I go back and forth.
Should I keep blogging or not?
I just read an article by an agent that said most fiction publishing houses still expect us to have an online presence. I'm sure Facebook is not enough.
I'm also struggling with being a fiction writer or not.
After seven books, some close bites, but no sales yet, I wonder if I will ever get the technique or story down. Yes, I've read countless testimonies from those authors who waited years and years. Those stories always encourage me to pull up my WIP and keep on.
But is there a moment when a writer needs to make a decision? Do I write and try forever or call it a day and go back to non-fiction? Do you think it depends on how driven you are?
I'm not ready to quit blogging or writing my novels yet. Just letting you know what's running through my head lately.
It's that kind of day in PA.
And one more thing. Did I mention how happy I am again? I know. I've already told you but since God is so good, I think it's worth repeating a few times.
29 comments:
I'm glad things are going so well for you, Terri, and that you're so happy in your new home.
Regarding your writing, I suggest you give yourself time to get settled before making decisions. I recall some recent posts in which you shared how much fun you were having writing. I trust that joy will return when you've adjusted to your new life situation. Just my 2¢.
Yay! I'm so happy you're happy! I know all about those back and forth times with blogging and writing. But I also know how much of a passion you have for both. I know God will lead you in the right direction, and for now it's good that you're giving it time.
God is good! I'm so happy you are happy. I think that blogging, if it brings you joy, and if it helps create important relationships, and if it doesn't consume one's life, is a very important pastime. I think it causes me to stay in engaged with the creative side of myself. It also gives me an outlet for my writing. If it leads to a career in publishing something I write, then that is a great bonus.
Blog on my friend, I think there is a place and time for everything and God provides the windows and the seasons for things when the timing is just right. There are times when we feel like we are wanderings in the desert, then there are time when we are overflowing with his presence. I used to think that I was going to write this wonderful devotional book and it may still happen, what I do know is that I would count it a loss for me if I had not stated blogging. It has opened up conversation and relationships with so many people outside my sphere of influence and that in my mind is a good thing.
I am very happy that you and your husband are back in a place that feel like home again. That counts for a lot in my book!
Blessings
R
I hear you, Terri. I kind of feel the same about my fiction writing, but I haven't finished a novel or even close to it. You seem to have made good progress on your novel(s?) you are working on, so I don't think you should give up.
Have you thought of putting your book on Smashwords? It can be sold in many formats, with Kindle probably being the most popular.
You might want to research the traditional publishing houses, especially small press publishers, before making a decision.
There are a lot of publishers out there; you just have to find the right one. Have you considered getting an agent?
Good luck.
I'm so glad you're happy in your new home.
Praying that God will give you some encouragement and direction.
pray about it...and enjoy the happiness. How about writing about that in allegory???lol!
I'm so glad you are happy in PA!
You can tell - you shine now.
The writing gig is funny thing. I've decided to let go and let it ride. Whatever happens, it's in God's hands...and I will just keep writing.
I was going through the same dilemma last year. I'd had a reputable agent for almost five years working hard to sell my novel, VADA FAITH. She believed in the novel but could not sell it to anyone.
Finally a friend talked me into making it into a Kindle book. Spent $200 with Booknook, company that converts books to ereaders. Now the book is selling. I've made my money back and more. I invested in paperbacks. They're selling fairly well online and I'm selling them myself at writers events and out of the house. It's made me sooo happy to see my work in print I cannot put it into words. It may be time for you to make a change from the route you are on. Think about it.
Hugs, Barb
The Lord has been so good to me I can't put that into words either. Blessings.
I go back and forth about blogging too and then end up hanging in there because 1) I do enjoy it in moderation and 2) I've worked to hard to build this to give it up right now.
Keep writing; it's in you. Keep following this path and see where it leads. I struggle with this very thing almost every single day.
When to quit? Not there yet, but I sure am wondering how to shift focus and keep things fresh.
So glad you're happy, friend. You deserve it!
peace~elaine
Hi Terri -
I've struggled with the same questions, but I love fiction. Blogging became a chore for awhile, but cutting back to two posts per week with an occasional third helped ease the burnout.
So glad you're in PA. Maybe we'll actually get to meet now.
Blessings,
Susan :)
So glad to hear you are happy! God is good. :)
Have been debating about blogging lately. I love it, but it takes so much of my writing time some weeks. Thinking about going down to one post a week. We'll see.
Happy October!
Hi Terri....I cannot tell you how happy I am that YOU are happy again. I knew that day would come (even though it seemed like forever to get here, right?)
I had a similar path to follow and all turned out well.
I truly love blogging. It's helped me be disciplined to do daily posts. I don't want to think of ever giving it up but if that day comes, or I should say when it comes, I'll know it's been a good, long run.
Take care. Ask God to show you what you should do and then listen and feel what is in your heart. Susan
Terri, I am SO happy, too, that YOU are so happy!! All I can offer is....Follow your heart. I know it's kind of simple and cliched, but that's how I know what I want to do. Oh, and one more thing....Don't put so much pressure on yourself to make any of these decisions. You will know.... Hugs to you!
It makes me happy to hear how happy you are!!!
So happy to hear you have settled ina nd are happy. Write on~ it will happen when the time is right.
I'm happy - that you're happy! So good to hear, Terri.
Rhonda Schrock
http://www.rhondaschrock.com/
God is good! And you can repeat that as many times as you like!
Hi Terri, I am glad that things are going good for you. Hang in there where fiction writing is concerned. Don't lose hope.
Never give up! Your audience will build up with your books...it takes time and effort. Online can help tremendously -- word of mouth can spread around the blogosphere.
Thanks for sharing your feelings! :)
I can "hear" the smile in your voice -- it's a beautiful thing.
And as far as having the answers to your questions (blog or no blog/fiction or no) ... well, do they line up on the "happy" side of the equation or the "have to" side of the equation?
In your happiness answers to the tough questions will become clear. Wishing you only good things and sunny days.
Oh goodness, I know all about the questions of whether to keep on in this crazy business. To call it a rollercoaster doesn't do it justice. :) So glad you're rediscovering joy lately, Terri.
It really depends WHY you write. I know when I write a story "to get published" then it doesn't seeem to work out as well as a story that came from my heart and needed to be told.
It's soooo good to hear you're happy!!!
Whew, so glad you are happy after many unhappy years. Satan loses again-yesssss!
I agree that you need to allow yourself time to settle in after a stressful move across the country. Then ask yourself "why do I write?" Is is to be published, to employ your gift, to feel God's pleasure? There are no wrong or right answers here. But I don't think you can judge whether you want to keep blogging or writing based on everyone else's definition of "success."
I'm really glad to hear that you're happy in your new locale. As for the writing and blogging, Jeanette has put it well in her above comment. You're the only one who can truly tell what these pursuits mean to you. If you were writing specifically to be published, and blogging because it provides the necessary exposure and platform, then I can believe the unrewarded effort would become arduous. If you still love doing both regardless of whether publication ever happens, however, then take joy in the doing. God uses our writing skills in many different ways, sometimes with results unknown to us.
Personally, I like following your posts, so I hope you'll continue. :)
I hope you keep blogging because I'm selfish and love reading what you're thinking! So glad to hear that you're happy in PA too! Blessings!
Keep blogging Terri, it is so nice to hear what is going on in other parts of the country, and it's inspiring to see what writers are thinking and doing. God Bless you, whatever you decide.
Post a Comment