Sunday, June 23, 2013

On my heart

A few of my friends and family members have stayed the course with me as I seek publication for a novel. A few have stopped asking me when or what I'm now writing. A few question if I am making any money with my writing. A few never ask me anything anymore.

But that's okay.

I wrote my first novel back in the nineties. Sent it out and had the best personal rejection letter ever sent to me by a now very-gifted writer/editor. Then I quit writing. It was the age before you could submit via email so it was a lot more difficult to query. Fast forward to eight years ago when I decided to try again since I'd had minor success with non-fiction. I remember my friends getting excited for me whenever an article made it into publication.

Writing a novel takes time and sadly you don't see quick results. I'm working on my eighth one now. I actually like my seventh but am not confident it's where it should be yet. I'm also down to one friend who occasionally asks about my work.

I think about the day I get a contract. I say that because I know that day will come if I persevere. I think about what person I will call first after my husband. I think about if that person will recognize the time and energy and prayers that went into getting a first contract.

I know the answer, of course. Only another writer can understand that moment and what it means.

So today I'm thankful to know so many writers who like me are persevering, waiting and hoping.


7 comments:

Linda Hoye said...

I am confident that day will come and I'll be cheering and celebrating that your tenacity, perseverence, and faith paid off.

Karen Jones Gowen said...

It's really something to have 8 completed novels, published or not, that's a huge accomplishment.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Terri -

I'm so glad you haven't given up on your writing. It took me 8 years to get a contract, and it's worth the wait.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Great Grandma Lin said...

It's a struggle, I'm on my fifth book now-mostly non fiction. But still trying.

Jeanette Levellie said...

It is worth the wait, dear Terri. But the journey is also valuable. I think we grow as much from the effort as we do from the completion of our dreams.

Now, please tell me this when I get discouraged. HA!

I'm proud of you, and so is Jesus.

Jessica Nelson said...

You will have such encouragement and wisdom to share about this time in your life! And eight books! That is awesome. :-) Keep us updated!

Kathi Oram Peterson said...

So glad to see you write "when" you publish. You are going to make it. If I can, so can anyone who keeps at it.

I wish you every success!