Proud to Be a Sidekick
Giveaway below from Casey and Natalie- two winners will receive a copy of GILDED
When I joined this community six years ago, I thought writing and publishing novels was my dream. I identified with strong characters like Jae Hwa who fought their demons (or demi-gods rather!) with gumption and who triumphed despite great odds.
But somewhere along the way, I began to realize that I wasn’t cut out to be a main character in the greater story of publishing, that I was much happier as a sidekick. So, to use a Gilded-like metaphor, I lay down my bow and focused on filling the quivers of other writers. Because if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that the world needs more great books.
Wherever you turn in publishing, you’ll find someone saying “don’t quit,” and I don’t think you should if writing novels is truly your passion, or if you’re on the brink and simply despairing at the odds. But if this pursuit is making you miserable or you’re coming to realize there’s another dream in your heart, I want to tell you it’s okay.
It’s okay to quit.
It doesn’t make you less of a person, or without forethought or purpose. You can go back to being “just” a reader and help an industry you care about thrive. Sometimes it’s the sidekick who saves the day, and by supporting writers and their books, I know I’m playing a crucial role in the good fight, and that someday I’ll star in my own story.
Until I do, I’m proud to be a sidekick.
Twitter: @Casey_McCormick
Website: http://www.literaryrambles.com/
Casey McCormick is a literary agent intern, blogger, wife, and mom (x2).
A member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and founding
member of WriteOnCon, she’s honored to be part of the extraordinary kidlit
community. Casey started the popular Agent Spotlight series in March of 2009
following the creation of Literary Rambles in 2008.
Awesome! I would love to win Gilded! Happy release day!!!!!!!
Sometimes the sidekicks have all the fun! =)
Sidekicks are awesome, and Hermione Granger would be the best example of this. You’re right, Casey. For me, I feel strongly about helping my friends, especially those who are writers succeed, than my own success. My time will come after theirs. I prefer it that way. 🙂
Casey, sometimes the “sidekick” has a way more interesting story than the main character! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Casey, you are such a support to the writing community! Your blog is my go-to for everything about agents. It’s great that you found your niche in the writing community.
Sidekicks are often the most interesting characters, and the ones heroes turn to first.
Hmm, interesting. I’ve never been told that it’s okay to quit! But you make a very good point, one that as a blogger/reviewer/reader, I can understand – that there are many different ways to support the book industry and community. I’m not necessarily an aspiring author, but I will always be a reader, reviewer, and blogger (hopefully, anyway). Great post, Casey! And thank you <3
Congrats on the book, and happy release day!!! I would love this book!!!
I’m so excited for you to have achieved your dream. All that hard work has truly paid off! I’d LOVE LoOOVE LOVE to win an autographed copy for my son from his best teacher!
Congrats on the book!
Great post, Casey. And so true. I may decide to be a sidekick too. And that’s okay. Love being one with you on our blog.
Thank you for all the kind replies. I’m so excited for Christina and can’t wait to see who the lucky winners of the giveaway are – you’re going to love Gilded!
Congrats on your book. It honestly sounds amazing!!!! I’ve had it on my to-read list ever since I found out about it and thank you for the opportunity to win a copy. I just love mythology and I actually have a mild Asian addiction (dramas and music) so this sounds like the perfect book for me. I just love how your book focuses on Korean mythology which isn’t common. You see a lot of books based on Greek mythology, which I love, but its good to have change every once in a while!!!