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There’s nothing like getting published with real ink and paper: seeing a physical manifestation of something you created with your name on it and knowing that you put something out into the world, for other people to read, experience, and react to. The minute the ink hits the paper and your work is distributed to dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of people, you’re a published author. And to a writer, there’s no feeling like it in all the world. It’s a historical record, an artifact, and a validation of your thoughts and ideas.

@kyleplacy:  What about digital publishing and online pub-
             lishing? Aren't you going to talk about that?

@edeckers:   Seriously? You're going to interrupt my flow
             *right now*? I was just getting warmed up.

@kyleplacy:  I just think you need to mention digital
             publishing.


@edeckers:   Yes, it's important! Ebook sales were up 261%
             in Jan. 2010.¹ The New York Times just said
             they may stop printing in the near future.²
             So?

@kyleplacy:  You don't need to get cranky.

@edeckers:   This is the introduction. This is where we
             create imagery and set the mood, not discuss
             technicalities and details. That's for later.