tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938060587020568315.post6790865328342926733..comments2024-03-29T09:22:57.031+00:00Comments on Declan Burke: Woe Is Me, Etc: A Failing Writer WritesUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938060587020568315.post-87925859966414464332009-11-23T21:15:26.669+00:002009-11-23T21:15:26.669+00:00Declan,
This is the second time I've tried to...Declan,<br /><br />This is the second time I've tried to post this. (There is a reason why I don't blog and it's not all down to time issues!) Anyway, for what it's worth, your two novels were great reads. You were there first, as far as this new wave of Irish crime writing goes and are still there, far as I'm concerned. This blog is the best written thing on the web re crime writing.<br /><br />What you need is a break. Take some winter downtime. Read NON-fiction and watch shite TV. Drink and go for walks with your daughter and better half. Ignore that voice in your head telling you you should be doing something, and do nothing instead.<br /><br />When you're not working (freelancing), just chill. Pretty soon you'll start seeing things in that way again... You know how it is. And the voice will kick up a ruckus again only this time it will sound like a slightly drunk but much loved friend, saying, 'Hey, that would make a cool novel if some eejit would only sit down and write it...'<br /><br />Take it easy, and be easy on yourself. I think Lemmy (and one of the posters above) said it best: 'Don't let the bastards grind you down.' Of course he also inquired of a lady would she 'Love me like a Reptile...' <br /><br />Best, <br /><br />Kevin McCarthyKevin McCarthyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03383288129364525167noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938060587020568315.post-75196948910925213642009-11-20T02:51:40.811+00:002009-11-20T02:51:40.811+00:00I found your blog through that of the Internationa...I found your blog through that of the International Thriller Writers. I was saddened to read your well-reasoned post. Without going into details (this is, after all, your story and not mine), let me say that I can identify with much of what causes you distress.In my judgement, gained over seventy-plus years, I can say you've got your priorities right. Spend time with your family, and publication will or won't come. But I hope you won't totally give up on those next novels.Richard Mabryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15993592219849830777noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938060587020568315.post-84040177672419403472009-11-20T01:01:18.586+00:002009-11-20T01:01:18.586+00:00Your words scream across the sea, reaching me in K...Your words scream across the sea, reaching me in Kansas City, USA. I too am a writer (with a Lily of my own, though my dear one is a granddaughter.) I read your words and nod and understand every one, for I have felt them all--and some others too. I spend far too much time looking at sales numbers, praying they are enough to get me the next contract. And the next. I keep at it because I love to write--and hate it too. But isn't that the way with most passions? One thing I've learned is: "To everything there is a season." Enjoy the season with your daughter now. There will be time to write. I didn't have my first book published until I was 40, with three kids all but grown and gone. And now, 24 books later, I see it was right to order my life as you do, with family first, then work, then writing. One of these days a story will burst from you unannounced, and then you will know it is time to begin again. www.nancymoser.comNancy Moserhttp://www.nancymoser.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938060587020568315.post-16890617946033081162009-11-20T00:45:43.928+00:002009-11-20T00:45:43.928+00:00Dec, I just discovered your post. My heart's b...Dec, I just discovered your post. My heart's breaking. You're not only an amazing writer with a unique voice who should be on every crime fiction shelf, imo, you're a damn good guy with a huge sense of responsibility. And I understand your conclusion and respect it.<br /><br />I'd make the same decision and may have to in the future, because investments, eventually, have to pay off, and the psychic burden of making others sacrifice for your compulsion can get too heavy to bear.<br /><br />But ... what is life without passion? Rational decisions about an irrational passion, a subconscious act of creation, aren't always applicable. <br /><br />I hope first that those two books sell for enough to keep you going. And secondly, that the writer within you--who is as much of you as anything--will prevail beyond this temporary hiatus.<br /><br />Much love and hope from across the pond!<br /><br />KelliKelli Stanleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05134057726661907735noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938060587020568315.post-28374710832713295822009-11-19T15:40:42.918+00:002009-11-19T15:40:42.918+00:00Great post. I feel the need to buy one of your boo...Great post. I feel the need to buy one of your books. I am in the exact same family position, but haven't published a book.<br /><br />Quit bitching. Keep writing. Make art!Mark Richardsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02563853987158263126noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938060587020568315.post-86622195228039304632009-11-18T02:21:42.806+00:002009-11-18T02:21:42.806+00:00Hi Declan -- Just found your blog (and you) tonigh...Hi Declan -- Just found your blog (and you) tonight and felt I needed to leave a comment on this excellent (but heartbreaking) post. I quit my job in May of this year to start writing fiction full time. I'm almost done with the first drafts of both my books and have made a lot of financial sacrifices to spend all my time writing. (All this while knowing the ridiculously high failure rate to "make it" as an author.) My sacrifices, though, pale in comparison to the responsibilities you have with your little daughter, etc. I question whether I'd still do what I'm doing if I had dependent mouths to feed. Probably not.