Introduce Yourself : Steve Fife, around for a while and still here by Stephen Fife

I’ve been writing since I was 15, and that’s a long time ago now. I’ve had 13 books published, written for The NY Times, written many plays and screenplays, been a college instructor. But I’m still just a writer, and I’m still learning. I can say this: it’s never been more difficult for the individual voice to be heard, if that’s who you and that’s what you want. Agents and managers run the game. I have had several of each, and yet none who bothered to get to know me or my particular talents. It’s all about the money - if you can make them money, you are prioritized. If you don’t, you are dumped. As a writer, you have to value yourself and not allow yourself to be defined by the Industry, even while you have to work within its parameters. Your talent is a gift from God. Your career is simply your attempt to adapt that gift to the conditions of the marketplace. I wish everyone well in your careers and am glad for the opportunities provided by Stage 32 and anywhere else that helps the writer survive or thrive. Just be aware that the judgment of the marketplace is not the final word. You as the writer always have the final word. And my money is always on the writer.