I've debated about talking about this topic. I've gone back and forth, again and again. So instead of wondering about the wisdom of doing this, I'm just going to do it.I'm going to share a number. And why I keep plugging away despite all the brick walls, the constantly being knocked down, the prevalent doubts . . .
It's because at the end of the day, I have this dream---this belief that won't shake away---that I will be published. Maybe it's an impossible dream, maybe I'm deluding myself like Don Quixote, but even the man who battled windmills and fought for the honor of a prostitute has words of wisdom:
I know that most of you who read this blog are writers. Some are published, some are about to be, some are still looking for an agent, and some may just be writing their first book.To dream the impossible dream
To fight the unbeatable foe
To bear with unbearable sorrow
To run where the brave dare not go
. . . This is my quest
To follow that star
No matter how hopeless
No matter how far
. . . And the world will be better for this
That one man, scorned and covered with scars
Still strove with his last ounce of courage
To reach the unreachable star
Let me be honest.
It's hard. It's a lot of work. And rejections can make you think: I suck. I really, really suck. I'm never getting published.
I've certainly thought it. Many, many, many times.
Know how many rejections I have so far?
172.
I counted.
So I could give up. We all could. There's always a choice. I choose to hope, to presevere, to keep breaking down brick walls.
What's yours?
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11 subscribers:
I believe in your dream :)
And with your perseverance you will get that dream! It's just taking a while to come to fruition!
By the numbers. We've all said, "It only takes one." One agent, one editor, one chance encounter. Maybe some luck. And yes, it can take years. I've been inspired to look at my own math---
About 6 years of writing on and off, only the last 3 of them worthwhile.
Agent at year 5.
1st sale of 4th book I wrote on year 6.
2nd sale two months later!!!
I could have given up at any point.Three books and a bunch of novellas are never going to see the light of day, but if it weren't for them, I would not be where I am now.
Every time your fingers hit the keys, you're getting closer. Some people are like the comets in your illustration who shoot up fast. Others are like dim stars who only get brighter when you take the time to look at them through a telescope. But you're going to shine.
Sorry I got metaphorical there. I'm a writer, y'know, LOL. So are you.
Your vibrant, beautiful writing will make your derams reality. Your perseverance and constancy will make your dreams reality. It's going to happen. You're a shining star indeed, Ely!
Don't you dare give up your dream!! You are such a gifted, engaging, funny, intelligent writer and I live for the snippets of your WIPs that you post. I'm hooked on them and keep my fingers crossed that when i log on here, you will have posted more about what you are writing. I just know that big things are going to come your way!!!
Dude, you better hang in there. I need someone to hang with. You're going to make it. I love your stories; and I won't be surprised when ALL of the Vixens have publishing contracts.
Oh, I'm not giving up you all, though I do appreciate the support and belief that you have in me. I'd be lying if I said that I didn't have I should just quit moments, but they pass. I know that my CPs all have their own set of numbers and that everyone has their own trajectory path.
If it happens for me, it happens. If it doesn't, well it doesn't.
You really need to find a copy of Sherilyn Kenyon's speech about the early years of her career. She had HUNDREDS of rejections AFTER she'd already been published.
And think of authors such as Anna Campbell. Twenty-seven years before she sold. And NO ONE would argue Anna's talent. This industry is littered with stories like this.
I know one author who has her second book coming out in October. She still can't get an agent. And this is print, with a NYC publisher. Crazy!
You'll make it. And you'll be stronger for the fight to get there.
Ely, there are two lines in a Gregory Orr poem that I love: "If we're not supposed to dance / why all this music?" The stories are in you because you are meant to share them. You have the talent and the perseverance. Your time WILL come. I'm a believer.
Janga. what a great line!
That is a great line, Janga.
Terri, AC is an inspiration totally.
Wow, Elyssa. Thanks for having the guts to share your number. I'm in awe of your perseverance, and will stop whining now, even to myself. I'm still trying to nerve myself to send out the first round of submissions - having trouble with a mental block about it.
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