TOO MUCH TIME IN FRONT OF THE COMPUTER

Writing, for some, is an art form. It is approached from the standpoint of using the English language in new and interesting ways, or taking the novel in a new direction. Some writers have read a lot of Flannery O'Connor, William Faulkner, or others in the Southern Gothic field and they may find themselves incorporating similar themes and textures into their own works. Others read Pat Conroy's page turners and notice his sales and dream of emulating his success by coming up with the next beach novel. The right mix of social upheaval (within the world of that work of fiction), sex and some violence: it's a like a recipe and it works if the measure used for each ingredient is just right.

Writers like Stephen King may fall into both categories: the novelist who works to hone his craft and the book writer with marketing on his/her mind. In today's world, if one looks across the landscapes that comprise the internet, millions of would-be creative artists are vying for public attention. Right now, I am one of them. But I join the ranks of so many that I have to do something to cut through the crop. Internet advertising ventures are waiting to scoop up newcomers like me who read about others who claim to have made their first million from a new book. And it's debatable whether or not any of these campaigns are any more effective than simple word of mouth and step by step introductions (on forums and in social networks).

But what are the chances? Bad writers have made money. Good writers are still waiting to recoup their costs. And some great writers have been lucky: they've written wonderful books that are selling. The advice that makes sense--advice that I've not yet quite taken--is to take some time to market but avoid getting obsessive about it. Keep your computer time short. Write another book. And make time to get out of the house and enjoy the outside world.

This advice falls into the category of easier said than done, but it's advice that I haven't always followed. When my daughter tells me that I'm spending too much time in front of the computer I realize just one thing: I'm spending too much time in front of the computer.