By Brenda Weathers Hargroves
Yep, this quote sums it up in a nutshell!
My quest started during the pandemic. I’d previously done a lot of writing, more technical in nature. However, in early 2020, I picked up a novel I’d started tinkering with twenty plus years ago and it was on.
After six months, my fiction masterpiece was ready for release into the world. Well, here it is three years later, and the world has not yet experienced the privilege of reading it. But I gained a great deal of insight about the struggle to make that happen and I’m not giving up.
So, what have I accomplished during this time?
Learned The Hard Truth About Getting A Book Published
Aspiring authors have the option to self-publish their work; however, those who wish to go the tradition route face a much more difficult task. As a member of the latter group, I had to learn how the traditional publishing industry works. While opportunities exist to solicit publishers on your own, the road to getting the attention of a publishing house is much smoother when an agent serves as your middleman. And securing an agent is probably the most difficult step of the process, one that often takes years.
Traditional publishing seekers must learn how to create engaging query letters, synopses, elevator pitches, along with mastering use of other marketing tools to convince an agent to take them on as clients. Once accomplished, the agent’s effort to find a publisher can be just as daunting. And even after conquering these two hurdles, the time it takes for a book to actually reach the point of publication can take several more years.
Improved My Craft
“I want more.” These three words spoken by a published author who reviewed some of my work helped me enhance my writing style. When she said it, my initial response was “More what?” But as I continued to study the art of writing and read other authors' works, I got a better feel for the depths writer’ go to when describing characters and their feelings. She wanted more of that. Not story, but inspection and introspection. Conflict, emotion, show not tell are the keys to capturing a reader’s interest.
I was never fond of short stories. I need time to become so engaged with characters that I want their narratives to continue and am sometimes sad when they end. To my surprise, I’ve started to write and submit short stories to literary journals. No income from this venture yet, but recognition in the form of one published story and becoming a finalist in a short story contest deserves a pat on the back in my book (no pun intended). I’m also proud that my blog now encompasses fifty articles. And to my astonishment, I have much more to say!
And last, I've come to terms with the realization that editing truly never ends; however, it’s less painful each go around. Most of the time.
Expanded My Group of Contacts
I’m developing a network of writers and other industry professionals. And thanks to joining and participating in several writers' groups and subscribing to various newsletters, I think I’ve identified the ones that are going to best serve my interests.
Unfortunately, when I chose not to renew my membership in one particular writing group, I was disappointed by their policy of not allowing canceling members to inform others within the group how to stay in contact. As facilitator of an authors’ support group, I'd want to encourage continued networking among writers. Just my thought. Otherwise, participating was a rewarding learning experience.
Maintained My Commitment
I recently came across the ideal job offer for me – one that matched both my professional skills and my interest in writing. The position was part time and paid a handsome salary. So, what was the issue?
If it was five years ago, I would have jumped at the opportunity. But now, I don’t want to give up my time, the most precious resource retirement has afforded me. I’m perfectly content to remain withdrawn from the working world and committed to advancing my writing career.
Was not pursuing this opportunity a bad choice? I may think so in the future. But at the moment, I want to continue following the path that currently makes me happy. And for your sake, I hope you're doing the same!
Wanna learn more about my writing journey? Check out these posts:
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