I feel like this industry has been quite grim lately. Writers are experiencing setbacks all over the place. I'm sure this has always been the case, but it's being publicized more now than ever, and maybe that's a good thing because it shows others that a writer's life isn't all fun and games. It's tough!
But here's the thing. Setbacks are just that. They set you back a bit, but they aren't the end. I firmly believe that when things come too easily, we take them for granted. But when we have to work hard, we are more likely to appreciate the success we find.
So to you writers out there who are feeling down because of setbacks, I challenge you to do this. Push forward and show the industry and the world that you're meant to do this. You are a writer and you WILL write. And remember that you have others like you to lean on. Let's all lift each other up and do what we're meant to do: write books!
*If you have a question you'd like me to answer from the other side of the editor's desk, feel free to leave it in the comments and I'll schedule it for a future post.
Thanks, Kelly. I needed that.
ReplyDeleteWe all do, which is why I wrote about it. We have to share these things and be there to help each other out of the funks this industry can put us in.
DeleteThis is SO true. I've watched writers come back from losing an agent, their publisher completely folding, publishers telling them their first book didn't sell well enough so they're dropped, etc. We have to keep going! As I've learned with freelance writing, when one door closes, another one opens. Sounds cliche, but SO true.
ReplyDeleteI have seen it all and experienced a lot of it myself. It happens more than we think.
DeleteGreat pep talk! It's disheartening to me to imagine finally 'making' it (agent/book published, etc) only to then have majorly disappointing things happen (like what Stephanie mentioned above). But the only thing to do is not give up, and always believe in yourself.
ReplyDeleteLike many others, I have lived through it. I think we all need to talk about these things so that we know that they are common and we can get through it too.
DeleteIt's a conspiracy to keep would be writers from joining the already crowded industry of self-publication! I just know it. Keep writing, keep producing, because there are consumers out there, we're just getting rid of the middle guys who have been feasting on our veins and sucking us dry...
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, I like self publishing more and more each day.
DeleteI think you're right, Kelly.
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteThanks, Kelly. That advice is right on time :)
ReplyDeleteGlad it could help.
DeleteI don't know if it was ever easier to break in, and somehow I suspect it wasn't. But one thing that has changed is the notion that once published, it gets easier to get published again.
ReplyDeleteSometimes, and sometimes not.
Unless you become a big name, it doesn't really get easier.
DeleteAmen. *Brings out my pompoms* Go writers go! Everyone else too, let's work to achieve and learn from every failure. Never give up!
ReplyDeleteExactly. There's always something to learn too. Great point.
DeleteGreat inspirational post, Kelly. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteWell said, Kelly. What is that saying? "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." That's true in the writing world, for sure. And writers are so great at supporting one another.
ReplyDeleteYes. It's a great community. Very supportive.
DeleteI'm glad I read this today. I'm struggling with query writing and getting some manuscripts ready to submit within the upcoming months, wondering if there's room for my books and how to step up with publicity.
ReplyDeleteWe all struggle. It's tough. But we aren't alone and we'll get through it.
DeleteI agree. It's tough. Much tougher than we thought. Our career takes time to build so if it's something that is still worthwhile, do it. And try to enjoy it along the way.
ReplyDeleteIt does take time.
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