<br /><br />Though I *want* to disagree with what you said about quitting, you make valid arguments all the way through. Even though I'm rooting for you to succeed. :)Crystalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18247451368864312942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938060587020568315.post-66130932860252266422009-11-15T01:51:30.413+00:002009-11-15T01:51:30.413+00:00Such a heartbreaking time to be creative, share in...Such a heartbreaking time to be creative, share in your sad realization although haven't quite bailed yet. My daughter is more important of course, but still want to write. I think. Sort of...Harryhttp://www.harryshannon.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938060587020568315.post-32384764843001132422009-11-14T22:32:17.724+00:002009-11-14T22:32:17.724+00:00PB - A Pastor? A sermon? Crikey. I do appreciate t...PB - A Pastor? A sermon? Crikey. I do appreciate the sentiment, but it'll be midnight vigils next ...<br /><br />I would never consider reading a waste of time, unless it was a bad book, and I rarely read more than 10 pages of those. As for the time, I don't have it to waste, but I'd never consider time spent on writing a waste either. Not financially profitable, perhaps, but that's not the same thing. <br /><br />Cheers, DecDeclan Burkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14322645323239292406noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938060587020568315.post-42171253350410660762009-11-14T21:11:22.074+00:002009-11-14T21:11:22.074+00:00I don't know you, but I am a pastor, and I am ...I don't know you, but I am a pastor, and I am going to include a bit of your story in a sermon entitled "a waste of time". I am also a writer and a reader, and at times both have been considered by me and others as a waste of time, but they and I would be wrong, it is a passion.PBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08415451709542568842noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938060587020568315.post-85966948961052474962009-11-14T03:43:38.109+00:002009-11-14T03:43:38.109+00:00Hey Declan, I just ordered your damn book. Now, se...Hey Declan, I just ordered your damn book. Now, seriously, to hell with this talk, and go write another novel.<br />I don't want to see anyone quit. Because that would make it easier for me to quit.Mark Arsenaulthttp://www.markarsenault.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938060587020568315.post-75245400685267344002009-11-14T03:42:49.705+00:002009-11-14T03:42:49.705+00:00Sounds like you're being quite sensible about ...Sounds like you're being quite sensible about all this. Burn out and the general climate could be a factor. <br /><br />Thanks for posting back your reactions. And do take a break too what degree you can. It will let some things filter out.seana grahamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03774794086733027289noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938060587020568315.post-34286613041201962522009-11-14T00:52:04.977+00:002009-11-14T00:52:04.977+00:00> I'm simply talking about
> enough...> I'm simply talking about <br />> enough return on time spent <br />> to keep me, the bank manager, <br />> the agent and the publisher happy. <br /><br />maybe there are too many fingers<br />in that pie to keep everyone happy.<br /><br />before you give up entirely (if even<br />temporarily) you should attempt<br />some digital publication instead.<br /><br />if the two books you have out now<br />do not sell to publishers, put them<br />on the kindle to see what happens.<br /><br />you might be pleasantly surprised.<br /><br />you might even find that you can<br />give up the freelance grind and<br />concentrate on your true calling...<br /><br />and lily might end up with a father<br />who's much happier than he is now.<br /><br />-bowerbirdbowerbirdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05962115094107919533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938060587020568315.post-63366669897841085982009-11-13T20:56:51.620+00:002009-11-13T20:56:51.620+00:00Crikey. Much more of this and I'll be on to Pa...Crikey. Much more of this and I'll be on to Papa Duce looking for a sainthood. <br /><br />Maybe you're all right. Maybe I just need to duck out for a while and get a big lungful of fresh air. I feel pretty relieved about the decision now, but that could well change in six months, or even less. <br /><br />I have to say, the reaction to this post has given me real food for thought, so thanks to everyone who took the time to comment and get in touch.<br /><br />By the way, a couple of things ... Firstly, I'm reliably informed by my ever-helpful agent that THE BIG EMPTY hasn't get gone out for consideration, which is good news in its own way; it means that, once it does go out, I'll be, theoretically at least, still in the game until next summer or thereabouts, and anything can happen between now and then. <br /><br />Also - a couple of emails I got referred to 'best-sellers'. I'm not talking about becoming a best-seller when I talk about a return on investment (although that's not for the want of ambition); I'm simply talking about enough return on time spent to keep me, the bank manager, the agent and the publisher happy. That's a tricky one to negotiate, of course. And I'm aware, too, that there's better writers than I in the same fix. <br /><br />Thinking on it over the last few days, and taking on board what everyone has had to say, I'm coming to the conclusion that the writing / not writing thing will resolve itself. I'll get to the point where I'm so happy or unhappy not writing that the decision will make itself. Or circumstances will overtake us, or change, or ... I don't know. Nothing stays the same for very long. Either way, I'm looking forward to not writing for the foreseeable future, which is not something I thought I'd ever say. For now it feels good, though. <br /><br />It's only now just occurred to me - what if I'd written that post, and no one even mentioned it. Some slap in the cobblers that'd have been ...