Today I had a really neat conversation with a coworker. I hadn't realized she'd written a novel! So we talked about writing and the process of getting it out there. She said that, years ago, a fairly successful writer friend told her to be very careful about what she put out there because that's it -- once you've blown your chance, you're done. She said that comment basically paralyzed her into not wanting to submit her work anywhere. She told me not to freeze like she did. Thanks to her, I've just sent out a new batch of queries.
As far as "your chance," I think that her friend was right in that you should want to present your best work. But I don't think we just get one chance. If I'm not successful with this book, I will keep writing and submit another one. And another one. And I will keep growing as a writer. I think that success comes with a combination of hard work and good luck. You can't be successful if you let that fear of screwing up paralyze you, though.
Well, have a great weekend, everyone. And send out some queries. It's liberating!
New Beginning 703
16 minutes ago
13 comments:
Thanks, Jill. You always write such great inspirational pieces :)
Thanks Jill, this is great advice!
yeah, I think we're living proof that you don't only get one chance at this whole deal.
No giving up! We won't allow it! One for 5 and 5 for all, or something like that...
i had an older writer tell me that I should wait at least 5 years before subbing - wtf? i coudl never wait that long. Congrads on your subs :)
Go Jill Go!! Thanks for the inspiration and you are exactly right :-)
Thanks, Jill. As a person currently paralyzed by "the fear," this was a good reminder. Except I'm just scared to blow my second chance...sigh.
Wow, it's surprising the bad advice people give sometimes, even if it's with good intentions.
Well, I'm glad you put your stuff back out there. Because it's awesome! Had I known you had stopped querying, I'd haven shake my finger at you quite disapprovingly. :)
You know what's funny? I would give it an 80% chance that said fairly successful writer meant that you only have one chance, as in... you only have one debut. And there's a whole career riding on that debut. And you NEVER get the help and attention and fanfare of your debut again, so... be careful.
Many authors only get one chance at the big leagues. But sometimes they change their name and get a second chance, or third chance.
But submitting? Go for it! You have ALL the chances in the world! And the more your write, the stronger you'll be when you hit the big leagues!
I agree with you about growing as a writer. The next piece will always be better (or at least hold the potential for being better). You've gotta put yourself out there eventually!
Good luck with those queries!
I agree with spyscribbler in that you may get only one chance or two to make your huge debut. But submitting, I don't think there's only one chance there at all. Thanks for a great post! This has really got me thinking now, especially about the debut thing....
Exactly! There's so much that goes into how well a book does that out of our hands. So, as writers, we do what we can--keep writing. It's the only thing we can control!
I definitely agree that you should always send out your best work, even if it means forgoing something you love for something that might, at this moment, have more marketing potential. But, I feel as though it makes less sense to wait until you've written that amazing Great American Novel before you'd even consider sending a query. As writer's we grow and grow, just as you said. The more we practice the better we get. But the only way we can get better is getting that feedback and living through that experience, even if it is a rejection. Thanks for the post!
A fighter doesn't quit:-) Thank you for sharing uplifting thoughts.
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