They say that sharks have to keep swimming or they'll die. I feel the same way about the writing process. I have to keep writing -- it's my air, but I have to get some response. I have to feel I'm accomplishing something. I have to feel that there will eventually be a stopping point.
Lord knows, the process of trying to get my work published has gotten to me time and again. It's so easy to get discouraged when the words aren't coming, or when the rejections won't stop. But it can only take a few well-chosen words and a pair of fresh eyes to pull me back on track. I've been very lucky in that just when I think I'm kidding myself, suddenly someone really gets what I'm trying to say and they see the potential in my efforts. Sometimes, they give me a real direction to head in that not only lifts my spirits, but kicks my motivation into high gear. I owe my writing equilibrium to the people I consider my personal writing gurus. Instead of buttering me up, they get my attention, and say, "Do this, this, this... and consider changing that." Hey, I'm all for flattery, but I'd rather have a story that isn't scattering to the winds because I'm a tangent-hopper. I wish there was a way I could have these folks on permanent speed-dial in my head, so that I could get their advice anytime I needed it.
This is really one of the greatest things about being a part of the Writing Community. So many successful authors, agents, and editors go out of their way to help struggling rookies accomplish their writing dreams. Since I've benefited from their advice; I'm paying it forward to anyone else looking for tips and tweaks. From time to time, I'm going to make a point of promoting some of the good people who have been especially helpful to me, and who could be very helpful to you.
Today, I'd like to draw your attention to:
· 1st Five Pages Workshops (monthly)àcheck out the rules here
And to
· “I'll be giving away query crits, partial crits, and books. Lots and lots of books. :) And all this will culminate into the awesomest of awesome contests (to celebrate the awesomest of awesome things--the finalization of my book deal)”. ~ J.A. Souders author of RENEGADE à check out the rules, here
