Yes - I spoke about dedication and then vanished. Where did I go? Nowhere in particular, but I couldn't think of anything creative to say. I finished another manuscript, re-wrote my very first one to change the tone of the main character and worked on another dozen versions of the query letter. I officially decided that QUERY is the worse word ever. I never thought I'd ever finish one. Then... light!
Let me rewind - I received a small amount of money from a relative. Although most of it went to bills and other life needs, my husband insisted that the first thing I send money on is to advance my passion. (Wow - Now that's support!) As a creative person herself, my husband believed the best way to honor her memory would be to use it for something creative.
Therefore I finally had money set aside to do something I always wanted - work with a professional editor. After much research, I selected Malone Editorial Services, because of Susan's dedication to her writers. She's more than just an editor. She's been instrumental in keeping me from giving up, bouncing ideas off and taking my manuscript to the next level. Naturally I sent her my frustration over this newest problem. She made some great comments and asked me to send her a revised copy.
After a countless number of re-writes and sifting through article after article of reference guides, I finally "nailed it". What a feeling! I hadn't realized how much confidence I lost on my mission. Despite my best intentions, I couldn't understand how I would ever make the next step. Now I had a foothold and direction to keep going. The path may be long and full of disappointment, but the feeling of such a little win reminds me of my goal.
My first rejection couldn't even dampen my spirits. I knew what to expect. I have faith that my characters will have their time in the spotlight. They'll share their adventures with the world one day. I don't know when. I don't know how. I don't know how popular they will be once there. I don't even know what will be the catalyst to get me from here to there, but I'll keep my faith.
I'll find a way.
Besides it's almost Nanowrimo time - My newest idea... A series about a girl named Faith who sees things differently from others. She's not crazy and neither am I...
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Monday, April 21, 2014
Dedication
Wow - it happened again. I looked up and I lost a week. I honestly have no idea how to keep up with time. It feels like grains of sand slipping through my fingers as I try to climb a sand dune and there is just miles and miles of beach ahead.
Although that might sound depressing - its not. I pull this little bit of inspiration for an unlikely source, my son's baseball team. Over the weekend, he almost couldn't play the tournament because his teammates didn't show up. Thankfully one just ran late and they weren't forced to forfeit. (And yes - they played well.)
I was very irritated. I try to teach my children to live up to their commitments, but when someone else doesn't without consequences, it makes that lesson difficult to relay. A majority of the team is dedicated and loyal. They put the effort in and the progress is fascinating to watch. The results were by no means perfect, but they turned a major milestone: the errors didn't cripple them. They could have been bitter or hung their heads, but they kept on playing hard. Their enthusiasm and determination reminded me of something: Two steps forward and one step back will still get you there. Regardless of the challenges that come up, if they keep giving the effort and committing to success, they will achieve great things.
And so will I...
Although that might sound depressing - its not. I pull this little bit of inspiration for an unlikely source, my son's baseball team. Over the weekend, he almost couldn't play the tournament because his teammates didn't show up. Thankfully one just ran late and they weren't forced to forfeit. (And yes - they played well.)
I was very irritated. I try to teach my children to live up to their commitments, but when someone else doesn't without consequences, it makes that lesson difficult to relay. A majority of the team is dedicated and loyal. They put the effort in and the progress is fascinating to watch. The results were by no means perfect, but they turned a major milestone: the errors didn't cripple them. They could have been bitter or hung their heads, but they kept on playing hard. Their enthusiasm and determination reminded me of something: Two steps forward and one step back will still get you there. Regardless of the challenges that come up, if they keep giving the effort and committing to success, they will achieve great things.
And so will I...
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Don't Blink
I've been pondering what I should write about in my next post, but haven't had time to sit down and write. I wanted something profound and meaningful. (This made the task even more daunting.) I realized my problem makes as good as any a topic for writing about. I feel there is never enough time to do everything I intend. Life gets in the way. Part of the dilemma about "aspiring" is that your writing doesn't actually pay the bills. I started to get discouraged by work, kids, a house and all the other things that go on every day. There are times I want to give into the staggering odds and say I'll never make it, but I might as well stab my best-friend in the back. I created my characters. I breathed life into their world. I'm all they have. Giving up on myself would mean giving up on them.
Okay - so after overcoming my own self-doubt and finding the determination to push on, the problem still looms ahead. There are never enough hours in the day.
I didn't clear this hurdle in a single bound. Each day is still a struggle. Each night before I go to bed, I pick up my laptop and I edit or work out a scene. Some nights I only manage a few thoughts before my eyes get blurry and I have to concede. Other nights, I have to cut myself off after several chapters to avoid working on less than 4 hours sleep. Sometimes I know what I'm planning on writing and other times I just write whatever comes to mind. Either way, I write.
No matter what happens, I'll just keep writing. Good, bad or indifferent - I can always determine that later. Whether it's 5 minutes a day or 5 hours, make the time. Whenever I'm at my lowest, I make time for me. After all, we all need a little me-time. If I share mine with psychics, witches, warlocks, vampires, energivores, succubi and ghosts all the better as long as they're mine.
