Anthem Salgado’s got another good post over at artofhustle.com. He’s talking about asking, and how artists need to be better at this. My response to him is that I have come to know not to take anything for granted — publication, honorarium, transportation costs, handling book sales, etc. So yes, it’s better to ask than to be disappointed that something you’d hoped for did not materialize.
Another thing he and I are talking about (in the comments section) is the possibility of a “no,” which may tend to stop artists before they even ask. Anyway, “no” happens and that’s a fact. But yes happens also. I think a “no,” is a good opportunity to learn to negotiate a conditional yes, or to revisit, reword, tweak the spiel. And to revisit the work, revisit whom you’re asking. Isn’t that what a rejection letter is, a “no,” that gives us the opportunity to rethink whether we’re sending our work to fitting venues, or whether the work needs revising or editing before being sent out again.
An example of rewording the spiel, as per Rashaan Alexis Meneses’s recent post on the Mills College Pitch Fest she recently attended: One of the speakers has advocated for humility. How do you go about effectively self-promoting and still maintaining your humility. From Rashaan’s blog:
[Joe Christiano] urges that writers be humble about their work. A lot of times, novelists will come into the store with a sense of entitlement, asking “why aren’t you carrying my book?” or “my book has just come out, can I do a reading here?” Writers would be wise to ask instead, “do you have a place for this?”
Another thing I’d add here is the gift economy among artists. The fact is that so many artists work in many capacities as curators, editors, reviewers, educators. Asking is good, so be brave and smart and do so. In terms of smart, here’s one suggestion when asking (multi-tasking) artists for something: offer something concrete in exchange (your gratitude should be a given, and guilting artists with talk of solidarity isn’t cool; how about a book review). I do not believe in something for nothing. I do not believe that’s good practice.
I am also writing this, publicly acknowledging my current limitations. I am co-organizing two API Heritage Month literary events in May, coming up on a number of Diwata speaking events in April (including travel to El Paso). I also have made writing commitments (fast and furious book reviewing) for National Poetry Month (also April), and that’s all I can handle. Oh, and Oscar and I are co-curating Doveglion. We’ve got at least four poetics/process essays/manifestos planned for April/May, and another bunch on the horizon.
Just some things on my mind and my plate. Kind of can’t do much more.
Besides asking and giving (which are verbs I wholeheartedly support), there is, I think, also something to be said about “demonstrating.” And, I guess by that, I mean exercising The Golden Rule and creating opportunities for other people, even if there is less discernible personal benefit, e.g organizing readings where you aren’t going to be in the line-up, etc. Maybe that’s part of giving, but I think there may be a distinction.
For instance, there are times in which an artist is presented with an opportunity that doesn’t really suit her work, but might for a fellow artist. Most of the time maybe we’re too busy to stop and pause to make the referral or recommendation. We just say no, not now (The no can go both ways.). But how rewarding for our colleague when we do stop for a moment to think about suitability for others, and that opportunity pans out for them. Warm, glowy feelings all around, right?
BTW, after having very little actual writing activity in quite some time, I did a reading for Cheers To Muses to promote the second printing of the anthology. This was at Books Inc. in Alameda (a very pretty neighborhood bookstore, with attention to children’s books and a sufficient–though not in-depth–collection of other genres, including poetry). I purchased the last copy of Diwata and advised that they stock more
“also something to be said about “demonstrating.” And, I guess by that, I mean exercising The Golden Rule and creating opportunities for other people, even if there is less discernible personal benefit, e.g organizing readings where you aren’t going to be in the line-up, etc. Maybe that’s part of giving, but I think there may be a distinction.”
Hey Debbie, yes, absolutely. I do think it’s related to giving, but I like “demonstrating.” Nothing abstract there, and it’s very proactive. I’ve been curating both readings and e-pub, as well as acting as a hub for artists and venues, whether through posting artist opportunities on the PAWA blog or via email with publicists, artists, orgs/venues, and while it’s hard work and a lot of time and energy (which really, I could be spending on my own writing), it isn’t impossible, and anyone can do this with a little bit of organization and vision.
Again, the artist necessarily working in many capacities, and even being activists.
What’s starting to get to me these days is that others are automatically shunting people over to me rather than taking action themselves, because I’m the gal that gets things done. Or they believe that shunting others over to me is the taking action.
But what it really is is dumping more sh*t on my plate to clear yours. (well, not you Debbie, but you in general)
I believe there’s a distinction to be made here.
PS: thanks for spreading the word about Diwata! I should kindly ask them for a reading at some point, since they already carry my book!
Thanks for the link, Barbara. I’ve been wrestling with the idea of knowing when to ask, how to ask, who to ask, and what to ask, especially working within the academy of higher education. Recently, I’ve learned that it takes constant courage and a real psychological leap to ask. And, surprisingly, I’ve come to find that sometimes, we don’t really need to ask, but we can simply grab an opportunity that’s there for the taking. Perseverance and learning how to shake off that nagging ailment of “imposter syndrome” is key.
I think this is when our support network really comes in, reminding us no one is truly alone because others have blazed the path before, and there’s always someone to learn from and emulate. I just hope that in my small ways of teaching, meeting with students, and blogging, I can share the same lessons I’ve gleaned and reaffirm the network we’re constantly trying to fortify and advocate for.
I think a big part to overcoming asking anxiety (and overkill) is to focus your asking as a contribution to the [thing - conversation, genre, world]. I think it’s as selfish NOT to ask if your contribution could shed light as it is TO ask if it’s purely to serve oneself.