The Work of Peter Clothier: Q&A Group discussion

As some of you might know, a lot of what I have been writing about in the past few years is our relationship to the monetary pressures of society and how they define success and our own need to create and embrace our artistic selves. How do you view this relationship?

And, in the spirit of this group, feel free to ask me anything!

Hi Peter! I'm really happy to have been invited to this group. I am currently writing an autobiography and I'm wondering how the publishing system works. Are you able to give me some insight?

I was most concerned with this subject while growing up. Always wanting what others had, especially in jr.high and high school. It's quite a depressing feeling. But I did alright really, thanks to good taste.

As an adult, I honestly don't care as much. I won't say that I wouldn't like a nice car, but honestly at the end of the day no one really cares what you have, what you possess...just the kind of person you are.

Hello, Zahraa... apologies for the delay. The "publishing system" does not work very well for the vast majority of writers. Many people these days are choosing the self-published ebook to get a foothold, gather some interested readers, put the work out there. Otherwise it's a battle to find and agent, then a publisher, then the p.r. that is needed to ensure distribution, and so on... That's the conventional route. Good luck with your book!

A good place to be, Adella!

Hi Peter, received invite to join your mindwork group, so here I am. I think to answered that question when one is young and out of college they all want to achieve the dream of success and pay the bills. When life pits us against the obstacles of attaining employment, and keeping up with the Jones, our minds start to wonder if this is all their is to life? Some are to afraid to change their security and do not follow their dreams. They look at the cost and investment they will have to dole out and decided the time is not right. Some decide that it is now or never, to have no regrets. They write their books, go the traditional publisher and lose control over their project. So turn towards self publishing, but for a true book to be 100% acceptable, I learn Indie Publishers can't take the easy road either, they too will have to invest funds for A to Z for a sellable item. Thus the question to ponder does one withdraw from the rainy day fund and invest in their dream or hold off for another day and it too passes and one has regrets? Hopefully I answered somewhat the question you asked.

I think you actually raised more questions, Susanna! It's a dilemma. I wish that more creative people could hope to make ends meet with their creative work, but in the culture we have created, it does seem unlikely. So we have to compromise...