#0051 Four Ways Public Libraries Help Us
a-Muse-ing, a-Tempt-ing, ac-Knowledge-ing, a-Maze-ing
The following post is part of a Seed Pod collaboration about libraries. Seed Pods are a SmallStack community project designed to help smaller publications lift each other up by publishing and cross-promoting around a common theme. We’re helping each other plant the seeds for growth!
Sometimes I don’t have a clue1 what my next creative project will be. Other times, I feel stuck in the muddle — er, the middle — of a WIP and need an escape. I’m always curious about the varying ways authors navigate the publishing world. And I do recognize and respect the importance of knowing, and connecting with, my readers. (Eeek! [that’s me squeaking like an introverted mouse] > .^.< )
Where do I go during these moments? The library, of course!
Stacks are a-Muse-ing for magical beginnings
When’s the last time you padded through the stacks of your local public library? Run your hand along a shelf of spines? Caught the old-paper scent2 of a well-loved classic that’s been checked out since before you were born?
When you’re not sure where to begin on your new creative project, the library stacks can be your muse.
Displays can be a-Tempt-ing break
Did you spot a New Books display with covers face out to tempt you to reach for one, to dip into it for a little taste?3 Those delicious new titles were curated by real human beings! The librarians at your library sorted through a multitude of preorder materials, verified the availability of purchasing funds, and, most importantly, knew what kinds of books you, and others in the community, might want to read.
When you need a break from the writing grind, reading a great book lets your mind wander.
Authors ac-Knowledge-ing their paths
Have you ever wondered how some of your favorite authors got published? The acknowledgments, usually in the back matter of a book, are a treasure trove. Freely available for you to learn from and perhaps follow (like a yellow-brick road), authors share details of their ways in the world of publishing.
In the acknowledgments, an author thanks their literary agent and editor. They include the names of publishing house people who championed their book. If portions of the book were published previously, the author would be remiss not to include a tip of the hat to the literary journals and respective editors (unless already covered on the copyright page).
Whenever an author worked on the book at a residency or retreat, the place and director are thanked. Additionally, institutions and organizations that granted support, such as a sabbatical from teaching, awards that helped the author get a foot in the door, and prizes that helped cover some expenses, deserve acknowledgment.
If the author received support from a writing group, the people and their roles (beta reader, proofreader, IT help at 3am, tea and biscuit supplier, whatever) receive callouts. And sometimes there’s not enough room on the dedication page, so the author shares gratitude for found and/or blood family members who gave moral support or had to endure too many Imposter Syndrome4 rants.
When you’re uncertain how to refine your search for an agent or find places to submit (for retreats, residencies, contests, publications), or perhaps just curious to discover more about a favorite author, the knowledge packed into acknowledgments is powerful.
Children’s sections lead to a-Maze-ing discoveries
Ever observe younglings explore their part of the public library? Though the stacks reach only half as high as the adults’, kiddos weave in and out, around and through5 like they're in a delightful hedge maze. They amass the maximum number of books allowed for checkout to return for more the following month (or week or day).
Don’t forget the area with soft, rounded furniture and thick rugs for toddlers. The tikes pull one floppy picture book after another onto the floor to then flop themselves down to explore — with sticky hands and gleeful grins — whatever amazing magic might be inside those soft covers.
When you’re beginning to contemplate your audience, consider that these little ones could be your readers now (if you write for children) or in a few years.
Libraries help us embrace rejection together.
How else do libraries & librarians 🤓 help us create more 🖍️ submit more ➡️ receive more rejections ❌ on the path to our publishing goals 📰📚🌠 ?
Please, dear reader, share your wisdom in the comments!
Want to see more posts from this Seed Pod or join in on the fun? Head over to our thread to learn more!
Next time: A year of weekly 100 Rejections Club newsletters?!?6
who done it doc
aroma chemistry in his spare time!!
maybe a book tasting?
imposter syndrome flashback (#0041)
almost like that Grover song
seriously, keep the footnote button away from me
As a sort of tangential post script — dedicated to my friend and SmallStack Team member Cheshir — check out this map of nonbook items available from public libraries across the US (https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/library-of-things.pdf). Turns out the LA public library system lends ukuleles, VR headsets, museum admissions, power tools, sewing machines, US citizenship kits, nature exploration gear, and more ([maybe paywalled, sorry] https://www.latimes.com/travel/story/2022-08-17/8-little-known-things-you-can-check-out-from-l-a-libraries-that-arent-books). And at certain libraries in the LA system, you can join the Bureau of Nooks and Crannies (you gotta read about it: https://www.lapl.org/events/exhibits/creators-residence-andy-crocker/bureau-of-nooks-and-crannies). Enjoy!
This is such a great take on libraries, Erin. I'm glad you shared!