posted by Aunty Cindy
As an AYU (As Yet Unpublished) writer, it is very easy to feel discouraged in the face of all the rejections and general negativity involved in the publishing biz. That's why I love reading and hearing words of encouragement. In fact, I keep a list of "positive" quotes related to writing close at hand so I have a little pick-me-up when I'm feeling down. I'm always looking for things to add to that list and the other day I ran across this gem from Karen Gillespie on "Romancing the Blog":
Debut novelists tend to have a fresh perspective. They often possess what Zen Buddhists call “beginner’s mind.” Unlike many career novelists they’re ignorant of publishing trends and the bottom line. Instead of writing to get another contract, they write because they have something they want to say to the world. There’s an uninhibited quality to their prose that can be impossible to replicate.As an AYU who hopes to be a "Debut novelist" in the not-too-distant future, it's pretty obvious why this quote resonated with me! But what about you? Care to share some of your favorite encouraging words?
5 comments:
Hey AC, those are encouraging words! :-)
Lately I've been feeling rather Zen about the whole publishing journey. Don't have a great quote about it, but I have the sense that when I'm ready to be published, the contract will come. Crazy, huh?
I think sometimes we get into the mindset that we have to be published NOW. Or get depressed because it all seems so random, the rejections so subjective. Like we're powerless in the struggle.
We're so busy fighting that we don't always allow ourselves room to grow. Room to admit that maybe we aren't ready yet, and maybe we still need to learn.
I hate to say this in a way that suggests everyone who gets rejected isn't ready. I know that isn't true. I know there are incredible writers who just haven't gotten their break. But for me, it felt great to say, it's not my time yet. I do have some control here--I will get better, and learn more, and when my time does come, I will be ready.
And when that happens, LOOK OUT!
:-)
I don't have any fabulous quotes or inspiring snippets to keep me moving toward my goal of publication. I have gut raw determination to accomplish it...and I will. (Hopefully sooner than later).
That said, I ate dinner with my crit partner tonight and asked in a pathetic little voice "But are you sure TPD is good enough?".
Sheesh.....
I think the most encouraging words I ever had were from one of my published critique partners. After reading one of my historicals she said emphatically, this one is it. This is the one that will sell. That has stuck with me more than anything.
So I leave you with those parting words, just continue to believe -- this one is it.
Christie, you are so right! I have pubbed author friends who have assured me, "This is the one, Caren." From their mouths to God's ear. *g* While it hasn't happened yet, I know it will. When, as Kirsten said, it is time. My time. That time is not today, but it will come. Meanwhile, I had a very inspiring day yesterday and it made me anxious to write. I will be taking a notepad and pens along with me to Switzerland. Maybe the mountain air will inspire me as well!
I am not a writer but I do love to read so I for one am glad that you guys keep persevering so I have some great books to read as for words of wisdom not sure but if you want something bad enough you can do it.
Have Fun
Helen
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