Every so often, no matter how well the writing is going, I start to wonder if I'm any good at this thing I'm doing. I re-read some of my stories and they sound faded, the rhythm off, the plot trite. Only a few of the agents or editors I've submitted to have gotten back to me, and so far the answer is NO. And they're the professionals. Wouldn't they have snapped these babies up by now if they were as good as I think they are?
Luckily, there are a couple of things I've learned, now that I've been at this for a few years.
1. This feeling will pass. The next time I get a phrase just right. The next time I get a story onto the page and it all comes together. The next time I fall in love with a character who climbs out of my brain. And then the honeymoon is back on. And I'm dreaming of the dream writer/agent/publisher cooperative effort that ends with the best Picture Book ever. It's a great dream. It will be a great real life when the time is right.
2. I'll keep at it anyway. I love writing for the sake of writing. Period. Yes, I'd love to get published. But I will keep writing no matter what happens. Writing makes me whole. It calms the monsters, it lights up the dark, it colors in the black. It is my life.
Now, back to the mediocre, clunky first draft. I've got some polishing to do. (Not to mention some attitude adjustment.)
Peace,
Chris
Luckily, there are a couple of things I've learned, now that I've been at this for a few years.
1. This feeling will pass. The next time I get a phrase just right. The next time I get a story onto the page and it all comes together. The next time I fall in love with a character who climbs out of my brain. And then the honeymoon is back on. And I'm dreaming of the dream writer/agent/publisher cooperative effort that ends with the best Picture Book ever. It's a great dream. It will be a great real life when the time is right.
2. I'll keep at it anyway. I love writing for the sake of writing. Period. Yes, I'd love to get published. But I will keep writing no matter what happens. Writing makes me whole. It calms the monsters, it lights up the dark, it colors in the black. It is my life.
Now, back to the mediocre, clunky first draft. I've got some polishing to do. (Not to mention some attitude adjustment.)
Peace,
Chris