Cintia
asked
Elly Blake:
I'm an aspiring writer, but I'm dealing with two things: I get discouraged every single day because 96% of manuscripts are rejected, and I haven't had an idea for years, literally. There's too many people wanting to be writers, and knowing there's so much competition just kills me a little every day. When I get motivated, immediatly something appears about the industry that kills it. Any tips on how to deal with this?
Elly Blake
It's extremely hard to keep the faith as an aspiring author. The obstacles are big. It's not easy for anyone to get published, and the challenges don't go away even after you have a book deal. But, here are some random tips that popped into my head. :)
1. Because it's so hard to keep going: If you can, try to find writer friends who are at your stage so you can commiserate and support each other. This is the best part of being a writer: the friends you find along the way. It's not always easy to connect, but when you do, it's a lifeline!
2. Remind yourself that even though tons of people want to be published, only a small percentage of people actually finish writing a book, a smaller percentage actually query, a smaller percentage follow the query directions correctly, a smaller percentage actually spend time revising instead of just sending off a first draft, etc. etc. Every bit of time and effort you put into your work puts you past others who did not put in that effort, or who stopped writing. (Not that there is anything wrong with stopping, or deciding not to pursue publication. It's a tough thing and it's not for everyone.)
3. Even if a blurb or deal announcement looks very similar to your own book, that doesn't mean the book is similar. Your book is probably very different, but you see the similarities that sit on the surface. Your voice and your take on the subject matter will make the story entirely different.
4. Re ideas: It made me feel better when I read Gail Carson Levine's book about writing fantasy. (I think she was the one who said this, but I could be remembering wrong.) She said she doesn't have a ton of ideas like some writers do. So, that's ok. You might go through a period of time when your creativity gets rolling and you have more. These things can go in stages sometimes depending on what else is going on in life.
5. Re ideas: You might actually be getting ideas but dismissing them as not good enough before they fully form. (This may totally not be the case for you, and if so, ignore this one. But for me, I tend to dismiss things too quickly. Sometimes lowering my expectations actually helps me write/dream/create better than when I'm being perfectionistic.)
Disclaimer: When it comes to advice, especially writing advice, please take what is useful, if anything, and leave the rest. The only valuable advice is whatever works for YOU.
Good luck! :)
1. Because it's so hard to keep going: If you can, try to find writer friends who are at your stage so you can commiserate and support each other. This is the best part of being a writer: the friends you find along the way. It's not always easy to connect, but when you do, it's a lifeline!
2. Remind yourself that even though tons of people want to be published, only a small percentage of people actually finish writing a book, a smaller percentage actually query, a smaller percentage follow the query directions correctly, a smaller percentage actually spend time revising instead of just sending off a first draft, etc. etc. Every bit of time and effort you put into your work puts you past others who did not put in that effort, or who stopped writing. (Not that there is anything wrong with stopping, or deciding not to pursue publication. It's a tough thing and it's not for everyone.)
3. Even if a blurb or deal announcement looks very similar to your own book, that doesn't mean the book is similar. Your book is probably very different, but you see the similarities that sit on the surface. Your voice and your take on the subject matter will make the story entirely different.
4. Re ideas: It made me feel better when I read Gail Carson Levine's book about writing fantasy. (I think she was the one who said this, but I could be remembering wrong.) She said she doesn't have a ton of ideas like some writers do. So, that's ok. You might go through a period of time when your creativity gets rolling and you have more. These things can go in stages sometimes depending on what else is going on in life.
5. Re ideas: You might actually be getting ideas but dismissing them as not good enough before they fully form. (This may totally not be the case for you, and if so, ignore this one. But for me, I tend to dismiss things too quickly. Sometimes lowering my expectations actually helps me write/dream/create better than when I'm being perfectionistic.)
Disclaimer: When it comes to advice, especially writing advice, please take what is useful, if anything, and leave the rest. The only valuable advice is whatever works for YOU.
Good luck! :)
More Answered Questions
Bailey Poolman
asked
Elly Blake:
Hello! I haven't had the chance to read your first novel, Frostblood, but it's sitting on my bookshelf as we speak! It looks so amazing! I was wondering what the process is for you to be published. How long does it usually take you to write a manuscript and how long to edit and revise? Also, how long was it till you found someone willing to publish your work?
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Mar 08, 2018 11:52AM · flag
Mar 08, 2018 11:52AM · flag