|
|  |
| |
|
| | The Write and Publish Fiction Network is not currently active and cannot accept new posts | | 4th Requirement: Determination | Views: 766 | | Jan 22, 2009 5:54 pm | | 4th Requirement: Determination | # |
Jenny | | Yeah, okay, so we covered love of reading, imagination and insight--now it's time for determination--and that ain't easy.
I don't know if you beleive in a god, or in karma, or fate, or destiny--I'm not even sure I could define my own beliefs, but these are a few thing I believed and it helped me tremendously:
On Rejections:
I decided that the "universe" had determined I would get a set number of rejections--say 45. Therefore, each rejection sent to me got me that much closer to the day I would be accepted. You can adopt something similar, because it's true--the majority (if not all) published authors have gotten rejections.
On Motivation:
Everyone of us have a naysayer and a supporter in our lives. Get those that support you to help you prove the naysayer's wrong. It's a blessing for those moments when you feel completely overwhelmed and don't think you can write another word. Those supporters need to be informed though--communicate with them, this is very important. Don't be afraid to share your obstacles--because then you'll have great company when you triumph ;)
On those Naysayers:
I recently saw this great quote from Mark Twain and I think it sums it up nicely:
"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great ones make you feel that you, too, can become great. "
Truly, surround yourself with positive, energetic and motivated people who will support you and your goals.
On Writing Every Day:
When I began, I wrote every single day, for as long as possible. Unless the family had some major crisis, I was writing. You do need to do this--but don't beat yourself up if you miss a day here and there. At least write a paragraph, even if you have to scribble it on scratch paper--but in these early years, you need to stay connected and entrenched in the world you're creating.
There's another aspect that is important here. It's not just for your own benefit, but also for the benefit of your friends and family. You'll need to train them for the life you'll have once you become published--because it truly does not get easier--only tougher. The more you're published, the longer you'll need to remain on the computer, and therefore, it helps if you begin training your loved ones now to respect that time you need.
On Goal Setting:
Don't get bogged down with first chapters--your goal should be to complete that manuscript. Besides, you never know what the beginning should look like until you get to the end of the book. Learn the craft as you go, stretch yourself as an author through short stories and flash fiction, but keep your eye on the end of the book--it's the first step in one of many to seeing your dreams come true. Using the above should get you there as soon as possible.
And last, keep trying:
They won't know about you unless you tell them. Somewhere out there is the person who loves your book, wants to see you succeed and will give you the shot you've prepared for. (Luck happens when opportunity and hard work meet.) Be not only determined to write your book, but to keep mailing (or emailing) queries in batches. Once you send out, compile the next list you want to send to and when you get your responses, send out to the new list immediately. Repeat.
Determination isn't just a feeling. It's not just a vow. It's not just something you choose to be--determined. It's taking action. Without the action, you sell yourself short. Don't create that regret!
Please let me know if you found any of this helpful or if you have any questions. I'll be happy to respond in the comments!
Warmly,
Jenny:)
New! "Good Knight" Trailer featuring Less of 12's song "New Flesh"
Check it out YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iidNnHPeKc8
Liberal Lounge II: http://ll2-network.ryze.com/
Author J.R. Turner: http://www.jennifer-turner.comPrivate Reply to Jenny | | Jan 26, 2009 7:10 am | | re: 4th Requirement: Determination | # |
Sangeeta Manocha | | Thank you, Dear Jenny,
Your 4 requirements have helped me draft my book better.
I have been writing short articles for magazines and tabloids for quite a few years now, but only dreamt of writing a book.
I have been planning this book since a few days, mentally drafting its characters, 'seeing' a few scenes in my mind, but have been really puzzled as to how to create the 'snowflakes'. Thanks for showing me.
Though my draft will still take time, I'm now sure that I shall write this book, and not let it slip off my mind.
I hope, if I need guidance or help, you will let me contact you.
I hope you keep posting such invaluable advice on the network.
Regards,
SangeetaPrivate Reply to Sangeeta Manocha | | Mar 09, 2009 4:11 pm | | re: 4th Requirement: Determination | # | 
Martin Bartloff | | I never once had any doubt my book would be published, even when I was turned down by the publisher who I thought would take my work in just a matter time.
I was wrong. So I set out and sent new submissions, this time to indie publishers. I was turned down by one and accepted by another who's contract I did not like. So I turned them down (That felt good.)
Today I'm in the hands of the publisher of my choice :)It took a little convincing work on my behave and I added some sugar and honey to my requests. It was all worth it and I'd do it again.
My advice:
Never stop trying, and if you're turned down, find out why, ask what you can do to help publish your book with the publisher that turned you down. Build a relationship to other authors and network with them (Very Important!) have them look over your work/query letter and synopsis.
Martin Bartloff
www.MartinBartloff.com
http://martinbartloff.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/MBartloff
Private Reply to Martin Bartloff | | Dec 09, 2010 10:20 am | | re: re: 4th Requirement: Determination | # |
Manohar Bhatia | | Hello Martin,
You won't believe this..........I keep each rejection in a nice photo-frame of wood.As far as my fiction novel...[Music That 'Cures' Deafness] is concerned,the latest to give me a rejection slip is.... Quirkbooks of Philadelphia.
But, thankfully all have said something good about my novel and this keeps me travelling round the globe.
Folks, please wish me a happy journey.
Manohar Bhatia.Private Reply to Manohar Bhatia | | |
| |
| |
