Last year was a year of rejections. Not only with searching for a job but with my writing. I expected both as Florida is still reeling from the Great Recession and deep down I knew my first four books weren’t where they should be either.
So I bought the book THANKS, BUT THIS ISN’T FOR US by Jessica Page Morrell. I haven’t been able to put it down. Let me say this, she doesn’t pull any punches when she tells the writer what is a deal beaker in the publishing industry.
When I finished my rough draft on New Year’s Eve of my fifth book, I made a plan. Read this book and be sure I haven’t made any of those huge mistakes.
It’s a plan that will hopefully get me a foot in the door.
During 2010, I enjoyed reading about the many successes of my writer friends. One by one, agents picked them up and publishers gave out contracts.
I’m praying this is the year for many more of us—in both our personal lives and our professional lives.
We’ve all got areas where we fail miserably. What is great is there is always a way to pick ourselves back up and make changes.
What major changes are you making this year?
49 comments:
And here's wishing you fantabulous success too this year!
Our first New Year sermon on Sunday was about how God always directs His people, how he works His plans into our lives even when we take a wrong turning or think we may not be where we should be, and how there is no such thing as coincidence.
I've said it to you before, but I'm saying it again at this start of the New Year-
Terri, you are an ENCOURAGEMENT just the way you are, the way you write, the way you question, the way you admit when things are decidedly not ok, and the way you tell how you battle with things, as well as your thanksgivings and joys.
I know you want more achievement, and seems to me you are certainly working VERY hard for it!, but please hold in front of yourself the knowledge that you mean a LOT to many many people JUST AS YOU ARE!!!
End of lecture!
Shedding off the self-doubts!
I'm cutting back on social networking and getting back to writing as I used to write: where it's just me and the book, me and the book, me and the book. Once it is finished and out, then it can be "everyone" else's.
First of all, congrats on finishing that draft! What a great way to start the New Year. Also, you have an incredible attitude about everything and it is inspiring for all of us :) Your effort will pay off and nothing is ever a waste. You are only becoming a stronger writer with each draft and it will show in your work!
Wow. Five books. That's wonderful, Terri! I'm so proud of you.
I'd like to win a contest this year. Any contest. Reddest hair, widest smile, cutest grandkids...
May all your goals be fulfilled in 2011,
Jen
Terri, first let me wish you that you get that agent this year. Both professionally and personally I wish loads of luck for you.
This year I plan to write and write and write. Last year was full of distractions. Hopefully this year will be better.
I'm sending my non fiction book out to other publishers after waiting 2 months and checking back with one publisher who wanted to see it finished only to be REJECTED! on to the future...lol!
I am going to live in the moment, let those submissions land where they may, as I know there is a higher power guiding my life. When the time is right, I know the right/write thing will happen. You have been an inspiration to me.
Wishing you the greatest of successes! We have to keep getting back up, that's what makes us winners,regardless. :O)
I hadn't heard of that book. Sounds great! My changes this year are more in my personal life. God has been wooing me back to seeking Him every day and every moment, so I'm obeying Him and waiting for Him to reveal the next steps for my writing life.
You finished a rough draft by New Year's Eve? That is wonderful! I'm wishing and praying God grant you the strength to keep going on the path He has laid for you. I'm working on change currently, but must learn to stop 'working' and take that leap of faith!
Sounds like an interesting book. I'm hoping to get in the front door this year so maybe I need to read that book first as well.
And you know I'm pulling for you! Contract, job, everything.
One major changed I'd LIKE to have, but can't necessarily MAKE (on my own) is to not have to work the day job anymore.
Praying, still...
Thanks for the info on the book, Terri. I hadn't heard about it before but will be checking it out.
Congratulations on completing your first draft. I hope the revisions go well and that you have some BIG news to share in the near future. I'm eager to do some happy dancing on your behalf.
Terri - Determination is everything! Here's to a wonderful 2011 in which your writing blossoms and you see rewards.
Oh, this sounds like a must-read, Terri! I'm adding it to my list! My goals for the year include attending conferences, continuing work on my WIP, editing, expanding my platform, and polishing my pitch. I've got my work cut out for me! So thankful for a GREAT God who leads me one step at a time! Hugs & God bless! :)
What a great-sounding book! I've never heard of it, but will definitely put it on my reading list!
Rejection is really hard. Even though it isn't personal, it feels that way. Here's hoping for great things in your new year!
This sounds interesting and like I need to read it. Thanks Terri!
Hoping your 2011 surpasses your wildest dreams!!
Oh, I must get that book. It sounds super helpful. Happy New Year!
Praying this is your year too.
You have done all of the right things and you are published. That should encourage you. (There was a time when I would have given anything to just have one magazine article published.)
My hope is that this will be your year. You certainly spent New Year's Eve well.
That sounds like a great book. I just went to my library's website and requested a copy. I have way too many books to read already this year!
