Hexagram 16 and my future as a writer

[amalia]

Truly sorry to disturb you all, but I need a help to understand my hexagram. I am an aspirant writer, and I am evaluating the possibility to send my new novel to a literary agency and to ask for their professional judgement. The thing is, professional judgements must be paid, and I am unfortunatly short of money at the moment - though I have the necessary sum, so the point is between saving or investing in my future. I consulted the i-ching, and I got hexagram 16. No changing lines at all. I am not perfectly sure if the meaning of my hexagram is perfectly good - enthusiasm is something marvellous for my mood, but I need to know if I am getting to something or not. Kisses to everybody, Vassilissa

[bruce]

Hi Vassilissa,

Decisions, decisions! The assistance of helpers is implied in 16, and excitement is obvious. This would seem to say 'go for it!' There is, however, the idea in 16 that a grand vision needs to be examined closely to see how substantial the vision is.

As an aside, there are song-writer web groups who volunteer to review and critique songs from fellow writers, at no charge. Granted, a song is a great deal shorter than a novel, however you may find similar book writer groups who will offer their input on your work, if this is what you're looking for. Just a thought.

[amalia]

Thank you, Bruce - You have been so kind and so speedy that I do not know what to say! But maybe I must clarify a point - I do search inputs (as every artist), but literary agencies not only value your work, they also put you in contact with publishers if they think you are worth. I won several prizes in some small literay competitions in the last two years, and a small collection of my poems is going to be published in 2006. I am definitely proud of what I achieved, but it is not enough - and I do not know exactly what I should possibly do to get things better. In Italy we'd say I am "shooting at random", and the reason is, our publishing system does not allow me (nor any other young author, nothing personal...) to act in a better way - it is difficult to explain, but in my country, either you know somebody who can introduce you to somebody else (you understand me...), or really it is very difficult even to be read by an editor. So, as I am an unknown, I thougt a go-between (as a literary agency) could be the right answer. Does this help you to understand my hex? Thanks again, Vassilissa.

[bradford_h]

Hi Vassilissa
It can cause problems to rely too much on the English translation of a Hexagram name, in this case, enthusiasm. It gives too small a picture.
As repeated several times in the Tuan Zhuan, this Gua can be described by "responsive movement", or Shun Dong in Chinese. This sort of movement is often seen in dancing and music composition, which is mentioned again in the Da Xiang -- one is moving to a rhythm or beat. It's in the synchronization and momentum gathered already that the enthusiasm is felt.
To apply this to your situation, it sounds like you already have some enthusiasm going for your work in other genres like poetry. I think maybe your search is best begun through people who already know this other work, even if it isn't novels. These may be the helpers to appoint or take suggestions from.

[bruce]

Hi Vassilissa,

Thanks, that's helps me to understand your situation better.

I think no-one can answer your question put to the Yi but you. The hexagram you received doesn't give an explicate yes or no, when, as Brad pointed out, the broader meaning of 16 is considered. What it does do is present to you a picture of this time, concerning your question.

That said, and being a somewhat impetuous individual, I'd probably spring for the money to further my vision, if I was in your situation. 16 doesn?t say to ?tone it down?. If anything it?s a picture of revving it up.

Let?s try this: If you believe that your enthusiasm is based on reality, then it furthers to seek helpers (literary agency).

At least that?s how I?d interpret for myself. Hey, no guts, no glory, right?

Ciao,
Bruce

[soshin]

Hi, Vassilissa,

I would ask two questions:

What will happen if I would pay for the service of the literary agency?

and

What will happen if I don't?

As Hilary often point out, asking more questions is seldom a wrong thing to do. ;-)

Namaste,

Soshin

[frederick]

V:-

"In Italy...our publishing system does not allow..."
16 says "helpers", but it does not state where they are.
Is there a law that says you must only use a native publisher?
Up here on the island, we have a credo: "When in doubt, submit (your work)."
Put it out there. There's an entire world waiting on you.

Freddy

[peace]

Hi Vassilissa:

According to R.L.Wing - 16 unchanged requires going with your inner impulse and following it in this moment. Harmonize and don't be in conflict with your true nature.

It seems to me that this isn't the time to be practical - (I wouldn't do anything crazy) - but you have the money and you are excited.

I'd go to a quiet place inside yourself and trust the voice that gives you guidance - then follow it and don't look back (ever!)

Good luck,
Rosalie

[anita]

No good lit agent asks for money up front. It's an absolute no -no in the literary world. A good agent will make money only when you do. In fact, with agents you must be very careful - do a search on the name of the literary agent. Do a google on lit agents and you'll find ways to check, and listing of agents who do not charge fees.

The other day I queried the New York Literary agency and got an immediate positive response - but they're highly not recommended. So I did not write back. Yeah, some like this one can ask you for money as you go along - on the excuse of editing or covering fees for telephone calls or mail sent on your behalf.

So be enthusiastic, but you must get helpers. The right ones. All the best!

Anita

[amalia]

Dear Anita, thanks for your advice. I am perfectly sure you describe exactly what the situation is abroad, but I assure you in Italy in the majority of cases you do pay to be read (a fixed sum, no percentage) - I know it must seem absurd to you, but you have to consider some points. First, lit agencies begun to work in Italy not more than 10-15 years ago. Secondly, we have many aspirant writers, and we are also sadly known for being one of the nations in Europe having the lowest numbers of readers... Yes, I must definitely re-consider the possibility of translating my novel in English... Kisses again. Vassilissa