tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post3176983486412850533..comments2024-02-21T03:32:15.577-05:00Comments on Jill Kemerer: Preparing for Success Part 1: The Mental GameJill Kemererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07865493609868329393noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-9219852181768859552011-08-30T08:55:31.862-04:002011-08-30T08:55:31.862-04:00Jeanette: We're all hearing a lot of conflicti...Jeanette: We're all hearing a lot of conflicting advice right now. The self-publishing avenue works well for some people. It's important to think long-term. If our self-pubbed book doesn't do well in sales, it could affect our future chances with a traditional pub. Also, some genres naturally sell well through e-books while others aren't as strong. Many factors need to be considered.<br /><br />Sarah: First, HUGE CONGRATS!!! I'm Sooooo happy for you!!! And I know what you're saying. We have choices, and sometimes it means delaying our dreams. I took several years off of writing because I struggled to parent and write. :)<br /><br />Nancy: I agree--write it and send it. Don't let anyone stop you! Great advice!<br /><br />Keli: Oh, I do too! I've been reading all these fabulous contemporary inspy writers and I'm like, I'm not worthy!<br /><br />Ayda: I can relate to every point because I've thought them all! Not something to be proud of, but hey, I'm honest. :) We just have to hang in there and keep going!<br /><br />Kristina: Same here. I still get the urge to put a time frame on it. :)<br /><br />Tiffany: I love you because you are SO real. And because I'm guilty of all of these points and you don't mind! :)<br /><br />Melissa: Thank you! Maybe we share a mind? :)<br /><br />Thanks so much for stopping by!Jill Kemererhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07865493609868329393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-86575002438351502772011-08-30T00:58:38.514-04:002011-08-30T00:58:38.514-04:00What a great post. I felt like you were reading my...What a great post. I felt like you were reading my mind! Thanks so much for your three pointers. I'm really looking forward to your next post :)Melissa Pearlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04096876704344997093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-89067511573090829132011-08-30T00:58:30.623-04:002011-08-30T00:58:30.623-04:00What a great post. I felt like you were reading my...What a great post. I felt like you were reading my mind! Thanks so much for your three pointers. I'm really looking forward to your next post :)Melissa Pearlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04096876704344997093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-84346821950660247742011-08-29T18:54:26.427-04:002011-08-29T18:54:26.427-04:00What a great post, Jill! I can't lie - I'...What a great post, Jill! I can't lie - I've been guilty of thinking some of the very points you shared with us. BUT, luckily I also have great humility and confidence to continue. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series!Tiffany A Whitehttp://tiffanyawhite.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-41412657285197251992011-08-29T16:15:30.086-04:002011-08-29T16:15:30.086-04:00Definitely the time frame. It's why I stopped ...Definitely the time frame. It's why I stopped doing 'i'll publish a book this year' type resolutions a couple of years ago. Because I can't control that. So I don't tell myself 'i'll sell a book this year', I tell myself 'i'll write the best book i can this year' instead.Kristina Knighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13674920511835640874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-44317373014085976432011-08-29T15:04:39.991-04:002011-08-29T15:04:39.991-04:00Wow! Fantastic post Jill! I could relate to so man...Wow! Fantastic post Jill! I could relate to so many of the mental traps (esp. #6!), and the tools you give are wonderful. It's like you held a rose-colored mirror up for all of us to gently take a good look at ourselves in. Thanks!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-50534079563138871292011-08-29T15:00:54.328-04:002011-08-29T15:00:54.328-04:00What a great post, Jill, one full of heart and hel...What a great post, Jill, one full of heart and helpful info.<br /><br />I struggle with doubts and discouragement. I don't like to admit it, but there are times I compare my work to others', which is such a colossal waste of time, and I have to remind myself once again that I'm called to write my stories, not someone else's.Keli Gwynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13236868298400593688noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-32817706181639164482011-08-29T13:32:48.435-04:002011-08-29T13:32:48.435-04:00I believe there is a lot to the mental game. Most...I believe there is a lot to the mental game. Most important, if you want to write and send your work out, do it and don't let anything stop you. <br /><br />You have some much needed advice for new writers.Nancyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15163662759281341381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-90633662031715160732011-08-29T13:23:49.371-04:002011-08-29T13:23:49.371-04:00Oh goodness, what a GREAT post, Jill! I'm emba...Oh goodness, what a GREAT post, Jill! I'm embarrassed to admit I did the time-frame thing with my writing. But I'll clarify that I didn't plan to walk away forever...I was just taking certain events as signs that I needed to step back for a while. But as my blog post today proves, God got the last laugh on that one. :)Sarah Forgravehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09101753891967001104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-87034023954307353922011-08-29T12:22:59.136-04:002011-08-29T12:22:59.136-04:00OH, this is rich. So wise, Jill.
