Wednesday 2 July 2014

IWSG - Revisiting January's Goals




As ever thanks to our awesome host Alex J. Cavanaugh and his team of co-hosts for this month: 

Krista McLaughlin - http://www.kjmclaughlin.com/
Heather Gardner http://hmgardner.blogspot.com/

I took a look back at my first IWSG post of the year when I said positivity and focus would be my key words for the year ahead. Now, when we find ourselves halfway through the year, I have been reflecting on these words. Back in January, when I wrote them, I totally intended to maintain this attitude. I certainly want to feel positive about my writing but I have been struggling these last few weeks. I have had several publishers interested in my work and I really thought I was about to get my break, but sadly, for a variety of reasons, the ultimate offer of publication still eludes me. Consequently I feel at a crossroads in my writing.

Do I continue to revise and submit this work or concentrate on completing something new I have been working on? I want to get my direction and positivity back but at the moment I feel a little lost, like one small fish in a very large pond. 

I know there are probably loads of you out there who have had similar feelings and found a renewed energy, any tips you could give me for working through this will be gratefully received!





45 comments:

  1. I am where you are right now Suzanne, in the sense of feeling disillusioned with the main project in hand. I've decided to try other things for a while, keeping the main project on pause until my enthusiasm returns for it. I know when an author wrote books unenthusiastically, and I don't want my readers to feel that apathy in my work. If the enthusiasm never returns for it, then I'll keep on keeping on in the knowledge that I wasted less time on it.

    For you, how about starting with another project now. If your old project calls you back to it in a month or so, you can tackle it with a renewed sense of interest. :)

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    1. Thanks for the advice, Shah, sorry to hear you having similar feelings at the moment. I think I do need to do as you suggest and go with what makes me happy and a fresh start might be good to get the focus back too.

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  2. I can definitely relate to this. I've recently had to shelve a manuscript that every agent seems to "like" but not "love", and I've decided to concentrate on something else instead. But I've so much more enthusiasm for this project (which I drafted last year) and I'm hoping I have better luck in the query trenches with this one. I'd suggest focusing on the project you're most passionate about - it's never an easy decision to make, but you can always go back to your other project when your passion for writing returns. :)

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    1. I know, why does there always have to be a but? My head tells me I need to get my enthusiasm and passion back I guess it is just my heart that is finding it harder to let go. It sounds like you made the right decision, Emma I am so pleased you are in a happy place with your project. I think I need to take a deep breath and dive in. Thanks for the visit today and the good advice.

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  3. You'll get there Suzanne. I decided to pay a manuscript assessor to look over my Harlequin-esque novel--best move. She gave me so many ideas which gave me some new directions my story needed. Hopefully my improvements will lead to acceptance...but nothing's certain that's for sure. We can't do it all on our own, though, I know I need help getting my story straight and my ending amazing.

    Not an easy life, but the most rewarding.

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    1. Yes, Denise, definitely rewarding, I love the buzz I get when the words are flowing well. Sounds like you made a good move getting an assessment, something to consider. Thanks for the advice.

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  4. I'm sorry!
    If you believe in your work, keep trying. I guess when you run out of options, you'll know it's time to try something new.

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    1. Thanks, Alex, part of the life of a writer I guess!

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  5. Have to keep opening up new doors, only way it will get out there one day

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    1. Cheers, Pat. I know I'm not going to give up.

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  6. I think you should concentrate on whichever project excites you the most at the moment. If you feel like reworking the manuscript, then do that. But if you'd rather work on something new, go ahead and do that for awhile. That way, you can always come back to the older project with a fresh outlook. Whatever you do, just work on something.

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    1. Hi Ken, thanks for stopping by. I think I need to push ahead with the newer project - I do have a first draft so it isn't like starting right from the beginning. But I will keep writing :)

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  7. If you're looking for positivity and motivation, work on the book you want to, not necessarily the one you're supposed to. The other will always be there when you're ready for it. And just remember getting published is not a race. Remember why you write in the first place...because you love it. Do it solely for that reason for a bit and I'm sure you'll get your positivity back!

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    1. I think that is good advice and probably exactly what I would tell a fellow writer who was struggling! I do love writing, can't imagine not doing it, that is what matters most. Thanks, Ilima I appreciate everyone's support today.

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  8. I think you have to write whatever you're most excited about. After all, that's the reason you started writing in the first place. If you can find a burst of enthusiasm for a new project, maybe it'll stretch to older projects afterwards. Even when you do get a publishing deal, you'll have all the same doubts about your work - and whether there'll be a market for it. And everyone knows that most children's writers don't earn enough money to work on something that makes them miserable day after day. The only answer is to write what you love.
    Lots of publishers will keep your work on file...and sooner or later someone new and young and eager (who also happens to love unicorns) will read it and call you. I'm sure of it xx

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    1. Aww thanks, Helen. When I wrote this post today I just knew there would be loads of writer friends out there in blogland to spur me on. Sometimes I think that is part of my problem, I don't have friends/family to talk to about my writing with. They glaze over, nod and quickly change the subject! Thank goodness for so many great friends online. Already after reading these messages today I feel better. And whilst I was at work this morning some new idea started to force it's way inside my head, hmm watch this space!

      Now, wonder which door that unicorn loving publisher/agent is waiting behind? xx


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  9. Keep trying, you'll get there in the end. It might do you good to put it to one side for a while and focus on something else, then go back to it with new eyes.

