I just got back from the San Francisco Writer’s Conference (hence the silence here for the past few days.) It proved to be an enlightening experience in so many ways, as well as in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
I went with the intention of pitching an idea for a new book and generating interest. That happened, but not in the way I’d expected. I had hoped to spark interest with agents and was looking for a champion to take on the book. I got a lukewarm response, at best. However, I found my spark and excitement elsewhere…in potential readers, which turned out to be far for exciting and valuable.
I spent much of the weekend telling strangers that I am childfree-not-by-choice, which is a little odd in of itself, but I ended up meeting and talking to an incredible community of women, some mothers, and many not, but most of whom understood me, my situation, and my message.
Why am I telling you this? Because the experience solidified something that I already knew. In the broad scope of our society, and particularly in the media and commerce, those of us who don’t have children are hugely misunderstood. People make assumptions about our reasons and motivations, not to mention our personalities. And even though 1-in-5 women will not become mothers, we are still a marginalized and overlooked corner of the market.
However, my one-on-one interactions with other women gave me encouragement. Almost every woman I talked too was in some way supportive. I spoke to many women who were also childfree and they all had different reasons and different paths. But I also talked to mothers (including a mother of four and a mother of six) who were just as supportive of my project, and of me.
Ultimately, I left the conference encouraged, not necessarily by the future of the publishing industry, but by the power of community and the wonderful things that can happen when women stand together, no matter the paths that brought them together.
Hi Lisa,
so nice to read about your great experience!
Lisa,
This is an encouraging post. I too have found that regular people are much more supportive of my writing about childlessness than agents and publishers who can’t seem to see that there’s a big audience for this subject. Keep up the great blog.
Sue Lick
http://www.childlessbymarriage.blogspot.com
Support and encouragement are two very HUGE things. I’m glad you found both. I, for one, would read any book you put out there. The first has been a blessing!
Cici, thanks so much. I’ll be tracking you down within the year, I promise. 😉
Looking forward to it! 🙂
Glad you enjoyed it. Short-sighted that publishers must think “childless – not much of a market for that.” But a good book transcends the niche, and has wider appeal – I mean, I don’t have to be a mother to enjoy a book about family, or to love dogs to enjoy Edgar Sawtelle, or to be a birder to enjoy Border Songs, etc etc.
So happy you got something great out of it.
Glad you got so much so much out of your trip. And good luck with the book! We need to hear about people who don’t have kids so much more.