I have to tell you, I am so honored to have been asked to speak to a local Teen Writer's Group here in Springfield. As of this moment, my presentation is scheduled for May 9th (Wednesday), so if anyone who reads this wishes to show up at The Creamery at 6:30 pm and heckle me, come on! It's going to be fun, I believe. More than that, I hope I can leave these young people with a love and inspiration to write. My hope is that they will hear something I say and grasp a good view of the big picture and return to their writing endeavors with renewed vigor.
From what I understand, the majority of these students are serious about making writing professionally a part of their lives and to that, I say, well done! It's a serious thing, really.
Our future generations of writers are so important. What's going on with the publishing industry today is really sad. Publishing houses, big ones, are closing all over the place, and those who aren't closing are merging with another house who can save them financially and reputation-wise. Little presses are emerging from the publishing wasteland. E-publishing, in whatever form, is thriving. There is hope for writers, even without the big houses.
There is hope for talented, dedicated writers. Maybe that's what these kids need to know. Nothing is the same as it was ten years or five years ago. Getting with the industry as it is now is the way to survive and make it. Or make your own brand by publishing yourself online. It can be done.
So, I'm not really sure what I'm going to speak on exactly on the 9th of May, but I sincerely hope I can put these young writers on the path to realize their dream.
