Sunday, April 17, 2011

it's happening again

It’s happening again. I’m starting to feel discouraged. All of you “new” writers know what I mean.

The rejections just keep rolling in. The problem is that I’m not sure whether the problem is with my novel…or with my query letter…or with the marketplace. Have no fear, I tell myself. I’ve only sent out thirty-five queries…and I promised myself I’d go to one hundred before I gave up.


That’s discouraging enough. But when I met with my “new” critique group today…affording me an opportunity to judge someone else’s writing…I was blown away! Not because my writing was disparaged (it wasn’t)…but because theirs was SO GOOD! I can’t figure out how they do it—and that’s discouraging to me. I seriously struggle with jealousy.

While success may appear to be an impossible dream, remember this: the fact that someone else has achieved it means that it is possible for you!  There. I feel better already.

Success is not the key to happiness.
Happiness is the key to success.
If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”
--Herman Cain--
jan

4 comments:

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  2. Blogging while tired is a bad idea...what I was trying to say was...hang in there!!! You only need ONE success.

    In 1914, Thomas Edison's lab burned down with all his prototypes in it--the building wasn't even covered by insurance. After looking at the destruction he said, "All out mistakes are burned up. Thank God we can start anew."

    Begin...begin again!!
    Sending you warm wishes and lots of encouragement!!
    Lisa

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  3. Oh Jan, it is not just the new writer who feels these pangs. I have been receiving rejections for a very long time. I could wallpaper my office with the paper rejections alone (imagine the decorating possibilites with the email printouts?) I often get discouraged, too. However, I no longer take rejection personally. And...I just keep writing. Don't give up. Keep writing, keep submitting, and you will find yourself published.

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  4. Thanks, friends. I do get discouraged...but I don't let it get me down. Carpe diem!

    "Barn's burnt down...now I can see the moon."
    (Author unknown)

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