Hello everyone, and welcome to November!
First and foremost, Happy Remembrance Day. I'd like to thank all the veterans, those currently serving, and those who gave their lives for freedom and peace. Your sacrifice has made the world a better place and safer for us all. You have my utmost gratitude and respect -- THANK YOU. Lest we forget!
Secondly, congrats to President-Elect Joe Biden. May he may the USA a better, stronger place and deal with this awful COVID.
Thirdly, welcome to #TheWriteWay blog post 11 -- on November 11th, nonetheless! What am I blogging about today that pertains to #TheWritingCommunity?
Keeping the faith, of course -- the most important skill for a writer to learn.
Why that skill?
The publishing industry is HARD. Let's go over all the difficulties:
-Outlining and coming up with ideas
-Writing a book
-Editing said book
-Working with an editor
-Finding a literary agent
-Finding a publishing house (big or small)
-Marketing and self-promotion
-Getting readers
-Getting paid
-Publishing your next book
And SO much more. It's a stressful industry where lots of dreams come true, yes, but lots of hearts are also broken. I'm not saying that to discourage you, writer, just wanting to let you know how it is. And it's hard for every author -- yes, even your favorite one, and yes, even after you get an agent and get published.
What do you do after numerous rejections, poor sales, and self-doubt?
You must KEEP THE FAITH.
Writing is your dream -- and it's easy to lose sight of that in the face of rejection and hardship. It's easy to give up and walk away from it forever, but you can't do that. The world needs your stories -- the world needs YOU, writer.
If you make anything your mantra, let it be KEEP THE FAITH.
How do you do that when things are so grim?
-Keep writing. That's how you improve your skill.
-Keep reading and learning new techniques.
-Keep querying agents, publishers, and entering contests.
-Be patient, kind, and gentle with yourself. You're only human.
-Lean on friends and family.
-Vent to other writers in the #WritingCommunity on social media.
-Get critique partners and non-biased eyes to look at your work.
-Take a deep breath, look in the mirror, and believe in yourself and your work.
-Take a break and relax when you need to.
Don't give up on yourself. You can do this! You just need to keep the faith.
Everything will be okay in the end. So if everything isn't okay, it isn't the end.
I'm keeping the faith with you.
Thanks for reading.
Sincerely,
Dana
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