Today I am taking part in my first Insecure Writer's Support Group blog post. The idea is writers blog on the first Wednesday of the month about their fears, struggles and triumphs they have experienced with their writing.
I thought I would start off with my main fear as a writer and the one I have to constantly push away at the moment to prevent me from giving up. I've had two rejections so far for Book 1 (but am waiting on more from other agents) and my fear is what if that's all I can expect - rejection after rejection? What if I spend hour after hour at the computer, tapping away and I never make it? What if I'm never taken on by an agent? What if I never get published? And the worst bit, what if I never see my book in physical form with a beautiful cover?
I do know that I can't give up. If I do, I'll never achieve anything but sometimes I feel like those crappy, tone-deaf contestants on the X Factor - 'But I want it soooo much'.
Keep querying and keep writing. It will happen if you put in the work and don't give up. Self-publishing is a great option too. :) Found you from Alex's list.
ReplyDeleteA fellow Brit chick lit writer! I'm so happy I found you!
ReplyDeleteI haven't got as far as sending out queries yet, but from what I can tell, rejection is something every writer has to go through - a lot. Remember, even J.K. Rowling was rejected once! :D Don't give up!
Tonja and Karen - you're right about self-publishing. It's a lot more accessible these days (for both writers and readers).
ReplyDeleteKyra - reminding yourself that JK Rowling was rejected (12 times, I believe) is always a great help!
i know the feeling, and many times no response is a reject...
ReplyDeletemy ratio so far for book #2 is 16 queries sent, 7 rejected.
keep your head up! the just right agent will come when it's time =)
Hi Mama J! I'm a new follower via the IWSG (#61).
ReplyDeleteMy IWSG post today is about dealing with rejection. I've had quite a bit and it's toughened me considerably. You have to remain focused on your goal, and if landing an agent and publishing traditionally is your goal, don't give up.
Having said that, you might not reach it with your first book. That's kind of where I am. I will still keep trying with my first book, but now I'm starting on my second. Look at all the famous writers who were published on their 2nd, 3rd, or 4th books. Take John Grisham, for example. His best (and first) book wasn't published until his second, The Firm, made the bestseller list. So I might just sit on my first book if I have to. It's not going anywhere. And, at least at this point, I'm not willing to compromise (selling out) by watering my story down so it's less provocative and therefore more marketable. And I will only self-pub as a very last resort.
Tara - rejection is horrible, isn't it? But also a lack of a response is worse. At least if you're rejected you know that's it and you can move on.
ReplyDeleteNancy - I'm similar to you. I'm submitting book 1 but am now writing book 2.
Good luck to everyone who is also submitting/querying xxx
All you can do is write another book ... and another one ... and another one ... and take that first book and revise it ... and revise it ... and keep writing.
ReplyDeleteRejection is part of the process. Even after you get published, it doesn't mean all your other books will be sold. You can still get rejected.
I don't know if I'll ever completely toughen up in the face of rejection, but I know I will never stop trying.
Hi Dianne. I don't think I have any choice but to keep writing book after book. I can't imagine not writing. It's what I've always done and those voices in my head will never go away if I don't do as they say :-P
ReplyDeleteThe only way you won't make it is if you quit - so don't quit! Somewhere out there is a publisher or agent who will dig your book.
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining the IWSG!
Hi Alex. Thanks for hosting IWSG - brilliant idea!
ReplyDelete