Issy Clarke
asked
Veronica Roth:
What pushed you to publish your first book, and how’d you get over the nerve of it? I’m an aspiring writer, but I really struggle see myself publishing any of my books for fear they will not be good enough.. (an irrational fear) Just thought I’d ask a brilliant author like you ;)
Veronica Roth
When I was trying to get published for the first time, I truly didn't think it would work. I've lived a lot of my life this way, with a kind of Teflon-like defensive pessimism that makes it okay to take risks because you expect failure, and any success, no matter how minute, is a happy surprise. So when I sent out query letters for Divergent-- the second manuscript that I pursued representation with-- I was pretty sure it wasn't going to work out, and that I would have to write another manuscript, and another one, and then MAYBE it would come together for me. But I was in no rush.
And perhaps there's some dysfunction in that, but there's also maybe some wisdom, because I truly enjoyed writing and coming up with new ideas and I was content to keep doing that, knowing I had plenty of time to find the "right" project. And I made plans for how to earn a living while failing regularly, because I'm a pretty practical person.
If you've read the rest of my answers here, you might have seen me advocate for a certain level of detachment from any one idea, and this is why-- because I refuse to let the failure of any single idea derail me from the thing I love doing, which is writing.
Loving the process is one way to get rid of those nerves. Because listen, just because a book gets published doesn't mean it's any good (you KNOW this, you've read bad traditionally published books before, I'm sure), and just because a book is good doesn't mean it's going to get published (the amount of amazing manuscripts I've read that didn't sell would surprise you), and just because you think your book is good doesn't mean it is, and just because your book IS good doesn't mean you'll think it is! No one knows anything, really, and no one can predict the future. So do what you love and give it a try and accept that your imperfect work may make it into the world and haunt you with its imperfections forever, because that is how publishing books works. And that's okay, too, because you can, in fact, learn how to be proud of your past self and what they accomplished...and also recognize that you need to improve and grow.
Trust me, I know.
I wish you the very best luck-- and more importantly, I wish you many happy writing days.
And perhaps there's some dysfunction in that, but there's also maybe some wisdom, because I truly enjoyed writing and coming up with new ideas and I was content to keep doing that, knowing I had plenty of time to find the "right" project. And I made plans for how to earn a living while failing regularly, because I'm a pretty practical person.
If you've read the rest of my answers here, you might have seen me advocate for a certain level of detachment from any one idea, and this is why-- because I refuse to let the failure of any single idea derail me from the thing I love doing, which is writing.
Loving the process is one way to get rid of those nerves. Because listen, just because a book gets published doesn't mean it's any good (you KNOW this, you've read bad traditionally published books before, I'm sure), and just because a book is good doesn't mean it's going to get published (the amount of amazing manuscripts I've read that didn't sell would surprise you), and just because you think your book is good doesn't mean it is, and just because your book IS good doesn't mean you'll think it is! No one knows anything, really, and no one can predict the future. So do what you love and give it a try and accept that your imperfect work may make it into the world and haunt you with its imperfections forever, because that is how publishing books works. And that's okay, too, because you can, in fact, learn how to be proud of your past self and what they accomplished...and also recognize that you need to improve and grow.
Trust me, I know.
I wish you the very best luck-- and more importantly, I wish you many happy writing days.
More Answered Questions
Chris Trites
asked
Veronica Roth:
Hello, I want to say how much I enjoy your stories. I love that they're different and that you think outside the box. Thank you for writing them. My copy of Arch-Conspirator should be arriving in a few days and I am excited and a little nervous to continue with the story. Why Antigone? Have you always been a fan of Sophocles? Is there any of the other tragedies you would consider exploring (re-telling)? Thx.
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