<br /><br />Cheers, DecDeclan Burkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14322645323239292406noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938060587020568315.post-24286701288019819212009-11-13T20:41:36.683+00:002009-11-13T20:41:36.683+00:00Sorry to hear this, Dec; especially as the book st...Sorry to hear this, Dec; especially as the book still out there that I've read is a corker. I understand the pressures - I also think you don;t get a choice -I suspect you'll have to write, whether you like it or not...<br /><br />Good luck with whatever you're doing - I just hope it includes fiction.Brian McGillowayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17569349052013628187noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938060587020568315.post-51047163589412039122009-11-13T19:55:09.464+00:002009-11-13T19:55:09.464+00:00That was the post of a prizefighter, hungry but ba...That was the post of a prizefighter, hungry but battered,weary yet determined, sitting at the turnbuckle debating whether the next round is worth fighting.<br /><br />Well, as a long time reader of your blog (and yes a fan of The Big O to boot) I personally think the bell has yet to ring for you.<br /><br />As a long time journalist (or should I say lapsed scribe) and yet to be discovered author, I can appreciate the sobering reality.<br /><br />All I can do is evoke the sentiments of other commentators, take a breather and please don't think about quitting on us. To family, life and health.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938060587020568315.post-45716789846332232892009-11-13T19:49:56.210+00:002009-11-13T19:49:56.210+00:00You've expressed very well what a lot of us ar...You've expressed very well what a lot of us are currently grappling with, Declan. Advances have been slashed even when books are picked up (and fewer and fewer seem to be). Most of us are puttering along for far less than minimum wage, when all is said and done. If you're a midlist writer, chances are you still work a full time job, and this has become your "hobby." I have a small child at home too, and it does become increasingly difficult to justify the time spent away from my family in service to building a career as a writer. Especially when I made a heck of a lot more money writing travel and lifestyle pieces for magazines. <br />That being said, I love your work and would hate to lose it.Michelle Gagnonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02757760335203540717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938060587020568315.post-84046307138935806102009-11-13T18:48:57.956+00:002009-11-13T18:48:57.956+00:00Sorry I'm so late to this, Dec. Hope it's ...Sorry I'm so late to this, Dec. Hope it's just a brief hiatus from writing that you're taking. Emerging Writer, I saw The Big O on sale last week in Chapters on Parnell Street. <br />ClaireAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938060587020568315.post-29213726648134233552009-11-13T18:46:51.180+00:002009-11-13T18:46:51.180+00:00Chief
Another outrage perpetrated by the bankers,...Chief<br /><br />Another outrage perpetrated by the bankers, politicians and property developers of this country! Don’t laugh yet. If a consequence of this recession is that an artist of your caliber and integrity has been forced into silence, then things are a lot worse than I thought. <br />For my part, your success and struggles have long been a guiding light, the unwavering power, quality, resilience, wit and wisdom that informs your work (published or pending) has been more than ‘a diversion’, it has been a motivation. The reasons for your decision is understandable and I admire your conscience and courage in making it. If I were to suggest something to you however I’d say that rather than end this chapter with a full stop, do what they did in EightBall and use three of them … ! Either that or just take longer to write something shorter. Remember too that we need your sort more out on the frontline now more than ever.<br /><br />BagBag17https://www.blogger.com/profile/02564294568311704054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938060587020568315.post-11729329820573196402009-11-13T18:39:39.713+00:002009-11-13T18:39:39.713+00:00Sorry Squire, but you're bang out of order on ...Sorry Squire, but you're bang out of order on this one. We're not having any of it. Six month break is all you're getting. <br /><br />In these recessionary times we need every man out front and the right men in the right jobs. Any more of this kind of talk and I might have to point you in the direction of Adam Smith's Theory of Absolute Advantage. Pint shortly? Or even a coffee?Pat McArdlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12524596359238401065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938060587020568315.post-26664640738995452942009-11-13T15:59:00.733+00:002009-11-13T15:59:00.733+00:00Declan--
Family is always first. Dedicating yours...Declan--<br />Family is always first. Dedicating yourself to it and making the necessary sacrifices are what make you a man.<br /><br />One day, and that day is sooner than you care to think, Lily will come to you and say, "Daddy, there's a boy outside." So spend the time with her now, man.Mike Dennishttp://mikedennisnoir.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938060587020568315.post-14584197919758714622009-11-13T07:34:38.906+00:002009-11-13T07:34:38.906+00:00Naomi? It's a date, ma'am.