My biggest chal...OH, this is rich. So wise, Jill. <br /><br />My biggest challenges are:<br /><br />1. Deciding whom to listen to--the ones who say my writing is compelling and funny, or the ones who say I should self-publish.<br /><br />2. Jealousy of those who said they'd never write a book, or couldn't write, and got their first novel published with very little effort. I want to scream, "NOT fair!!" But you are right--that's a distraction. <br /><br />Thanks for sharing your wisdom.Jeanette Levelliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12898750484193832082noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-33612503486166806892011-08-29T12:22:12.470-04:002011-08-29T12:22:12.470-04:00Ralene: I know what you mean. How can we be scared...Ralene: I know what you mean. How can we be scared of both success and failure? I don't know, and yet I am! <br /><br />Katie: Oh, yes! I was so surprised when my first rejection came. I hadn't let myself even consider one!<br /><br />Elizabeth: Thank you so much! I appreciate the encouragement. :)<br /><br />Laura: It's really hard to stay focused when rejections pour in. I have no magic formula to get back on track--unless you count crying, eating M&M's, and whining to friends.<br /><br />Olivia: Wise words, my friend. Perseverance is key. <br /><br />Erica: I do too. And I repeat some of them--why? Why do I do that? :) Oh, and I saw your 3-in-1 book at my grocery store today--congrats!!<br /><br />Jessica P: Oh, thanks! I'm glad I'm not the only one who deals with these!<br /><br />Lynn: Same here--it's nice to know I'm not alone!<br /><br />Pat: Welcome--and thank you! I agree, it IS a journey worth taking!<br /><br />Jan: I needed this article today too, isn't that silly? Thank you and right back at you!<br /><br />K.B.: Thanks, and you too!!<br /><br />Em: You are NOT a slacker. Do you hear me or do I have to come over there and shout? :)<br /><br />Stacy: I second guess my writing too. Two things help me get through it--multiple revisions and critique partners. They keep me focused!<br /><br />Loree: Thank you! I'm sure I missed a few other neurotic areas!<br /><br />Patrice: My dreams? They don't expire. No matter what else is going on in my life! <br /><br />Thanks so much for stopping by!Jill Kemererhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07865493609868329393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-84270600784680593972011-08-29T11:59:10.665-04:002011-08-29T11:59:10.665-04:00I love the line "Why put an expiration date o...I love the line "Why put an expiration date on our dreams?" Why, indeed! Great post.PM Kavanaughhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18158084685117474279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-89959594779927529912011-08-29T11:25:56.975-04:002011-08-29T11:25:56.975-04:00Loved this post.
