Ever since I started writing with the purpose of completing a book, and then getting that book published for the world to enjoy, it's been hammered into my head that only those who work hard and never quit succeed. Makes sense. But when I first started writing, I NEVER thought it would be so damn difficult.
My whole life I was taught that with hard work, you will get where you want to go. If you want to be a doctor, you go to school, get good grades, work hard, and eventually you will be a doctor. But with writing, it's not that cut and dry. You can work hard for years and go no where.
There are so many factors that can keep a writer from achieving their dream. Something as small as your book is too quirky. You need to write something that is popular enough to be accepted by the masses, but different enough to stand out from what's already been written. Take an old idea and put a completely different spin on it...but not too different or far fetched. At least in contemporary romance, which is what I write.
And the writing has to be perfect. For the most part, I think I have that down. I'm not saying I'm perfect, but my grammar is pretty darn good. My style is smooth. I've developed my own unique voice. It's taken quite a few years but I am really excited to have a style I love and one that is fun and flirty and really represents me. But obviously it's not enough to get me where I want to go.
Quitting has crossed my mind on several occasions. And again very recently. A couple weeks ago I had the worst week in a long time. Rejection after rejection. I'm not a quitter...never have been. (Well, once. I did quit dance class when I was 12. It wasn't fun anymore when the teacher was yelling at us when we didn't do a step properly.) But never in my life have I felt so downtrodden....hopeless. In my first career, I worked hard, perfected my craft, made a successful business. It was all pretty easy. This is not. I know nothing worth having comes easy, but I'm getting to the point where I just wanna scream, "Come on, already!" How much rejection can a person take--should they take-- before they throw in the towel? Was I crazy to think I could stand out in such an over saturated talent-filled industry?
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I feel like this sometimes too- like 'why even try when there are so many people out there better than me?'But negative thinking will only make things worse. Rejections happen, and they suck. But you have to keep at it. Many of the most famous writers suffered through tons of rejections until they 'made' it. And I'd say you're doing a lot better than most as you have 4 novels under your belt. Some people never get one published. Don't give up if it's what you love doing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by! I know I already have 4 books published, but in a lot of ways, I'm back to square one. But I feel like I am such a better writer now. I just don't understand why I can't move to the next level.
DeleteDon't give up. "The bestsellers of today were the rejects of yesterday." Don't remember who said it, but it's a quote I've lived by. I started writing seriously with the intent to publish 14 years ago. (Granted, I was in 8th grade, but still, I've never stopped writing since then.) I started querying 8 years ago--and I've just this year found a publisher. But if I'd given up at any point along the way, I wouldn't have even gotten that far. As long as you still love doing it, never stop.
ReplyDeleteWell.....I may have to stop. If I don;t get somewhere significant with my writing soon, I'll have to go get some kind of paying job. And with the kids and activities and everything, my writing time will be down to pretty much nothing. :( I feel like I;m on such a time crunch.
DeleteI feel this way quite frequently.
ReplyDeleteVenting helps sometimes.
.....dhole
Yes...it does :) Thanks for stopping by!
Deleteif you believe in the book, self publish it. If you feel/know it has some problems, shelf it and come back it to it later with fresh eyes.
ReplyDelete