Marco - Anyth...Naomi? It's a date, ma'am. <br /><br />Marco - Anything's possible, squire. I will keep you posted ...<br /><br />Eoin - Wind in the Willows is a great, great book. As for my being more successful than most writers - if you'd told me when I was a 14-year-old kid that I'd have two novels published, and that I'd earn a living from writing (freelance or otherwise), I would have thought you were insane. <br /><br />A career guidance counsellor once told me that I'd never make it as a journalist because I wasn't 'sneaky' enough ... <br /><br />Cheers, DecDeclan Burkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14322645323239292406noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938060587020568315.post-10903199041774863022009-11-13T00:00:43.835+00:002009-11-13T00:00:43.835+00:00Hey Declan,
Your post reached the Twitterverse, w...Hey Declan,<br /><br />Your post reached the Twitterverse, where I found it. I've never read your work; I'm sure it's terrific, but that's not why I'm commenting. I'm a much less successful freelance journalist than you are, and given I haven't been published, a fairly rubbish novelist. <br /><br />I do have (small) kids though, and a mortgage, and I've spent (and continue to) almost nine years doing any job I can in order to feed and clothe them and myself. I haven't learned much in that time, but I'm fairy certain about a few things:<br /><br />1. You only have one life. <br /><br />2. Your kids only have one dad.<br /><br />3. If you defaulted on your mortgage, it would indeed be a sad day.<br /><br />4. And yet, you would still have your kids and your life. <br /><br />5. Things can always get worse. Equally, there's no reason why they won't get better.<br /><br /> I'm familiar with your working week. It's even less fun when those hours are done on spec. I don't know if that comes across as unnecessarily harsh - but doing what you want is hard most of the time. Finding time for your kids is hard too. Earning a living doing what you always wanted to do isn't as easy as Press Gang led me to believe either. <br /><br />But I have been - and many times during the week am - where you are right now in your head. It's not much fun. But you are already more successful than most writers ever become. I suspect that these days, what you describe is more than most can hope for. It doesn't mean it's much fun - just that it may not be for you.<br /><br />That said "The books I write are (at best) an enjoyable diversion, a pleasant waste of time." Graham Greene described much of his work as 'entertainments'. Kenneth Grahame and AA Milne, respected, serious writers in their day, are remembered (loved) for Wind In The Willows and Toad of Toad Hall. Most people read to escape. It's hardly a justification for stopping.<br /><br />Besides, writing 'enjoyable diversions' never stopped Dan Brown.<br /><br />(Enjoyable being a highly subjective term here).<br /><br />Good luck and take care.<br /><br />EoinEoinhttp://mreoin.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938060587020568315.post-79001100612309438352009-11-12T23:13:20.484+00:002009-11-12T23:13:20.484+00:00I hope you'll reconsider your decision, Dec.I hope you'll reconsider your decision, Dec.marcohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10505120530405862702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938060587020568315.post-75729074285495648422009-11-12T21:46:32.501+00:002009-11-12T21:46:32.501+00:00If you can make it to Bcon 2011, Dec, I'll buy...If you can make it to Bcon 2011, Dec, I'll buy the first round.Naomi Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08005429772070247806noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938060587020568315.post-43982851241740775832009-11-12T21:30:47.671+00:002009-11-12T21:30:47.671+00:00Eolai - "I had to question if I was the best ...Eolai - "I had to question if I was the best parent I could be when I denied myself painting." Very interesting thought, and one worth bearing in mind. Ta.<br /><br />Emerging Writer - Appreciate the interest, I really do. I'd say try Amazon.com for copies of the books - last I heard, there were selling at pretty low prices. Of course, then you'll have the P&P to worry about ... <br /><br />I'd love to reply to all the comments, folks, but I'm a bit overwhelmed to be honest. Many thanks to everyone who left a few words. This is going to cost me a fortune in free booze if I ever travel to another B'con ... I may have to write another novel to pay for it all.<br /><br />Cheers, DecDeclan Burkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14322645323239292406noreply@blogger.com