Hey lovely guys and dolls! Good morning on the first day after the election....How you feel today??What am I insecure about this month? Good grief, I'll not make a list, but I'll tell you my number one insecurity when it comes to writing...
What if I never get published? I haven't found anyone interested enough yet who wants my manuscript. What if no one ever likes it? Hey! It's a valid insecurity, unless you are already published.
I'm beginning to think there must be something wrong with my writing. I know everyone who has ever read any of my chapters for critique has mentioned how different my writing is from what they are used to reading. Now, that could be a good thing or it could be a bad thing. If it's bad, then maybe I should try something different.
Maybe I am writing the wrong genre? I'm working on some paranormal manuscripts (2, actually) to see what happens with them.
Maybe I am not querying the right agent? I do believe all agents are different and have their own preferences and likes. So, maybe I should change directions in the query process?
Who knows? Bu I do KNOW one thing for sure. I will NEVER quit trying.
Love this post! Thanks for sharing. You said exactly what I am feeling this month. Gotta get to writing my IWSG post.
ReplyDeleteYou can d it Debra! I know you can! We can be insecure buddies and cheer each other on when times get bleak...
DeleteI can relate! We never know how people are going to react to what we write but at the end of the day it boils down to believing in yourself. Keep at it; you'll eventually find the right agent who "gets" you. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog! It's so nice to meet you:)
DeleteThanks for the words of encouragement. I appreciate you kind words:)
Oh how I feel your insecurities. My husband keeps asking me why i put myself through it...but it's because i have stories in my head that I have to get out. And I have met wonderful people that I would never have had a chance to meet if it wasn't for writing. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd don't forget about the enemies! Some of the characters in my stories really scare me...
DeleteKeep writing, and keep trying. You can do it!
This is the big question isn't it? Will I ever get published? Who knows, I'm ever hopeful that I will via the traditional route but if not maybe I will self publish. I certainly feel more confident about that option now than I did a year ago but the time is not right for that yet. Like you I don't intend to quit trying because then it definitely won't happen!
ReplyDeleteThat's an awesome attitude and as long as you keep it up, you'll see your dream realized, just like me!
DeleteLove this post, Ink. I totally relate. That is the big question - Will I ever get published or not? I think with so many options today - self publishing, traditional, etc. - there's no need to fear NOT publishing :)
ReplyDeleteI REALLY want to publish traditionally. I hope it will happen soon. If not, I know there are other options I'll consider sooner or later:) Best wishes to your success, too:)
DeleteDefinitely keep trying! I have similar fears myself, so I can relate. Maybe your distinctive writing is what will ultimately set you apart from the rest. I'd say it's a good idea to try your hand at multiple things to see what fits you best. Who knows what discoveries you might make? And if editors never warm, up to you (sometimes that which is different can make them nervous!)you can self-publish and try to find your audience that way.
ReplyDeleteIf it helps, I always LOVE reading your posts!
Thank you LG! I'm glad you enjoy reading Ink in the Book.
DeleteI'm thinking about self publishing, but just not 100% sure right now. I have thought about it though.
Timing is everything! And finding the right person. I know a lot of small presses specialize in the unique stuff, so maybe that's another option? Don't give up yet!
ReplyDeleteDon't worry, I'm not giving up! I hope I'll be sending you a copy of my first book soon...
DeleteI agree with Alex, there are small publishers who may take a chance on your stuff. I went that route for two of my books (and also did some self-publishing). Some small presses that are good: Gypsy Shadow, Muse It Up, Entangled, Inkspell, Carnia Press, Samhain...there are more but those are the ones I know. Make sure to check the ones you are interested in on Preditors and Editors and on Absolute Write Water Cooler. And, if they are on Querytracker, you know they're all right. I also use Agent Query to find potential agents. My insecurity is that I won't find an agent and I feel like I need one to get to the next step *imagines movie deal and being on NYT bestseller list* At this point I've queried so many agents and I get close but no offers. Do I give up? Nope. I keep going and every time I get a reject I send out another query. The trick is to keep writing NO MATTER WHAT.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the idea! I will look into these publishers!
DeleteYou have a great attitude. No one every became a published author by not writing. Alex is right, timing is everything and you just have to keep writing and querying.
ReplyDeleteThat's my plan, Cherie. Just keep writing, writing, writing... I love writing so much, I couldn't give it up if I tried. I tried one time, abut it lasted all of like an hour. Then, an awesome idea struck me, and I forgot about quitting:)
DeleteWow! Your words mirror my own insecurities lately. Thanks for sharing! Hang in there and things will work out. Suggestion, have you considered self-publishing your first book to get your name out there? Good luck and remember to believe in your unique voice and story!
ReplyDeleteYes, I have highly considered self publishing. But I had a really, really bad experience with a self publishing company and I'm very cautious about it.
DeleteMy post was very similar today! It's hard to keep going, but we need to. Getting an agent and/or published happens at different times for everyone. Keep writing and someday you'll find someone who loves your book just as much or more than you. :)
ReplyDeleteI know, but it sure is hard waiting and wondering. I'm still hoping and working. Oh, and writing too!
DeleteKeep at it! I'm sure you'll get it in the right hands eventually.
ReplyDeleteI am hoping for that. Dreams come by a multitude of business, so I have far to go!
DeleteKeep trying! Not all agents will be a good match, or open to your type of story. I had three agents in a past pitching contest tell me I wasn't a very good historical writer (based on a freaking six-line pitch) and that the pivotal midway point in one of my books shouldn't even be there because it didn't happen often, while a lot of other people have told me they love the concept of that book.
ReplyDeleteWow. I love your story...well the one I have read a little bit of, like the firs couple of pages or so. But still, I love what I've read. I know you are going to find an agent or publisher someday and I hope it is soon!
DeleteI'm glad you're never going to give up... too many people do. I've only known one person in real life to ever get a publishing offer and it went south. It was a sad affair and that person completely stopped trying. For me, it's less about getting published and more about getting my story out of my head and onto the page. Since I'm so far away from seeking publication, I can't even imagine the stress you're going through... but self publishing online does seem to be opening a lot of doors for aspiring writers. With your blog style being so entertaining, I can't imagine your books not being the same. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteYour last line shows me that you will be just fine!
ReplyDeleteBut I hear you. This is the same thing I wrote for IWSG a couple months ago. :) It's hard to not worry. But I honestly believe that if you keep learning and keep working, it'll happen. Eventually. ;)
Now, that's the spirit! Love the IWSG message in your post. You're right. Every agent has their own specific reading interests. You just have to find the right one. :)
ReplyDelete