Writing as a career is amazing. It's awesome and wonderful and a dream come true. And yet, there will be bad days. Days when you worry and sweat and fear that you aren't getting it right or that people don't love your books and you're doomed to fail. Yes, it's true, even published authors are insecure.
So the next time you're staring at crappy contest scores or feeling gutted because you got a rejection letter, I want you to remember something. Remember that no one is gonna die over this. No one's life hangs in the balance as you type away, as you sweat and work and fear. It's only you and your fears sitting at the computer.
Maybe that's a small comfort. Or maybe it's no comfort.
I know this means everything to you. I really do. But some days you just have to tell yourself it's not brain surgery. Back away from the keyboard. Read; take time for yourself. Live life.
The words will come again. And they may come better than before. The pie is not finite, y'all. If someone else sells before you do, it doesn't mean you won't. It doesn't mean your chances are gone, or slimmer.
Just write. The rest will sort itself out. No one's gonna die if you get rejected. And that's really kind of a good thing, right? 😉 (And believe me, there are days when I need to take my own advice! Days when I worry I'm truly the worst writer on the planet.)
And now I want to move on to happier things and tell you that The Devil's Heart is available a month early from eHarlequin! You can order it for your e-reader or a paperback copy. You can read an excerpt on this site, or a different one here.
This book was rewritten massively between the first time I turned it in and when it was accepted. I'm sure I was an insecure mess as I worked on it, but it's out there now and it's your turn to tell me if I got it right. I hope you enjoy!
What a great reminder! Thanks Lynn!
Anytime, Rachel! 🙂
Whew! When I saw your Facebook post I thought you’d had surgery and not told us.
I had two short stories rejected last month, but in the global scheme of things, I’ve had worse. Much worse.
Sorry, Marilyn! Didn’t mean to scare you. 😳 And hugs on those short stories! I know you’ll bounce back from that! You’re the short story guru!
Excellent post, Lynn. Words I will live by–you’re right. No on will die if we don’t sell our books or find the words to finish our drafts. Taking a breath is a really good idea.
And congratulations on the e-reader book release for THE DEVIL’S HEART.
🙂
Thanks, Christine! 🙂 Sometimes we just have to step back and get perspective. But it’ll work out in the end.
I really needed to hear that today. And you are so right. No matter how tough and upbeat we are, I think everyone gets that rejection that goes to the quick–the one that hurts your feelings, the one that wasn’t fair.
Thanks for reminding us that it can still turn our okay!
Absolutely, Jean! There’s always something, no matter where you are in this journey, that can set you back and throw you for a loop. And that’s normal. We just have to put it in perspective. It’s not the end. It’s never the end so long as we’re determined. 🙂
It may not be brain surgery, but sometimes it feels like it. Getting ideas out of my brain, into some sort of coherent order and onto the page can be really painful. Add a bit of self doubt, a topsy-turvy industry and well…I could use a bubble bath.
Hey, Madison! Yep, you’re right, sometimes it does feel like brain surgery. It’s darn hard. Especially that self doubt. Oh man, I get it in spades sometimes!
Read. Breathe. Repeat! 😆
Truer words were never spoken. It’s funny how some doubts and fears are nearly universal. Of course, I’m now sitting here thinking and worrying…Is ‘truer’ a word? …How dumb will I look if it isn’t? 😳 …Oh, what the hell, you are still right. Thanks!