I have a new writing partner who I found by reaching out to the local writer's chapter in my area. She's amazing. A well-educated, talented writer, already working on her second novel, but still unpublished. Her first novel landed her an agent, but in the submission process it turned out the market was no longer favorable to it. It was DOA- dead on arrival. She's letting me read it, and I have to say, the beginning is very good. I'm not finished, but it's the kind of writing that makes you forget your reading. So why does that discourage me?
She spent over 5 years on it. Revising it over and over again. But it did make her an amazing writer. I guess I'm doubting I have that kind of dedication to writing. I've wanted to write my whole life, but the time was never right, thinking that when I did sit down finally it would all be so easy. I had no idea how much of a craft it really is- how much work goes into every book I read, and how competitive the market is.
I'm feeling overwhelmed, which grinds me to a halt.
Tomorrow I will write. I need to. It is a desire burning within. I'm overwhelmed, but I'll trudge onward, working, improving, rewriting. Thank you all for the encouraging words from the trenches. I'm in good company.
It's waaaaay to overwhelming if you think about it... oh my gosh... it's enough to make anyone cry and throw in the towel. Serious. All of your concerns are totally valid and REAL. It's insanely hard. It is.
ReplyDeleteBut worth it. I know I try to only focus on the moment... focus on the word, the sentence, the page, the chapter... and never let myself get beyond that. If I do, I freeze and I won't get anything done. It's such a mental game, but when we're able to focus on the small things, is when the bigger successes come into play.
Such a great post, Rose!
Great advice- as always. Thanks for your comments.
DeleteYeah, writing is a seriously hard thing to do. Once you get used to it, you'll be okay. When you have to take it to a professional level, it's very overwhelming. So, just hang in there and you'll be fine in time. We all have a lot to learn and we have all the time in the world to do that.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with everything and keep writing!
I'm hanging! Thanks.
DeleteHold onto that burning desire to write. Don't give up. You're a writer and you're learning and growing as a writer, just like ALL of us. And like Morgan said, take things little by little, baby steps at first and then one day soon, you'll turn around and BOOM, you'll have you're book finished and it'll be great. (:
ReplyDeleteIt's true. I've taken baby steps but I've learned so much already. Thanks for the encouragement :)
Delete...your book...* sorry about the typo!
DeleteHa! Didn't even notice. But it's funny how writing to other writers makes you dot your i's and cross your t's!
DeleteI'm going to repeat Morgan and Elise, focus on the moment. Hold on to the desire to write and forget all the rest. If you love it, do it. The rest will fall into place at the right time.
ReplyDeleteSo true. I just need to set aside the big picture and focus on the little one. Thanks :)
DeleteJust take it one step at a time. Don't look at five years - just look at today and maybe tomorrow. You can do it!
ReplyDeleteGood advice. I guess it's like cleaning my house. One room at a time.
DeleteThis is the dilemma some of us newbies face: our writing is good enough to land an agent, but we can't find a publisher because of market conditions. Your friend should think about self-publishing the book. Obviously, the book has merrit and, maybe, the publishers are wrong. Something to think about.
ReplyDeleteLand an agent! I would be thrilled if I was even that far. At lease it would mean I had at least one fan.
DeleteI agree with the others - you can only take it one day at a time. When you get a publishing deal there will be new overwhelming things to go along with that... Just concentrate on enjoying each moment!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the moment. . .good advice.
DeleteOne day at a time. Set yourself little goals so you don't feel so overwhelmed by the big picture.
ReplyDeleteI like that. .little goals.
DeleteStep-by-step, word by word, your story grows.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is hard... I agree 100%. But you know what? I wouldn't trade it for anything else.
Hang in there.
Thanks, your words are very encouraging :)
DeleteWriting can be an overwhelming task, but just remember to take things one day at a time and celebrate any milestones, big or small. Finish even a page or a chapter? Give yourself a pat on the back!
ReplyDeleteYes, that's right. I did finish a page this week. Pat, pat. :)
DeleteYou are in good company. We all are. The writing will happen and you'll look back and wonder how you ever doubted that you could do it. :-)
ReplyDeleteThat's what I'm longing for. Thanks for your comment :)
DeleteIf this is something that you've always wanted, then you owe it to yourself to keep pressing on. I agree with everyone to move along at your own pace, and the words will flow. Julie
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement and for stopping by. Things have gotten back on track, I'm happy to report.
DeleteDon't let the total of five years scare you. Just look ahead to the next day.
ReplyDeleteAnd I don't know where you live, but my seminars are free to the public.
South Carolina? Is that close to you?
DeleteDon't kid yourself, Rose, even established author feel this way. Maybe so when we do have a good day, it shines. I'm #192 on Alex's list.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by- it's nice to meet you and you're right, there are plenty of highs to go along with the lows.
Delete