That's a fear everyone who dares write has, unless they go the path of vanity press or anything like that. Fear is integral to writing.
You've finished more than some people have started. What you have to do is keep honing the craft and start working on queries for what is DONE.
That's the next scary step. Collecting rejections is a good thing and helps your craft. I've got several dozen rejections for my work. It builds character.
And sweetheart, I'm the guy who was boasting to anyone who'd listen (while I was stocking soda and chips shelves) that I'd be on the NY Times Bestseller list by the time I was 26...I'm 37 now!
I share these same fears sometimes, but have courage. Just acknowledge the fear then tell it to eff off.
You've been working at it for seven years and those definitely aren't wasted. They'll come to use when you finally write that one novel that will make an agent/editor/reader blush/scream/laugh/gasp/sit in awe.
This definitely isn't a generic you-can-do-it speech. I've seen the way you critique and excerpts of your work. You have an eye for this, an inclination that doesn't automatically happen. That people work their butts off for. That knack will definitely come in handy. And probably really soon.
Vent and glare at the fear, but know that when it's all said and done you have to glide right on by it. Straight for the keyboard. They'll go scurrying away sooner or later.
You're the closest to being published of anyone I know. Keep at it and you'll get there. Just look at what you wrote at the start of those 7 years and you'll feel much better about your progress.
It takes on average 10 years of writing to learn craft enough one becomes steadily publishable. You have persistence, talent and youth, Para. As much as anyone can predict these things for another, as long as you don't give up, it's just a matter of time until things happen for you.
Anyway, on a lighter note, I tagged you for a blog meme and award. ;) Details in today's post.
I'm studying how to write fantasy novels. Expect reviews, rants and rambles about the mechanics of writing. Also, excessive use of TV Tropes. Mail me at sirayn [at] gmail.com.
That's a fear everyone who dares write has, unless they go the path of vanity press or anything like that. Fear is integral to writing.
ReplyDeleteYou've finished more than some people have started. What you have to do is keep honing the craft and start working on queries for what is DONE.
That's the next scary step. Collecting rejections is a good thing and helps your craft. I've got several dozen rejections for my work. It builds character.
And sweetheart, I'm the guy who was boasting to anyone who'd listen (while I was stocking soda and chips shelves) that I'd be on the NY Times Bestseller list by the time I was 26...I'm 37 now!
Just keep writing.
I share these same fears sometimes, but have courage. Just acknowledge the fear then tell it to eff off.
ReplyDeleteYou've been working at it for seven years and those definitely aren't wasted. They'll come to use when you finally write that one novel that will make an agent/editor/reader blush/scream/laugh/gasp/sit in awe.
This definitely isn't a generic you-can-do-it speech. I've seen the way you critique and excerpts of your work. You have an eye for this, an inclination that doesn't automatically happen. That people work their butts off for. That knack will definitely come in handy. And probably really soon.
Vent and glare at the fear, but know that when it's all said and done you have to glide right on by it. Straight for the keyboard. They'll go scurrying away sooner or later.
You're the closest to being published of anyone I know. Keep at it and you'll get there. Just look at what you wrote at the start of those 7 years and you'll feel much better about your progress.
ReplyDeleteIt takes on average 10 years of writing to learn craft enough one becomes steadily publishable. You have persistence, talent and youth, Para. As much as anyone can predict these things for another, as long as you don't give up, it's just a matter of time until things happen for you.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, on a lighter note, I tagged you for a blog meme and award. ;) Details in today's post.