Cintia
asked
Tracy Clark:
I'm an aspiring writer, but I'm dealing with two things: I get discouraged every single day because 96% of manuscripts are rejected, and I haven't had an idea for years, literally. There's too many people wanting to be writers, and knowing there's so much competition just kills me a little every day. When I get motivated, immediatly something appears about the industry that kills it. Any tips on how to deal with this?
Tracy Clark
Hi Cintia,
I do have some experience with discouragement. It happens even after you publish sometimes! It's a tough biz and there've been many times I wanted to quit. The thing is, though, my love of writing wins out, always.
It sounds like perhaps you want the dream of being published (I get that) more than you want to tell any particular story right now. The paradox is that you must write, and write A LOT, before the dream of publishing is within reach. At the moment, your only competition is with the part of you that says, "Why bother?" Here's why:
If you've been bitten by the love of writing, then you have a story to tell that no one, literally no one, can tell in the same way. You bring your own amazing past and perspectives and experiences to everything you write in a way that's wholly unique. Your stories are worthy of being told. The hard part is getting out of your own way.
Perhaps, step away from the "industry" until you've gained more traction on a project so that the news you hear doesn't derail or discourage you. Hide in your hidey-hole of creativity and WRITE YOUR STORY because the surest way to make sure you never get published is to not finish writing your book! It's astonishing how many people never actually finish writing a book despite saying they want to be published. So, that's job #1.
Job #2 is to read a ton. If you haven't had an idea for years, it may be that you need to do what I call, "mining." I read magazines and books (first, for the enjoyment) but second, for the sparks of ideas that can hit when I'm doing so. The library will have lots of magazines in all kinds of subjects. It's amazing how many ideas are out there waiting for you to discover them! From my experience, I can't write a book unless I'm really excited and sparked by the idea. Be open. Read a lot. <--
Job #3 After you finish a project, keep writing! The first of my books to be published (Scintillate) was the 4th book I ever wrote. It takes practice and a crap-ton of persistence!
I know the publishing gauntlet can seem daunting but if I, a high-school dropout, can write, secure one of the most successful agents in the business, and sell books, then you can too! Keep me posted!
I do have some experience with discouragement. It happens even after you publish sometimes! It's a tough biz and there've been many times I wanted to quit. The thing is, though, my love of writing wins out, always.
It sounds like perhaps you want the dream of being published (I get that) more than you want to tell any particular story right now. The paradox is that you must write, and write A LOT, before the dream of publishing is within reach. At the moment, your only competition is with the part of you that says, "Why bother?" Here's why:
If you've been bitten by the love of writing, then you have a story to tell that no one, literally no one, can tell in the same way. You bring your own amazing past and perspectives and experiences to everything you write in a way that's wholly unique. Your stories are worthy of being told. The hard part is getting out of your own way.
Perhaps, step away from the "industry" until you've gained more traction on a project so that the news you hear doesn't derail or discourage you. Hide in your hidey-hole of creativity and WRITE YOUR STORY because the surest way to make sure you never get published is to not finish writing your book! It's astonishing how many people never actually finish writing a book despite saying they want to be published. So, that's job #1.
Job #2 is to read a ton. If you haven't had an idea for years, it may be that you need to do what I call, "mining." I read magazines and books (first, for the enjoyment) but second, for the sparks of ideas that can hit when I'm doing so. The library will have lots of magazines in all kinds of subjects. It's amazing how many ideas are out there waiting for you to discover them! From my experience, I can't write a book unless I'm really excited and sparked by the idea. Be open. Read a lot. <--
Job #3 After you finish a project, keep writing! The first of my books to be published (Scintillate) was the 4th book I ever wrote. It takes practice and a crap-ton of persistence!
I know the publishing gauntlet can seem daunting but if I, a high-school dropout, can write, secure one of the most successful agents in the business, and sell books, then you can too! Keep me posted!
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