Writing Resilience in the Digital Age

摘要

In publishing marketplaces all over the world, we are seeing a radical shift in how books are acquired, sold, circulated, discussed, and read. This shift responds to the possibilities and potential of digital distribution and promotion of books. A considerable amount of energy has been devoted to educating writers how to take advantage of new possibilities. What is talked about far less, however, is how writers write within this shifting model. A significant threat to productive writing habits is the publishing industry's increasing insistence that writers develop an 'author platform', that is, a digital authorial identity that can be leveraged to build markets and increase sales. In the 21st century, book sales are increasingly dependent upon a reciprocal flow of communication between writers and readers. While an author platform based on social media has benefits, a range of negatives are emerging as the practice is normalised. At particular risk is writing resilience: the ability to keep writing in the face of distraction and setback. This essay assesses the impact that the digital revolution is having on writers' work habits in the 21st century.