Speaking of - I'm late to meet them...
Okay - so after overcoming my own self-doubt and finding the determination to push on, the problem still looms ahead. There are never enough hours in the day.
I didn't clear this hurdle in a single bound. Each day is still a struggle. Each night before I go to bed, I pick up my laptop and I edit or work out a scene. Some nights I only manage a few thoughts before my eyes get blurry and I have to concede. Other nights, I have to cut myself off after several chapters to avoid working on less than 4 hours sleep. Sometimes I know what I'm planning on writing and other times I just write whatever comes to mind. Either way, I write.
No matter what happens, I'll just keep writing. Good, bad or indifferent - I can always determine that later. Whether it's 5 minutes a day or 5 hours, make the time. Whenever I'm at my lowest, I make time for me. After all, we all need a little me-time. If I share mine with psychics, witches, warlocks, vampires, energivores, succubi and ghosts all the better as long as they're mine.
Speaking of - I'm late to meet them...
Monday, April 7, 2014
First Steps
I have many rules for my children, but one of my most frequently used ones is:
That being said, I frequently find myself not knowing what the right path actually is. Okay - let me rewind... I'm a writer - or hope to be. Unlike many people currently struggling to be the next Rice, Meyers or Rowling, I'm not looking for the fame. I know it sounds crazy. Sure my name fits nicely between them on a bookstore shelf and I might faint if someone wanted to turn one of my books into a movie deal. Would those be amazing? Absolutely! But above all the hype and allure - I love each and every one of my characters deeply. I dream about them and what might happen next in their lives because I truly want to know. The ultimate proof that I can drop "aspiring" from my title is basic. It isn't when I've sold a certain number of copies or gotten a nice fat royalty check. The real test of success will be the day someone reads my manuscript and falls in love with them too.
Now back to the reason I'm here. I've written several (11) completed manuscripts, have several new projects (8) I'm working on, worked with an editor on revisions (24) for one manuscript and am ready to put serious effort into finding a publisher. All that and I now face my biggest challenge yet: concisely writing a profound query letter of less than 250 words that sums up all the sleepless nights and pain-staking edits in a format that won't end up in the circular file bin. No pressure right?
In light of all that, I decided to take my own advice: Do it right. Several sources told me I needed to self-promote. My response has always been denial. I don't want to self-publish. I've read article after article about the pros and cons. I've listened to debates over how the age of electronic media is killing traditional publishing. One day I may cave and give it a try because curiosity is a bad trait of mine. But when push comes to shove, I still want to be that needle in the haystack. However, I am willing to concede that when I finally make my dream a reality, I know there will be another me out there lovingly nurturing their prized literary possession. What would I give for someone to guide me? To show me that my fears and doubts are not alone?
How can I help them?
So ladies and gentlemen, I've given in. I've started this blog. (Yes, long-winded I know. What did you expect from a novelist?) Right now I have no idea what I'll write or if anyone will read it, but I've begun. I'll most likely make a few recommendations. I'll undoubtedly put up a few excerpts I'm working on. I'll probably complain about the process of finding someone to care. I wish I could remember who gave me this piece of advice, but unfortunately it is a vague memory. But the words are clear: It doesn't matter what you write, just keep writing. And that is what I intend to do.
I look forward to sharing my journey...
Do it right or don't do it at all.
Now back to the reason I'm here. I've written several (11) completed manuscripts, have several new projects (8) I'm working on, worked with an editor on revisions (24) for one manuscript and am ready to put serious effort into finding a publisher. All that and I now face my biggest challenge yet: concisely writing a profound query letter of less than 250 words that sums up all the sleepless nights and pain-staking edits in a format that won't end up in the circular file bin. No pressure right?
In light of all that, I decided to take my own advice: Do it right. Several sources told me I needed to self-promote. My response has always been denial. I don't want to self-publish. I've read article after article about the pros and cons. I've listened to debates over how the age of electronic media is killing traditional publishing. One day I may cave and give it a try because curiosity is a bad trait of mine. But when push comes to shove, I still want to be that needle in the haystack. However, I am willing to concede that when I finally make my dream a reality, I know there will be another me out there lovingly nurturing their prized literary possession. What would I give for someone to guide me? To show me that my fears and doubts are not alone?
How can I help them?
So ladies and gentlemen, I've given in. I've started this blog. (Yes, long-winded I know. What did you expect from a novelist?) Right now I have no idea what I'll write or if anyone will read it, but I've begun. I'll most likely make a few recommendations. I'll undoubtedly put up a few excerpts I'm working on. I'll probably complain about the process of finding someone to care. I wish I could remember who gave me this piece of advice, but unfortunately it is a vague memory. But the words are clear: It doesn't matter what you write, just keep writing. And that is what I intend to do.
I look forward to sharing my journey...
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