Monday, April 20, 2009

Confidence is Key


Ouch! Rejection hurts! Let’s face it, those of us who want to publish are asking to enter into a tough business. The most successful writers are those who can remain positive and persevere, even in the face of adversity. Rejection is a part of the business, and we need to learn how to put on a brave face, go forth, and conquer. Okay, maybe not conquer exactly, unless you are the conquering type. What I mean is that you can’t give up. You need to believe in your project, and believe in yourself above all. If you don’t believe in yourself, who will?

I recently stumbled upon an editor’s blogsite that I found extremely helpful. If you don’t follow him, I recommend that you do. In this post (How Successful Writers Keep Their Confidence), he explains that the publishing business is a crazy business and it doesn’t always make sense. He also gives several tried and true ways that successful writers stay sane in the crazy world of publishing. My favorite point of advice, keep writing. That’s right… keep writing even when you think what you are writing is crap! In everything there is a lesson to be learned. If nothing else, perhaps you learned how to stay focused and finish a novel. If you have finished a novel, well you are way ahead of those who haven’t. What an accomplishment! Give yourself a big ole pat on the back, you rock!

My first novel taught me a lot about life and a lot about myself. In some ways it was prophetic… eerily so. I learned lessons that I really needed to learn. If this is all it was meant to do, so be it. I have come to terms with that. Now I am gathering the knowledge that I need through reading books, blogs, etc., to better my writing. Perhaps my next book will be published, or the next one. Who knows? I sure will have fun writing them folks. Maybe that will be the payoff. I’m alright with that. Ah…peace!

I hope you will jump over to Alan Rinzler’s blog to take in all of the priceless information that he has to offer on publishing. If anyone is still iffy… I got the link from Nathan Bransford’s blog. Perhaps that’ll sway you. Nothing like name dropping! *grin*

11 comments:

Michelle D. Argyle said...

Traci, this is a lovely post, thank you. I'm certainly feeling depressed lately over my writing. I don't know why the heck I think publishing is this ultimately wonderful and heavenly thing. That shouldn't be the aim and point of my writing. The point is to create a darn good story, and if one person is the only one who reads it and loves it, I've fulfilled my goal - to entertain and delight at least one person!

Writing should be a journey that we enjoy along the way. If we happen to write something good enough that deserves publication and is lucky enough to get through to a publisher, then so be it...

Okay, personal pep talk over.

Thanks for some great thoughts and uplifting wisdom. Now I'm going to go start your book!

Cindy R. Wilson said...

I could use a little confidence right now. I worry, worry, worry about everything. Ultimately I know I'm supposed to be writing but it's hard to remain confident in such an industry.

Traci said...

LG- You are going to publish silly! Keep pushing on!!!! I read your book and I loved it. I know a book is good when I think about the characters long after I finish reading. You just aren't finished yet. Oh, but you are on your way! It's like seeing a house that has beautiful bones but needs a coat of paint here and there. It's worth the extra effort...because when it gets that shiny coat of paint, it's all the envy!!! Some people can't see past that. You can though. ;-) Follow the desires of your heart.

Cindy - I'm sending you a boost of confidence! (((hugs))) ;-)

Bowman said...

"If this is all it was meant to do, so be it."

My first novel didn't get published, but it helped me learn how not to write, and it helped me build my world.

scott g.f.bailey said...

My first novel doesn't deserve to be published, but I learned at least two things from writing it:

1. I can write a novel, even a bad one, which is more than most people ever do.

2. I can get better at writing if I keep writing.

A lot of people stop before they get to #1. Other people never push on to realize #2. But if you love writing, if you love language and stories you will keep pushing on and the most important lesson (the writing stories and using beautiful, delightful language is the most important part of all of this) will become clear.

Last week I was having a dark night of the soul about my revisions and there was a point when I thought, "Who cares if I just quit? My life would be a lot easier." But I kept pushing, working and worrying away at the story and tonight I am once more in love with my novel. When I'm done with my revisions, it's possible that my agent will decide to pass on it. That would be demoralizing for a while, I know. But I love writing more than I love the idea of getting published.

Michelle D. Argyle said...

Traci, thank you for your kind words. Scott is right about the #2-- I've reached the point that I see I can be better if I just keep writing. And that's what I'm doing. This truly is a hard, but rewarding and fun journey. So much better with people like you!

lotusgirl said...

I think we all need confidence to write. It waxes and wanes. I'm just glad it waxes sometimes. Hehe! Thanks for the link.

Kate Karyus Quinn said...

Oh, great link!

I agree with the no matter what your cofidence level just keep writing. This is what I try to do. Some days I finish writing more convinced than ever that it is all crap, and some days I finish thinking it might not be half bad.

But at least I accomplished something, and most days that is enough.

The Screaming Guppy said...

Thanks for the link, and another great post. :)

I send you much cheesecake.

lisa and laura said...

Great post! Especially since I'm writing a chapter write now that I'm pretty sure is complete and utter crap. But it can always be fixed and sometimes I just need to get the words on paper to see exactly how to fix them, you know?

So glad I found your blog!

Traci said...

Justus - I like that kind of positive attitude! :-)

Scott- I really hope you will make that novel available somehow. I want to READ IT! ;-)

Lois - Speaking of wax...I need to make an appointment for my brows before my sis's wedding! he he

Kate - it is an accomplishment. A BIG ONE! ;-)

Guppy - send me some cheesecake or I'll write a novel about zombies, and no one wants to see that. They would all be nice and in love! LMAO

Lisa and Laura - I am thrilled that you guys found my site and that I found yours. I'm a fan!! So excited for you two! ;-)