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    1. Thanks, Laura. I think I am going to work on something new for a while and see what happens.

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  10. I agree with Ken, concentrate on whatever project excites you and brings you joy to work on at the moment. I'm sorry you're feeling so disillusioned.

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    1. I know the feeling will pass Julie, it's just finding the right path. Thanks for the encouragement I appreciate it.

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  11. I've been looking for an agent to represent my series for a long time. I finally decided to work on something else. That's how I got my contract with The Wild Rose Press. I continue to write and publish with them while also seeking representation for my series, or at least the first book. I don't know when it'll happen, but I know it will. And I know it will for you, too. Keeping sending out queries, but start writing something else. You can do both. :)

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    1. Thanks for the advice Chrys. I hope it all works out for you too. At least we can all support each other while we continue our journey.

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  12. Hi Suzanne,

    I'm not a writer, as such, however, I do believe that if you maintain that positive focus, your dream will come to fruition. Have you considered doing some side distraction, different genre writing as some sideline positive resource?

    Keep going and your passion for the written word will see you through.

    Gary :)

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    1. Thanks, Gary, like your good self I am a firm believe in the power of positive thought.

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  13. Sorry you're feeling this way, Suzanne. I've been struggling for a while now too. Querying can be such a brutal battle. For me it feels like a daily struggle to stay positive. I just keep telling myself that it'll happen one day, but that one day will never happen if I don't keep at it. =) *hugs*

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    1. Thanks for the virtual hugs, Leandra, much appreciated. Keeping going is definitely the way to go!

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  14. Keep working on something new while sending out your older manuscript. It won't go anywhere while it's sitting in the drawer. It takes just one yes.

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    1. I will, Lynda. I appreciate all the support and advice. Thank you for stopping by.

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  15. I think we've all felt that way one time or another, Suzanne. I think you should take a little break and then start working on a new project. If you listen to your intuitions, I think you'll find the right direction.

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    1. I think it goes with the life of a writer, Deanie! I do have a few new ideas brewing around my head and a first draft of a completely new MS to work on so hopefully these projects will be able to re-energise my writing.

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  16. I'd work on something new. It makes you feel like you're accomplishing something. Then go back and revise the old material.

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  17. It is hard to choose between wanting to write something new and or to finish off already started work. I would go by my gut feeling.
    Writing is something we do for ourselves so why not proceed with what we want?

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  18. Hi Suzanne - seems like you've some great ideas in the comments - helpful bunch those bloggers ..

    I think I'd work on something new - re-energise the brain .. your work will always be in the back of your mind and may suddenly find enlightenment again .. the bulk of the work is done - and it will happen .. enjoy your process and enjoy the summer ...

    Cheers Hilary

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  19. Keep going and stay positive. People have been interested - that's fantastic!! They weren't the right people, so keep going until you find the publisher who'll say yes. While you're submitting you can work on the new project - I don't consider it an either/or decision :-)

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  20. Yes and yes. Keep going and submitting work. It took me over a hundred queries (hundreds if you count past projects) to get my agent. You have to be determined. But while you're waiting - work on a new project. Maybe that next one wil be The One. Don't feel bad about losing positivity. Most of us feel very down sooner or later (like me, now). Just. Keep. Going. :)

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  21. Definitely put it to one side and start something new. I think this is true in whatever the activity is - if there's a block, put it to one side and leave it for a bit. Hopefully you'll get enthused with the new writing and will be able to revisit the first with renewed vigour and fight :)
    Suzanne @ Suzannes-Tribe
    x

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  22. I think working on something new could definitely help you get your energy and enthusiasm back. You can always return to revising the other project later on, and perhaps the distance from it will have provided you with a new perspective on it. Best of luck!

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  23. That pond is indeed very big, but perseverance is key to success in this biz. The ideal answer, I suppose, would be to work both concurrently, but that's easier said than done. Don't give up on your current one, but don't let the muse cool on the new one. You'll reap if you don't give up.

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  24. Been there! You have to keep trying. I know it sounds crazy, but the more rejections you get, the closer you get to the big "yes." It just takes one!

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  25. I started the year very much like you, with a renewed commitment and work ethic. Alas, life doesn't always work out that way. The most important thing is to keep writing no matter what life throws at you, even if your writing path still isn't going in the direction you want it to go in. Perseverance and determination!

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  26. Sigh I know how badly rejection can get to us. But the best we can do is slog on and remember that our love of writing comes first.

    Good luck!

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  27. Sometimes disengaging helps. For me it puts what I'm up against in this business into perspective and I can return to writing and publishing with new energy. I totally understand where you are and I know you'll get back that positive stuff.

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  28. Hi, Suzanne,
    It's easy to get discouraged when we're not seeing results. For me, I work at different projects. When I was sending out queries, I'd start a new project while I waited. That kept me occupied while adding to the books I was writing. Keep your chin up! Hope this helps.

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  29. Hi everyone,

    I REALLY appreciate all your advice and encouragement. It means so much to know I am not struggling along on my own. Over the last week I have had a think about the way forward and have a few ideas to investigate. Watch this space and thanks again.

    Suzanne

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  30. Greeting ...
    writer is good job
    :D
    You asked for comments and follow my blog
    http://putyourheartshere.blogspot.com/2014/07/jessica-simpson-weds-eric-johnson-so.html

    ReplyDelete

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