Yeah, it’s been really discouraging. I can’t say that it
didn’t undermine my feelings about my novel and my writing abilities—I wondered
if all the disappointment and battered self-esteem was worth it. Yet, it seemed
that with all the time I had invested, I should follow through on my plan—if I’ve
lacked in skill and knowledge of how the industry works and what genres are ‘salable’,
I do make up for it in persistence. A large part of me feels the need to follow
through once I’ve made a commitment. I’ve always maintained that I will publish
one way or the other, and I’ll be proud of that. If nothing else, I know that
we writers are a rare breed that combines imagination with commitment and
courage. That’s a pretty cool distinction!
My motto has become: Just keep moving forward—and whatever
you do, don’t look down!
This post is part of the Insecure Writer's Group, sponsored
by Alex J. Cavanaugh.
very good,,,even though I know it is rainning in all lanes, being "wet" gets tiresome, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteIndeed it does, Glenn--but I have confidence the skies do clear,,,:)
ReplyDelete*hugs* Your persistence is an inspiration to me!
ReplyDelete(and I still owe you email, so sorry- been all over the place the past few days and trying so hard to get caught up...) thinking of you!
xoxo
bru
Bru, thanks! Just remember, pacing is the better part of persistence--no pressure here to take on more than what you can comfortably do! :)
ReplyDeleteI think it's important to remember that things happen when they happen and there's nothing you can do about it except be content with what you've done. I've found that although something can suck while I'm in the thick of it, when I am on the other side, I see that I had to go through that to get to the good stuff. It wouldn't be the same otherwise, and sometimes timing is everything.
ReplyDeleteI chose the self-publishing route (through Pubit) just to complete the cycle more quickly. So far the level of success has required proper interpretation of the term 'success' to allow me to feel successful.
ReplyDeleteSales are lackluster, which is not a surprise. I am not only my own publisher, but my own marketing department. The budget is small, as is the pool of experience.
Still, I actually have fans! People anxiously awaiting my next volume in the series. That's kind of fun, though not particularly lucrative.
Whether going the query route or following the path of self-publishing, I suspect the journey is usually rather long. Still, I have written, I have published, and I have been read. That feels pretty good!
Persistence pays off in one form or another.
ReplyDeleteAll good things come to those who work for them.
When God closes a door, she opens a window.
I can't think of anymore.
Michelle, I think there's a whole lot to be said for the learning curve, and really no way to circumvent it! In the end, it will be worth all the effort if my expectations haven't been unrealistic!
ReplyDeleteMichael, I'm in such admiration of anyone who has braved the self-publishing route. Again, I think it has a lot to do with expectations and how one defines success. To me, having a small audience who appreciates what I've written--especially those who would have otherwise never read my book (family, friends)--would be very gratifying indeed! All the best to you, Michael! :)
Anne, Well, I guess that about sums it up! We shall continue to encourage each other to persist and persevere! :)
Great encouraging words! I have stacks of rejections too. I stopped printing them off to save ink and paper.
ReplyDeleteI like persistence. The word even sounds nice.
ReplyDeleteI think all writers will sympathise with this post. I've now decided that what's important is to enjoy the journey - the actual writing - and if it sells, that's a bonus. I'm bedevilled by not being a genre writer, too. There should be a special genre of genre-free fiction!
ReplyDeleteSusan, Printing my rejections never occurred to me! (though I haven't yet deleted my rejections file!) Your self-esteem must be made of steel! :)
ReplyDeleteBryan, Some words do sound positive, don't they! I wonder if it's only us writers who really notice that!
Frances, I have to admit there have been times when the rejections sucked the enjoyment out of my writing. I guess that's something we also have to work through as part of our journey.
I'm just catching up on this blog, congratulations! P.G. Wodehouse wrote, I think, two stories about writers who set out to complete collections of rejection slips, and had much success at first, only to be foiled by magazines accepting their work.
ReplyDeleteJohn, The whole publishing/writing industry is so crazy (always has been, but even more so now!)--it's hard to account for tastes and trends. I guess we writers just keep on writing and pray for an audience!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping in! :)