Comments on: Lessons from the romance industry

By: Katrina Ariel

Katrina Ariel — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 01:33:16 +0000

There are too many great things about this speech for me to even number, but I’ll thank you very much for the inspiration, and for making me laugh out loud, more than once.

By: For When You Need a Lift | Kate Sheeran Swed

For When You Need a Lift | Kate Sheeran Swed — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 16:24:33 +0000

[…] McCarthy: Lessons from the romance industry (it doesn’t matter what you write–this is applicable to all, and I especially love the […]

By: “All roads lead to writing” | Kristan Hoffman

“All roads lead to writing” | Kristan Hoffman — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 15:47:48 +0000

[…] From a speech given by agent Jim McCarthy: […]

By: ML

ML — Sun, 14 Jun 2015 22:33:14 +0000

WOW! Nephew! YOU have been on to something! So wonderful to read this story! I\’m not a writer, nor an Agent; but you sure make me wish I was! Congrats. On 13 years of the most interesting…and challenging work! I am proud of you!!! Keep it up!

By: D. C. DaCosta

D. C. DaCosta — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 17:31:54 +0000

BTW…chick lit is dead????

By: D. C. DaCosta

D. C. DaCosta — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 17:31:22 +0000

“I would venture to guess that all of you started writing because of a need. A need to express yourself. A need to get the stories in your head onto paper. A need to share some piece of your inner world with other people.”

Leo Rosten (aka Leonard Q. Ross) wrote this in the preface to “The Return of Hyman Kaplan” (1958):

“…a writer writes not because he is educated but because he is driven by the need to communicate. Behind the need to communicate is the need to share. Behind the need to share is the terrible and remorseless need to be understood.
The writer wants to be understood much more than he wants to be respected or praised or even loved. And that, perhaps, is what makes him different from others.”

I think that you and he are both onto something.

By: Lynn

Lynn — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 00:45:16 +0000

Beautifully written, Jim, and inspiring. I have to say, I’ve been reading this blog for a number of years and I’ve missed your posts more than you know.

By: Suzanne

Suzanne — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 15:36:49 +0000

This is so lovely and encouraging. Jim is the best

By: Silver James

Silver James — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 13:08:49 +0000

What an inspiring speech, Jim! Thank you for sharing it here. Now I’m even more disappointed I didn’t get a slot for a pitch session with you at RWA this July! Perhaps I’ll be lucky enough to run into you in the bar and can buy you a drink. (Or a coffee at Starbucks.)

Your anecdote about the rejection letter reminded me of one of my own. The requesting editor (met at a small conference) wanted to read my manuscript because he was interested on a personal level, not because it fit the line. When I received the rejection, he mentioned loving my voice. When I saw him at the next RWA, I gave him a hug, exclaiming that was the best rejection I’d ever received. Until that point, I didn’t realize I HAD a voice! I struggled with that but with his enthusiasm and belief, I continued chasing my dream. I’m about to sign a second two-book deal with him, plus I developed enough self-confidence to become a hybrid author.

I don’t often comment here on the blog, though I read all the posts, and especially enjoy yours. Thanks. And I’m serious about that drink…