The dreamrelationships so that they will recreate their childhood traumas. The
purpose is to resolve old hurts in new relationships. That rarely
works. Neurotics may also feel the most comfortable in an atmos-
phere of turmoil and strife, and when they do not have it they some-
times create it. Neurotic novelists are the ones who are least con-
tent with their lot, most envious of others, quickest to switch
agents, and most likely to demand what is unreasonable from their
publishers.
From time to time I have also met authors who are actually psy-
chopathic. These grandiose types tend to self-destruct, either
through substance use, lying, bad business practices, or an inabili-
ty to sustain working relationships with their publishers. They talk a
good game and can be quite charming. They can also be superb at
intimidating and putting down others. One may momentarily envy
their power, but they do not prevail.
It is said that we marry our mothers (or fathers), and that the
office is family. The germ of truth in those ideas is also apparent in
publishing. Time and again I have watched starting novelists pre-
sent their best side while seeking publication, only to turn childish
and needy once they feel secure.
Are fiction writers necessarily more vulnerable and sensitive than
the general population? Are artistic ability and business acumen
mutually exclusive? To an extent it is true that entering the dream
state involves opening oneself up, lowering one's defenses. But the
dream state is relaxing—even refreshing. Furthermore, one leaves the
dream state at the end of the day, or when dealing with one's agent
or editor. Many professional novelists describe wearing two hats,
their writing hat and their business hat. That is a useful paradigm.
Being creative does not automatically mean being unbusinesslike.
Yet consider those novelists who were successful business people
before they turned to writing. Such folks should have no trouble deal-
ing with the real world of book publishing. Very often, though, I find
that doctors, lawyers, and even powerful corporate executives sud-
denly act "stupid" once they become writers. They bring me manu-
scripts and say things like "I have no idea what I've written. I need
someone to tell me where this fits in the marketplace." Also common
is "I can't deal with negotiating. I need you to do it for me."