mostly loves you back can be romantic—it’s a compelling, desperate, all-encompassing, occasionally fabulous experience. It’s romantic like starving in a garret is romantic: you’re hungry (which sucks), but at least you’re doing something that feels meaningful.

By Katrin Schumann

Do you hole up in near seclusion like Jonathan Franzen to create your opus? Do you use social media for ideas and encouragement? Do you read fiction while you write fiction? Where do you find your inspiration and your will to carry on in spite of the self-doubt? Do you search for answers in what other fiction writers do?

Ultimately, the only thing that matters is what works for you.

By Katrin Schumann

All writers need readers for drafts of their work. It’s critical to understand whether your vision for the book has been realized, or whether you might be off the mark. You’re not looking for approval—you’re looking to understand whether your ideas are getting through to the reader or not. As writers, we are so close to our own work that it’s often hard for us to tell.

By Katrin Schumann

When we have time to write—hours upon hours of uninterrupted time—do we get more done? Are we happier? The answer may seem obvious, but think again. 

Books on productivity are big business. They tell us we need will power

By Katrin Schumann

How many writers love the sales process? Raise your hands!

We all know that the process of writing a book is complex and full of surprises and leads to uncertain outcomes. But when our books come out, few of us know what to do. We don’t know what to expect or what’s expected of us, and we don’t know how to affect sales. 

Many of us dread the moment after the launch party (because let’s be honest, we all dream of that launch party—not realizing that WE are the ones who’ll foot the bill)