“Writing for Rent:” Professional Authors Speak to Aspiring Writers at UMD
Terrance Griep calls in to join Michael Fedo and Roy C. Booth (far right) in a panel, Photo by Paying Thao
On Oct. 9, students of the Introduction to Writing Studies course hosted three unique authors to bring aspiring students an opportunity to hear the hardships and breakthroughs of a career in writing.
David Beard, a published writer is the professor of the students and colleagues of the authors, comments on his purpose and vision for the panel.
“Young writers can benefit from meeting working professionals,” Beard said. “These authors are happy to share their insights, not just in how to write, but how to earn a living as a writer. My hope is that our students will find in them role models, mentors, and when they become professional writers themselves, colleagues.”
Terrance Griep, also known as SpiderBaby is shown in one photo as a professional writer & wrestler, Photo Courtesy of Lavender Magazine
One of those authors is Terrance Griep who is well-known for his contributions in the Scooby-Doo series as a comic-book writer. Not only is he a professional comic-book writer, but he is also the first openly gay person to compete as an active professional wrestler who goes by the name of SpiderBaby.
When asked about both of his professional lives, he states that both are more similar than many may think.
“Both are telling stories,” Griep said. “SpiderBaby is a very well developed character, thanks to writing.”
Many can agree that writing for an established series is a rare experience but it does come with sacrifices when it comes to one’s own writing voice. However, Griep has found the perfect balance.
“Your own personal style has to be sacrificed but find any areas where you can put yourself in,” Griep said. “Listen to the characters & if you love [them], there’s nothing wrong with that—it should be a pleasure.”
Michael Fedo smiles as Terrance Griep enlightens the attendees, Photo by Paying Thao
When it comes to sacrifices, Michael Fedo has had his fair share.
“I am a writer who happens to teach,” Fedo said.
The journalist and “mid-list author” has spent decades creating books that have gone on to showcase his incredible story and how his voice continues to reach many world-wide.
One of Fedo’s most known work is titled, “The Lynchings in Duluth,” which describes the events that had taken many years ago but “almost no library in the state had heard of this incident at all or nothing in Duluth,” Fedo said. His reasoning for writing on such a heavy topic is because he believes “[t]his is an awful & incredible story but no one knows about it.”
When touching on this book, he explains how he had made the mistake of altering the names of those involved. Fedo believes that when history is altered, it loses truth.
Fedo went on to spread his knowledge about rights through his own experiences and struggles. “The Carnival” was created by 28-year-old Michael Fedo and went on to be read by many around the world, however, he did not receive anything through the popularity of the story because he had sold all his rights to Scholastic who now receives all profit made from his original story.
Learning from being an inexperienced writer, he gave advice to aspiring writers who were similar to him when he was young, and believes no one should give up their creativity.
With his head held high, Fedo discusses his more entertaining and successful moments in his book, “Don’t Quit Your Day Job: The Adventures of a Midlist Author.”
“If you’re going to do this, you have to be tough,” Fedo said. “You can’t get discouraged with rejection. The editor who turns down something is wrong and somewhere down the line, someone will get it right.”
Roy C. Booth came prepared to speak to college students with his light up cane and wife by his side, Photo by Paying Thao
Roy C. Booth knows that all too well considering he has been writing since the age of six when he had the dream of becoming a playwright. He is known to work with many writers in book and stage play collaborations. With that comes the question of how to successfully collaborate. Booth had great pieces of advice for those working with multiple styles.
“Match their voice,” Booth said. “Explore possibilities, not differences.”
To be able to evolve maturely as a writer, Booth said, “Sometimes you have to sit back.”
Booth never stops writing and remains working on multiple pieces at once. One collaboration he is about to get published has taken ten years to write mainly because he wanted to let the other writer’s unique voice mature and be able to tell the story smoothly along with Booth.
Although being able to mix all voices smoothly together to create a collaboration is very important, authors also have to keep the audience in mind in order to sell the well-written piece.
“Know thy audience,” said Booth.
Booth doesn’t believe in writer’s block and gave a piece of advice to those sitting in on the panel.
“There's always a new opportunity coming along. It’s like a shark: you just gotta keep swimming.”
With more than 1,000 publication credits under his name as an author, playwright, and script doctor, he has yet to do one thing: become a comic-book writer.
Terrance Griep (not shown), Micheal Fedo, and Roy C. Booth provides a final piece of advice, Photo by Paying Thao
As the event wrapped up, all three authors were asked to provide one more “kernel of wisdom.”
“Desperation is the enemy of sales. Have faith in yourself. Make yourself a terrific writer and a factory of a product you’re proud of and everything else will take care of itself.” – Terrance Griep
“Fail with grace.” – Roy C. Booth
“Don’t quit.” – Michael Fedo