New Writers' /Author's Dilemma

I'm prompted to write about this issue, after people I know faced a lot of problems getting their works published- as authors. There are many budding  Malaysian writers and poets out there but very few made it to the top sellers list.The few who made it  are actually  based out of Malaysian soil.

 Few even know how to get around  the red tapes to get their works published. We have many Malaysian publishers ..... But are there any publisher or organisation, willing to help budding writers or  at  least give  them  some directions on the  "how to" aspect of   their completed works, even if they do need to work on polishing up their works?? How many have that type of facilities and the amenities to help the struggling writer, be they  young or old? All they need is a  helping hand  to get them on  that first step. More people are into writing. Young writers want to look at this field as a career. Who knows with the correct polishing and exposure, we could have another J.K Rowling in our midst! Many seniors too, have taken the Writing Road after retirement and it would be a dream come true if their works get published and marketed. It is a matter of -a sense of purpose achieved-but of course-it must be publisher worthy. No one backs the unmarketable, because funds and reserves are involved. So it becomes  a matter for the people's Elects to assist.

There are plenty of grants given out by the government-but are there grants for organisations willing to extend a guiding hand to those who wants to have their  works published? Are there grants for the writers themselves, especially those who venture in, after retirement? Writers in the West have an easier time-more resources and opportunities are opened to them. We are not talking about academic publications. The Educational Institutions takes care of that - but more- the creative and less formal works, packed with literary  imagination, a world out of our world-pages out of " Alice in wonderland".

There have been enough cries of, "lacking in  Malaysian writers, not enough Malaysian writers!"  But are we doing enough to help those who wish to write and can write , first to thrive and then to get recognition?? After all, Malaysian writers too can write brilliantly. The world judge Malaysian writers as -not of international standard. Strangely, Malaysians too are quick to agree likewise.

Standards are mere "constructions". Are we not skilled, qualified and professional enough to formulate good standards?? Do we not see the beauty of our own style? Do we need to mimic and conform to  the style of others, just so that it falls within the definition of world class??? Are our writers really  "below standard"??? Really, we should be more encouraging of our  local writers!! If the quality and substance is not there-provide the education, the skills and the knowledge. Mere criticism is neither productive nor progressive to the advancement of Malaysian writing.

There is a gold mine of  literary wisdom and talent, among Malaysians worth trillions and more. Why then- are there so few Malaysian works  in the market? Is it due to lack of skills or the plain lack of opportunities or- Obstacles put up through the  perception of others  or simply  lack of  confidence and determination of the writers themselves?

A friend recently had his poems self published . It was, in his own words- an expensive and time consuming affair. His,  is a typical case of a gifted writer, faced with the No help  blank wall. Who to go to?  Where to go to?? There is really no HELP Counters for budding writers.These writers have worked hard-put in alot of sweat. It took the passionate  months-for some, even years to come up with their finished product!!.

My friend is luckier- he has the $ to get him on the first step and into the world of Amazon. com . Despite his difficulties-he has achieved  something crucial to his purpose-the satisfaction of seeing his works published and in hard copy. The joy of a dream realised. But  not everybody  is that fortunate  or has that type of means to self publish. Many a dream dies at the door of the publishing houses and what a waste of creativity!! True, My friend can now touch his beautifully bound book...his name standing proudly  on its covers, but somehow the IF stands  wondering.....

 In the writing world, there are also politics to content with, you need to know people, you need the contacts.. If you are looking at writing as a source of income...how sure  are you that the money actually does roll in even after your books are published??? Authors and writers need to have the passion and love to come up with splendid works. Nothing less is acceptable! Money is always secondary. Even Rowling herself faced financial constraints when she first started out.

As a beginner and  novice, be grateful if you are able  to sustain yourself. Forget about the Big Bucks!!!...People need to know you first before they could accept and trust in the substance and the marketability of your works and put you on their payroll. .Start slowly but surely-articles, short stories, blogs, writing competition and the works..I could write a whole book, only ..words are useless...it is the action of  Help Platforms, the opportunities given by the Big Brothers and your own determination that brings to life dreams....Anyone keen on starting a budding authors group??