Authenticity is an onion

I didn't have any photos of onions.

 

There is a lot of talk about authenticity. It’s the word of the moment for writers (and other creative types). Generally, it’s interpreted as a distillation of the old maxim - because there never seems to be any new ones: Write about what you know.

What you know can apply to subject matter, characters, setting, dialogue, genre, plot… you get the picture. Personally, I prefer the new maxim (ta-da!): know what you’re writing about.*

 

But it seems to me there’s another string to authenticity’s bow, one that produces a missing chord. To be an authentic writer is to not only recognise your influences, cultural conditioning, class, gender, ethnicity, politics, personal psychology and any other lenses; it’s also incumbent upon us to recognise our limitations (innate and otherwise).

 

I know that’s not a popular stance because we want to believe we can create our own reality and forge our destiny as writers. But I believe in statistics and experience (mine and other people’s) more than I believe in the power of beliefs.

 

Walk with me while I spill my guts.

 

I’ve had seven novels published and I self-published two others; plus there’s a mid-grade book and a completed standalone novel. (I’ve completed it several times.) It amounts to several books over several years.

 

My hope (I wouldn’t call it an expectation) was that by now one or more of the following may have happened:

 

1.    I’d be able to give up non-book related work. In fact, periodically, I’ve had to take on additional freelance work or get a part-time job.

2.    I’d be talking at book festivals.

3.    I’d be invited to talk at book festivals. This one did happen but Covid got in the way.

4.    My books would be translated into other languages (and not just by pirates).

5.    I do a book signing somewhere.

 

That’s some authentic disappointment right there!

 

Now, if we’re talking authenticity then that also requires recognising some painful truths that address most of the above points.

 

A)   The books that I write don’t sell well enough to deliver on the above wish list and no amount of positive reframing will make it so. Don’t get me wrong, I do earn from them – just not a living.

B)   My publisher does an excellent job of promoting books. I say that without reservation, not least because I know how challenging it can be to promote my self-published works. However, they rightly expect a return on their investment.

C)    The fault, therefore, if fault it be, lies not in my stars but in my writing.

 

If you’re looking for insights or a call to action, this might be the time to nip out for a biscuit.

 

Writing authentically means writing the stories that matter to you and in your own unique style. Neither of which guarantees an agent, a publisher, or a readership.

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B0034ORY08/allbooks

 

* I would – I wrote it.