Yep, I'm in the deep dark pit of despair. Oh, quit, I know that's cliche, but it's how I feel right now.
I've heard that writers go through this stage throughout their careers. I don't even have a career and I'm facing it! Writing is hard, but the mind games are heinous!
I'm sure it's because I wanted to actually accomplish something even though I told myself I wasn't going to accomplish anything. Confused yet? I know I am.
Even though I told myself that I was happy writing even if I didn't publish my story, I lied. I want others to enjoy my stories, but I don't know why I'm not getting any interest from agents. That is the hardest part of this biz--it's subjective and those in the industry don't have time to provide feedback, which makes the insecure writer wonder if she is totally off in left field (yes, I know, another cliche). I want children to read my middle grade stories. I want to write a twisted and conflicted paranormal romance, but do I REALLY have what it takes.
Right now, I don't think so.
There are 22 more days until school starts. I might be able to get something done with the kidlet around, but I'm not holding my breath. So I'm giving myself permission to not do anything writing related . . . well, except get DEMON CONNECTION ready for a couple of contests--I might be able to fake the conflict issue, but an astute judge will wonder.
I'll wallow for a day or two, but then I'll get it together along with another surge of inspiration and start writing again.
Until later. . .
Write on!
You can't leave it up to others to validate your worth.
ReplyDeleteSelf-publishing isn't evil. Ask Edie about it. If you have a story that you know is good, and that you want to share, you CAN find a way to share it.
That's the route I am taking. Because at the moment my true desire is to share a story - not make money or get the approval of an agent.
There may be a lot of bad self-published stuff out there, but there's good stuff as well.
True, Jody, but it's easier said than done for me. I go through this a couple of times a year. I know the good self-published stuff will rise to the top, while the dreck will stay where it belongs.
ReplyDeleteDreck! That's my new favorite word :)
ReplyDeleteMargaret,
ReplyDeleteAgents are harder to find than editors. (Yet another cliche, huh?) I finally found one who at least told me why rather than sending back a form letter.
(Even though it's personalized and looks as if it was written to me personally, I've found most rejections are fill in the blanks.
Dear ________
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read __________. While your writing _______________ your _____________ just ___________ for me. Best of luck placing it elsewhere.
I'd rather have a truthful answer-- "Thanks, but no thanks. My cats will starve to death if spend my time trying to sell your light paranormal, since there's no market for it.
Why don't you save it for another time when you might be more successful?"
There are so many honest reasons why a manuscript can't or won't sell. A little honesty and/or advice from an agent would be a real bonus for us struggling writers.
Thank you, Susan, for the smile you put on my face--especially when I just got another R an hour ago. *sigh* It was one of those 'personalized' rejections. Personalized in the sense that they put my name and the title of my book in the blanks. :-) I guess we should be thankful for the little things.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, I think I'm ready for some realistic sarcasm. I'll even take 'I hated it!' Any reaction is better than no reaction.
Deep down, I think it's the light paranormal that is killing us. Dark is in. Dystopian societies are the rage in MG and YA. Light and semi-fluffy doesn't seem to grab anyone's interest.
Margaret, you are ahead of the curve. "Dark" may be in, but the world desperately needs kinder, gentler fare. THey don't realize it yet, but they will before long. A big shift is going to happen. YOu'll be in exactly the right place when the shift hits the fan. :)
ReplyDeleteSOMEBODY has to get the new trend going - I plan to be one of those people and you can be another one.
*snork* '...when the shift hits the fan."
ReplyDeleteIt's a deal, Jods! :-)