You've touched on every feel...Loved this post.<br /><br />You've touched on every feeling or experience of the writer's mind. So much truth here.<br /><br />The mental tools are excellent.Loree Huebnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09845600356878587780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-52500944324595902282011-08-29T10:45:11.074-04:002011-08-29T10:45:11.074-04:00Jill, I can't tell you how much this post hit ...Jill, I can't tell you how much this post hit home with me. I think I have a good book with a heck of a hook/plot, but I'm always second guessing myself and the writing. I wonder if I'm wasting valuable time and setting myself up for huge failure. I keep going because I know if I don't try I'll regret it. It's so wonderful to know how alike we all our, and this post is going in my bookmarks for those days when I feel lousy about everything.<br /><br />Thanks!Stacyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12032538079815607797noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-34324309370897956372011-08-29T10:26:39.717-04:002011-08-29T10:26:39.717-04:00I'm afraid I'm really a slacker and I'...I'm afraid I'm really a slacker and I'll wind up a little old lady still writing at my computer still hoping for an agent but haven' sent out enough queries to find one. Eeek! Am I pathetic, or what?Karen Baldwinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01522178275164058849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-24886355352702467492011-08-29T10:18:21.531-04:002011-08-29T10:18:21.531-04:00Just what I needed today! Thanks, Jill! Good luc...Just what I needed today! Thanks, Jill! Good luck with your own journey.K.B. Owenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09510886155613873085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-559978138645292612011-08-29T10:12:32.764-04:002011-08-29T10:12:32.764-04:00I needed this article today!! Thanks for writing a...I needed this article today!! Thanks for writing and posting it! You're a God-send, Jill! :-) Everything you've written is spot-on.<br /><br />Good luck with your writing career! I hope you hit the big time!!:-)<br /><br />Jan RomesJan Romeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02636465024841445819noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-34176079081074149092011-08-29T10:11:48.279-04:002011-08-29T10:11:48.279-04:00I agree - it's definitely a journey! But one w...I agree - it's definitely a journey! But one worth taking. Love the blog, Jill.Writer Pat Newcombehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12678017709861817691noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-38587073175397455722011-08-29T09:30:40.625-04:002011-08-29T09:30:40.625-04:00Your dreams need no expiration date. Amen! I strug...Your dreams need no expiration date. Amen! I struggle with many you posted here. Thanks for the encouragement.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-32075149781683433602011-08-29T09:16:23.083-04:002011-08-29T09:16:23.083-04:00Jill, this post is amazing! A whole page of wonder...Jill, this post is amazing! A whole page of wonderful encouragement. And I needed to read a couple of those today. They hit home. :) Thank you.Jessica R. Patchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13614501794157211301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-42778758255251582752011-08-29T09:15:07.370-04:002011-08-29T09:15:07.370-04:00This is just flat out wonderful advice.
I struggl...This is just flat out wonderful advice.<br /><br />I struggle at various times with all of these issues in the mental game.Erica Vetschhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08772984806574666959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-58502838186774226852011-08-29T08:53:25.878-04:002011-08-29T08:53:25.878-04:00The best learning we do is through persevering. A ...The best learning we do is through persevering. A good goal is realistic and achievable, so we move toward it one step at a time. Every now and then we need a reminder of which step we're on.Olivia Newporthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17898775895246676862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-72741182177033164472011-08-29T08:14:31.578-04:002011-08-29T08:14:31.578-04:00Sometimes you can't help but fall into those t...Sometimes you can't help but fall into those traps. The biggest thing I deal with is letting discouragement from Rs affect my writing time. I try my best not to let it.Laura Paulinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06503090226508079501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-867622163400222492011-08-29T07:39:41.592-04:002011-08-29T07:39:41.592-04:00Great post, Jill! I love your mental tools for suc...Great post, Jill! I love your mental tools for success. Looking forward to the rest of your series. :)Elizabeth Spann Craighttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15625595247828274405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911314544674287828.post-36034163154668913622011-08-29T06:38:19.863-04:002011-08-29T06:38:19.863-04:00Awesome stuff, Jill! And I have to tell you, I had...Awesome stuff, Jill! And I have to tell you, I had the EXACT same thought early in my career when Steeple Hill requested the full of my first manuscript. I was agentless. I had no clue about the publishing industry. I just thought my writing was "special" and I bought a market guide and queried Steeple Hill. They requested the full. I was convinced I was going to be published. Two weeks later, full was back in the mail box with a very kind rejection letter. I was stumped. It took two years before I got an agent and realized that first manuscript is embarassingly awful! Sometimes, rejections are God's way of protecting our reputation when we're too oblivious to protect it ourselves!Katie Gansherthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09150375338556869812noreply@blogger.com