There is a great article in the Guardian by a new Canadian novelist about what makes writer’s mad. I agree with every word. AND it’s a smashing read.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/jul/25/anakana-schofield-how-to-write?CMP=twt_gu
Green Writing Room
Hilary Custance Green's reading and writing notepad
Green Writing Room 
Great stuff!
Not just writers, lots of creative people are mad. Of course for many being ‘normal’ could be a worse fate.
Thanks for the link to the article Hilary.
Best wishes
Charlotte
A pleasure!
Great piece, Hilary. I sympathise. I would, however, say that although publishers make money out of blockbusters (yes, I mean you, Robert Galbraith…) they rarely do so with first-time authors and independent publishers are even at greater risk with an unknown writer. So the publicity and marketing machines have to go into overdrive to create awareness. Years ago writers just wrote. Now they have to develop a “brand”. That’s social media and social networking and reaching all those audiences out there. Is it hard on novelists? Some love it, others don’t. But it goes with the territory of being in the public eye.
Indeed, that’s why I climbed onto this particular band-wagon. Having done so I am enjoying the ride, and I am learning unexpected stuff. Thanks, Dina.