Authors Belong on the Red Carpet

Kim Kardashian said what?!

“You can say a lot of things about me, but you cannot say I don’t work hard. No, I don’t sing. I don’t dance. I don’t act. But I am not lazy.”- Kim Kardashian

I totally get how you feel, Kimmy Kim.

As authors, we are literary artists and literary entertainers. And like Kim Kardashian, we may not sing, dance, or act, but we work hard. Publishers work hard!

Take all the time you like trying to figure out what it is we do, how we do it, why we do it, how we get paid to do it . . . why we get paid to do it, and why sometimes we have to do it even when we don't get paid.

I mean, I have literally heard people say that they would never pay to see an author.

Hold up!

Wait a minute!

You would pay to see an actor?

You would pay to see a dancer?

You would pay to see a singer?

You would pay to see a comedian?

Like I said, we are literary entertainers. ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?!

Most of the movies people pay to see (whether they pay for a movie ticket, streaming, cable, internet, etc.) would not exist if it weren't for . . . wait for it . . . writers and authors! Over half the movies I watch these days are based on books. Including the movie And You Call Yourself a Christian produced by Tonia Maurice and Drew Sidora, based on my book (written under the name E. N. Joy and published by Carl Weber's Urban Christian imprint).

Books have just as much influence in the world as music, movies, dance, and even comedy. But for some reason, writers and authors have to work a lot harder than those in the other entertainment industries to get the recognition, respect, and money they deserve.

For example, the cost of entertainment has risen tremendously, yet everyone expects authors and publishers to forever charge $14.95-$15.95 for our trade paperback books.

Stop the madness!

Whoever came up with the whole "triple threat" thing either didn't know how to count . . . or stopped counting. Being a writer should be included.

Writers . . . Authors . . . Literary Artists . . . Literary Entertainers.

Yes, we belong on the red carpet, too!

And, oh yeah, to bring this thing full circle: If Kim Kardashian can build an empire with her butt, we can build one with our books.

Put some respect on what we do.

Happy Writing! Happy Publishing! Happy Reading!

Thank you and Amen!