Do you ever get frustrated when you have a set-back? Most of us do. Or maybe you meet an incredible writer and find out she published her very first book? You're happy for her, but in the back of your mind, you're wondering why your first book didn't sell? And then you start feeling bad, insecure, less worthy.
It's very hard to have realistic expectations in the publishing business, because each writer's journey varies wildly. There is no sure-fire path to publication. Some hit it big instantly, while many other talented writers push on for years before getting the call. How do we know which path ours will be? And are we inferior if it takes several books before an editor takes a chance on us?
I went to college to be an electrical engineer. The journey made sense. I went through four (okay, five) years of college, got my degree, and landed a job. My superiors trained me, and slowly, I became good at it. They didn't expect me to be Engineer Extraordinaire right off the bat because it takes time, practice, and application of skill. And they knew it.
When I decided to pursue my dream of writing romance novels for a living, I searched for the magic formula to get published.
I didn't find it.
Does having a master's degree in creative writing help? Sure. Does it guarantee you'll get published? Nope. What about writing every day? Well, it's a good start! But, again, unless you're studying craft, getting feedback, and growing as a writer, you can't expect your writing habits to open the first door.
So how do we deal with our expectations? Can we even have realistic expectations?
For all of you whose very first book gets published, congratulations! But please, read on. You're going to have reviews coming out, and some may be negative. Amazon readers will comment on your book, and many will rip it to shreds. We all have to deal with our inner demons, no matter where we are at.
For all of you who aren't published yet, don't worry about when you'll get published. Just keep moving forward. Talent needs to be honed, and even Olympic gold medalists don't win every match. They show up every day, without guarantee, because they are driven, focused, and extremely good at what they do. You are too. You just don't have a coach.
So go ahead, dream of your fabulous future, but don't let set-backs stall your progress. Don't let unrealistic expectations rob you of even a moment of joy. Someday, you'll be telling other writers your story of "the call," and these days will be a distant, and hopefully happy, memory.
Enjoy your weekend!
Excellent post! Everything you said is so very true. It's a process and we need to keep going forward.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post, Jill. Aren't writers the biggest dreamers? Isn't that what makes us tick when we're dreaming about what we'll do to our characters next? Then we get sidetracked into dreaming what will happen to us when others start reading about the characters we've written. Then reality sets in and we realize we first have to finish the book, then we have to rewrite the book, then we have to find a way to open a door, and hurl ourselves through it. It's definitely a difficult road, but we must push forward.
ReplyDeleteI should bookmark this post and come back to it after I start submitting. I know I'll be facing some unmet expectations.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jill! Great words of wisdome!
Well, I can tell you from authors I talked to as well as myself, the doubt and insecurity never goes away.
ReplyDeleteBecause once you sell, you're going to worry if you can sell again. Then you'll worry that you're genre isn't popular like it used to be so now you have to wonder if you should refocus your career. It goes on and on.
Like you said, we have to try to remain grounded and realize we all have our strengths and talents and to just enjoy the moment and what we're writing.
Very nice post, Jill. :)
You are always so positive and encouraging! I love your blog :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great, encouraging post! Dreaming of that fabulous future is what helps to keep me motivated to do my best.
ReplyDeletejill - i agree with marybeth. you are always very positive and encouraging. definitely keeps me coming back. :)
ReplyDeleteJill, this is such an uplifting post. So very true. Thanks for the great reminder.
ReplyDeleteGreat pep talk, Jill! There are so many insecurities in this writing business! We need all of the encouragement we can get! And we need each other too! Thanks for being there!
ReplyDeleteHoly Cow, were you in my closet last night while I was be-moaning my expectations to my family??? Mine are a bit different, because my issue is that every day I EXPECT them to let me write for a period of time uninterrupted and every day they can't bring themselves to do it.
ReplyDeleteSo, I end up blogging or making Anime's of me (check my blog, it was fun) instead because I can do all of that w/ interruptions.
*sigh* when does schools start??
What an encouraging essay. I did get a bit jealous when two of my church friends got their stories published in magazines on the first try. I don't think they were ever "writers." I mean they weren't wrapped up in the process. They had something to share and they did it well. As far as I know, they are one hit wonders. But still, I'm proud of them for their accpmplishkments now. (Now that I'm more mature. Ha!)
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post, Jill! This reminder is always good for me, because I compare myself all the time. Sometimes the comparisons inspire me to push myself harder, but more often they just make me feel insecure. I need to remember your message, that everyone's path is different. None of us is producing the same book, so why should we expect to be on the same path, right?
ReplyDeleteJill, you are such a wonderful encourager with so much honesty. Thank You!
ReplyDeleteYou're absolutely right, we can't compare journeys or the time it takes each of us to hone our skills (which I'm of the mind never really stops happening if you're a true writer). God is in control, we must just follow His lead.
Jill, you are such a wonderful encourager with so much honesty. Thank You!
ReplyDeleteYou're absolutely right, we can't compare journeys or the time it takes each of us to hone our skills (which I'm of the mind never really stops happening if you're a true writer). God is in control, we must just follow His lead.
Awesome post! As much as we like to compare ourselves to others, we just can't. Everyone's journey is completely different.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! You do have the gift of encouragement, Jill. Thanks for sharing it with us.
ReplyDeleteI interview writers and debut authors and have been privileged to learn more about their writing journeys. I've been struck by how unique each journey is. One debut author began her first book and eleven months later had sold it at auction in a three-book deal with a back to back release. Another had over 200 rejections before she sold. Some have been writing for a couple of years before they sell. Others invested two or three decades before receiving that long-awaited first contract offer.
I believe God likes variety and have learned to expect the unexpected. If I go into something with a set of expectations, I'm setting myself up for disappointment. When I relinquish them, I'm often the recipient of wonderful surprises.
Thanks for this, Jill. We all need some encouragement now and then in this writing journey!
ReplyDeleteOh, thank you, thank you, and did i say thank you?
ReplyDeleteSo timely. So wise. I love you for this post.
P.S. I am hosting a book givaway on my blog; would love you and all your followers to come by!
This is a beautiful post, Jill! I've always felt this way, but still get that nagging feeling in the back of my mind, wondering if I'm ever going to make it. I can't complain. I haven't even started querying yet! We really are all on different paths. It's something so important to remember.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!! Such great words of wisdom and GREAT encouragement!
ReplyDeleteAwesome post Jill!
ReplyDeleteI think managing expectations is a part of finding contentment in our journey. :-) Very uplifting. Thank you!
Thanks! I really needed this post after getting edits back on my first few chapters. Rather discouraging, but I know it will make my book sooo much better.
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone for your kind and supportive comments! I'm sorry I missed you all on Friday!
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