With a Little Help From My Friends
I used to get discouraged when I would take a writing class or attend a conference and be forced to acknowledge that the world is full of talented writers who are as more driven than I am to create and tell stories. It made my dreams feel ordinary and facing the competition was depressing.
Then, five years ago, I joined a writing group formed in one of those classes. I never felt that way again. I became invested in these people and the stories that they tell. I want them to achieve their writing and life goals and I believe that they will. I’ll be there with reasonably priced champagne when they do.
Yesterday, I got an email from a friend who is a former member of my writing group. I mentioned that I had submitted a writing sample to another agent and that I was prepared for the statistical probable rejection that I will receive. He replied with this message:
Final 2015 stats from an agency in Denver: 29k submissions. 130 requests for full manuscripts. 3 new authors signed.
You don’t get to be one of the final three without first being one of the 29k.
Writers are not your competition. They are your fellow dreamers. We all have stories to tell.
Sit down and email one of them right now. I guarantee they will appreciate the encouragement.
Rachel Lewis
Welcome! I’m a middle-aged former Mormon (aka the “other FOMO”), essayist, and playwright living in Salt Lake City. I work in pharmaceuticals professionally and write recreationally—though I’m open to reversing that someday. On Life and Lemons is where I share humorous snippets about writing, addiction, recovery, relationships, mental health, and whatever else life tosses in the blender. If you enjoy dark humor with a twist of lemon-tart snark—or just need proof that your own life isn’t the only one held together by twist ties and good intentions—you’re in the right place. You can follow me and get updates on the release of my new essay collection at instagram.com/pieces_of_string/. 🍋 Subscribe and let’s overthink things together.
5 Comments
ironaddictionsapparel
Exactly. I’m just starting my writing journey. One 70K word Romance novel that I’m now editing again.. Yeah I’ve received rejections. Sucks..
But I’m gonna keep writing now that the first one is written (and being rewritten because written in wrong tense apparently)
Write.. Share your passion.. Enjoy!
http://www.DAndersonRomance.com
ironaddictionsapparel
Reblogged this on D Anderson Romance Writing and commented:
So true.. Write and share your passion!!
ironaddictionsapparel
Rachel, I thought I was reblogging this article to my active blog. I bought the URL http://www.DAndersonRomance.com through WIX. Please take a look there and possibly follow me. The blogs there are much more pertinent to your passions. Thank you for looking at the other.
I can’t figure out how to share your blog onto my blog there on WIX.. (I’m a little slow on that aspect LOL)
Carol aka Running Granny Green
Have you considered self-publishing?
mslewisinfers
Yes, I haven’t ruled it out. I’m going to keep looking at traditional publishers a little longer and then I’ll probably go that route.