At this very moment (well obviously I'm on the computer right now, but you get the point) I'm revising my second manuscript, waiting on rejections from my first manuscript, editing my best friends manuscript and wondering WILL IT EVER PAY OFF?
I began writing my first ms in 2009 and it's 2012. I've pretty much given up on that first one (for now) and decided to go full steam ahead, concentrating on number two with my hubby sweetly (gung-ho fashion) backing me. And I look around at all my writer friends who are in the same boat. Who are working tirelessly to achieve the dream of not simply finishing a story, but signing that coveted publishing contract. And I wonder, will it ever pay off? For them? For me?
Then today someone on Facebook mentioned a YA book tour and I jumped over the internet superhighway to check it out. That's when I clicked on the authors' websites and read their bios. When I went way back on their blog history to the days when they were just like me, just like us. To the days when they ran to blog world to tell their friends that an agent requested a partial, a full, was planning to call and sent the contract next day air. I also read the posts when they too wondered if it would ever pay off.
But you know what was really cool? The way they supported each other in the aspiring phase and then celebrated together in the accomplished phase. That's why I want to make more blog world friends. That's why I want to know where you're at in your manuscripts and how those submissions are going. Because when our time comes (and it will), I want to support and celebrate you too.
Hey! We started our first novels the same year! 2009 was when I created my 'Lividia Story' that I'm querying now. How cool is that?
ReplyDeleteIt's good to read things like this - that published authors were where we were and felt the same struggles and frustrations and worries that we do. It's also good to see that they do make it, and know that we can make it too. You're definitely right about the support. Too many times I feel like I'm on the outside looking in at this world.
Donelle~ I feel the same way, on the outside. That's why when I came across this thought, I had to share it. It was so encouraging.
DeleteKeep me posted on the queries!
I LOVE this post! I am right there with you. Feeling a little lost and sad because we do put everything into our writing and then to be rejected over and over again...UGH. That's where the blog friends come in...to keep us moving forward. Just remember we are right there with you for support and to keep you writing. The fact that you wrote an entire book is a huge accomplishment in itself :) Be proud!
ReplyDeleteThanks Crystal! Right back atcha! Support all the way. :)
DeleteThe support definitely makes it all worth it. Thanks for this honest post :)
ReplyDeleteYes, that's the challenge. It's like investing for years, knowing the yield will arrive later. And I agree, just completing that first novel is a major accomplishment. And having the incredible support of writers throughout the blogosphere is such a blessing.
ReplyDeleteI also believe the publishing world is changing and authors need to find ways to adapt to new realities. That's why I chose to publish independently. We'll see what I choose with my current manuscript, but so far, I believe I made a good choice.
You are making great progress! Good luck with everything. Wonderful post, and such an inspiration. Makes me want to hop around some published author's pages and go back into the archives, too. Every time I see someone post that they've gotten their agent or book deal, I'm so happy for them, and it gives me new life for a bit with my own writing/editing.
ReplyDeleteYes, go to the archives before they were published and it's fun to even see how many replies they got to their posts. How they started out only getting a few and then as they landed an agent and signed a contract, the replies increase. :)
DeleteAren't writers awesome? I'm always amazed on QT how willing people are to help each other. It's incredible. And three years with 2 manuscripts (and one of those in query) is really good!
ReplyDeleteThis is a post from an author the might address a few of your thoughts: http://elanajohnson.blogspot.com/2012/01/four-three-two-one-now.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MindlessMusings+%28Elana+Johnson%2C+Author%29