Susan Boyle, J. K. Rowling, and Me

Susan Boyle’s instant stardom is yet another example of the underdog succeeding against great odds. It thrills and inspires us all because it’s everyone’s dream to be a superstar in our chosen area of interest. Likewise, J. K. Rowling’s success seems as magical as the series she’s written. The mystique of the underdog who rises from rags to riches, from poverty and obscurity to fame and fortune, is the universal dream come true. It’s even better than winning the lottery because she succeeded by using her own intelligence and abilities. Those of us who write fiction are especially thrilled by Rowling’s story.In fact, it’s a Cinderella rags-to-riches story to which all of us can relate. However, the major difference between Cinderella and Rowling is that unlike Cindy, Rowling did not have a fairy godmother to help her out. Rowling’s accomplishment was purely through personal effort. Ditto Susan Boyle whose singing voice, pure and angelic, sounds as though it was professionally trained, and Sylvester Stallone who not only wrote the screenplay for Rocky but magnificently acted in it as well. These are examples of people who have persevered against great odds. And that makes their accomplishments all the more impressive.I whole-heartedly applaud! These successes have given new hope to those of us who are creative but unknown. As to writers like myself, no longer can we gripe that people do not read.  Reports of the demise of the written word are clearly premature. If nothing else, the reception the Potter books received has proven that there is an eager audience for the written word.  However, it cannot be denied that such success is far from typical. Migrant workers earn much more than the average fiction writer–I’m referring here to the semi-successful writer.  It is all well and good to refer to writing as a “hobby.”  However, those of us who take the craft seriously often wonder why there is a stigma attached when we say we expect to be paid for our work, and make no mistake about it, writing is work.  Art for art’s sake sounds wonderful in theory, but many who tried to devote themselves fully to their art have starved. Living on love is romantic but impractical.So what does Rowling’s success mean to people like me?  I believe it demonstrates that the dream of commercial success is possible, that writers of fiction can write to express themselves and their vision and also be paid for it.  Rowling’s work has sold beyond what even she could have imagined possible, and she is certainly good at imagining.  Does the success of the Potter books mean that readers, young and old alike, are only seeking escape from mundane, ordinary existence, that these will be the only kind of books that will be successful?  I think that is only partly true.  The writer creates a world that satisfies herself/himself, ordering existence.  Sometimes, the reader buys into that particular realm.  The important thing is that the writer has something unique that needs to be expressed and wants to share it with interested readers.  I take heart from J. K. Rowling’s success story.  She may be one in a million who has made it into the ranks of superstar writers, but she is also a beacon shining her light for those of us stubborn wannabes who refuse to give up as long as we believe we have something worth writing and trying to sell.  She has demonstrated that writing is a profession worthy of respect. She has also shown us through her example that no one should give up on dreams, hopes and expectations.  Ms. Rowling’s books are popular because they speak to all of us. She has explained that her work is about the power of the imagination, that what Harry learns to do is develop his full potential. Wizardry is merely the analogy she uses. As for me, well, I guess I’ll just keep on writing and developing my own skills. In THE DROWNING POOL, which follows THE INFERNO COLLECTION, I’ve created a romantic, sexy mystery novel that I believe is a unique and wonderful reading experience. Hopefully, I too will soon be discovered! (Comments welcome)

Jacqueline Seewald

new release: THE DROWNING POOL, Five Star/Gale–

check it out on Amazon, B&N online, or request it at your local library! 

The Drowning Pool

Description:

Kim Reynolds, academic librarian, and Mike Gardner, police lieutenant, are spending a passionate, romantic evening together at Kim’s apartment when Mike gets a call about a homicide. Kim and Mike join forces to solve the puzzling death of a man found floating in the locked pool of Kim’s garden apartment complex in New Jersey. The victim, a womanizer, had many enemies. The excitement builds when the hunters become the hunted. Join Kim and Mike in this romantic suspense-filled follow-up to The Inferno Collection.

Jacqueline Seewald has taught writing courses including Creative Writing at the high school, middle school and college level and has also worked as an academic librarian and educational media specialist. Seven of her books of fiction have been previously published including the romantic suspense/mystery thriller, The Inferno Collection, published by Five Star/Gale in hardcover in 2007. Her short stories, poems, essays, reviews and articles have appeared in numerous publications such as: Sasee, Affaire De Coeur, Lost Treasure, The Christian Science Monitor, Pedestal, Surreal, After Dark, The Dana Literary Society Journal, Palace Of Reason, Library Journal, The Erickson Tribune and Publishers Weekly.