"I went for years not finishing anything. Because, of course, when you finish something you can be judged... I had poems which were re-written so many times I suspect it was just a way of avoiding sending them out." --Erica Jong
Are you like this? Do you keep your manuscripts locked in a drawer, afraid to send them because you fear rejection? Don't be afraid. Remember, in order to finish a race you have to start it. And wouldn't you'd rather try than always wonder.Good luck to each of you.
No, I'm actually the exact opposite. I've queried quite a bit -- it's still nerve wracking, but I do it anyway. The only way to land an agent and get published is to put your work out there. A lot.
ReplyDeleteAnd not just in front of potential agents -- crit groups, online contests, blog entries, etc... I take full advantage of the online writing community. It has been amazing the amount of deep feedback I've gotten on my queries and my novels. I love the internet!!!!
Awesome K.M. You're absolutely right. You have to play to win. You go girlfriend. YAY!
ReplyDeleteYes I'm afraid, but I'm trying to grow thick skin. You're right that you'll never know if you don't try. But another thing I fear is if I can do it all if I do get published--work full time, take care of my family, write, and market. I try to tell myself others do it so I can too. Usually it works.
ReplyDeleteNatalie, you'll find a way. It's definitely not easy. Like you, I work full time, am involved in a lot of activities (church council, principal committee at my son's school, etc. etc.) and have a family. Do what you can when you can. Even if it's 20 minutes a day. Write the book that you love, the one that's burning inside of you.Take one step at a time. You'll figure it out. But please, don't be afraid of life. Don't let it intimidate you. You have more strength than you think you do. You will succeed.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was younger I had confidence in my writing BUT as I've matured....I do exactly as the quote says. Why is that? Shouldn't it be the other way round? Maybe I know more now so am hyper-crtical....Oh to be really young again!
ReplyDeleteAnn Marie, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by sending your work out. Not everyone is going to love everything you write. And you can't control that. What you can control is writing the best book or story or poem that you can. But please, don't allow fear to win. Conquer that fear!
ReplyDelete