I hope you find your success this year, too, Terri!
My changes, writing-wise, are to have a different attitude about my publishing prospects. If God wills it, then so be it. If He wants me to wait, then so be it. I must learn to cultivate patience!
I hadn't heard of that book, but I just wrote it down. I have to have it!
Woo-hoo on finishing your first draft! I can't wait to read it!
Here's to a terrific 2011!
The book sounds so good, I just ordered a copy! Thanks -- and best of luck to you and yours in 2011. I always read you, but seldom comment, sorry!
I hope this is YOUR year!
That book sounds great. I will be adding it to my TBR pile.
I loved her 'Between the Lines', too. Jessica taught workshops at the Surrey Conference for many years and had a wonderful way of being able to convey her information so that you really got it.
Last year I chose to write and not submit... working on improving my craft and revising a number of mss. I intended to start querying again this month, but have had a setback in my plan that's disappointing. When God closes a door he usually opens a different one, so I guess I can say that my major change will be to stop planning without consulting Him first... to take the time to prayerfully listen for His guidance in my writing objectives as I do in other areas of my life.
Blessings to you as you continue your writing journey, too.
Hi Terri...The only major change regarding writing this year, is I'm going to submit more articles. Just heard last week that a story I wrote made the final cut for inclusion in Thin Threads of Faith and Hope. There were hundreds of entries so I was VERY GRATEFUL.
Hope you have a super new year. Congrats on that fifth book. This may be THE ONE. Susan
Hi Terri...The only major change regarding writing this year, is I'm going to submit more articles. Just heard last week that a story I wrote made the final cut for inclusion in Thin Threads of Faith and Hope. There were hundreds of entries so I was VERY GRATEFUL.
Hope you have a super new year. Congrats on that fifth book. This may be THE ONE. Susan
Congratulations, Terri!!!
Thank you for being a true inspiration!
Prayers for the desires of your heart to be fulfilled!
Cheryl
Praying that this is your year! You are doing all the right things. It will happen.
Keep your faith.
Hm. I should look into getting that book. Good reminder. We can always make changes to do better and meet the goals we have.
My changes this year are going to be to write more, finish what I start and work on learning how to edit.
Terri,
Keep your hard work and your faith. 2010 was great, I embarked in the adventure of writing. You were the first one to inspire me to write stories. I will always be grateful for replying to my email. My last story will be used on a christian radio program. I am astonished.
Happy and blessed New Year, dear Terri!
Doris
That book sounds fascinating!
No major changes here, just a little more discipline. :-)
Hi, Terri! I hope some of your big dreams come true in 2011!!
I'm not really making any big changes in 2011. I think I'm more along the lines of staying the course. Slow and steady.
Happy New Year, Terri!
Terrie,
Congratulations. This is your year. Anyone with that many books under their belt has done her homework. You must have a degree in novel writing.
I"ve heard it takes a few books finished to learn how to really write a good book. SO THIS IS YOUR YEAR. I'm throwing in some prayers with this encouragement.
God bless you and your work.
Barb
Just believe and it will be.
I hope you have a great year and that your story finds a home. I'm trying to focus on the writing, knowing that is it the only thing I have any control over.
Hoping/praying for a better 2011 for you!
Bleh bleh bleh--I'm well acquainted with rejection. Hoping/praying 2011 brings something meatier.
I'm trying to concentrate more on writer bloggy relationships. Sure, writing is important, but so are people! Having said that, I still aim to finish my WIP this year, and hopefully start another one. God is in control of whether or not I get an agent and get published, and I'm trying just to enjoy the ride getting there.
My current project is going through its LAST reader before being sent off. I have a really good feeling about it, it's a nice way to start off the new year.
Hi Terri -
I'd better pick up that book!
There's a song that just went through my head: "I'm laying my sorrows, I'm laying my pain. I'm laying them down for the joy of the Lord. Yes, Lord, Yes, Lord, Yes, Yes, Lord..." I'm determined to walk this journey with joy and press on.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Sounds like a great book. Congrats on finishing your first draft--that's a big deal! Yes, we can always find ways we can improve and grow. We are works in progress just like our manuscripts. :)
I found the book Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass to be helpful in getting my most recent project out of it's rut. Yay for good writing books! :)
I hope amazing things happen for you this year!
Something I read a few years ago helps keep my disappointments and setbacks in perspective: Look back, but don't stare.
Wishing you a joyful and prosperous new year.
Donna V.
http://donnasbookpub.blogspot.com
I'm making adjustments :) that include making more time for writing. Looking to set better goals and focus, as you said at my blog, on quality, not just quantity.
Hugs and blessings to you,
Karen
I'm not just attacking my writerly goals with more verve, I'm approaching life with more zest. That's what my 2011 is about!
Good luck with getting your book published. I just finished going over my MG manuscript...again. Made a few changes and now I'm going to quit procrastinating and send it out.
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