I began writing as a hobby in 2010 and I started this blog in 2011. Since then I've written 3 incomplete manuscripts, done 2 NaNoWriMos and watch 3 friends publish their own stories. While I'm ecstatic for these friends, I can't help but feel like time is slipping away from me. It's been almost three years and I'm still no closer to publishing.
Every time I come across an ebook I think sounds interesting I click on the author link and find that the author has already finished the series and has another series on the way. In fact, more people are self publishing than ever and it's getting harder and harder for indie authors to promote their books. It feels like the longer I wait, whether it be by choice or design, the more difficult my dreams of publishing are going to be.
Does anyone else ever feel like time is slipping by too quickly?
Why not focus on ONE manuscript and finish it? I wouldn't worry about promotion or anything else till the book is finished and published.
ReplyDeleteI'm always trying to finish off one MS but I find myself getting distracted so easily. And then every time NaNo rolls around I somehow end up starting a new series. It's like my mind is trying to sabotage me.
DeleteI know the feeling. It took me two whole years to finish and publish If Only We, and honestly, I feel like I took too long. It IS a lot better than it was even half a year ago, BUT with all the writing and editing I did I learned a lot about writing and how to write well. This summer I had to kick myself to get moving because I didn't want 2013 to pass me by like 2012 did. Sometimes that's all you can do, just KICK yourself into it. Other ideas come up, but you have to set them aside. Just write out the idea and scene ideas, and go back to the one you're currently working on. It's hard to focus on one project, I thought I would be starting one of three projects next, but I've started a different one entirely. I decided to make it my unofficial NaNo project (since it's a novella) and I'm determined to finish it this month. I know you can do it. Just believe in yourself and write and you can do it. :)
ReplyDeleteMy answer to your question - YES! I have two stand-alone novels published and a handful of short stories too, but like you said, other authors are pumping books out like Pez, and there's just no way I can keep up with that---it's not how I write. And yes, the glut of books certainly makes the marketing side of things nearly impossible. BUT things are changing all the time so there's no way to know what publishing will be like in the future. You keep working at your own pace and try to put blinders on to what else is going on around you (I say try because I know how hard that is to do). When your books are ready for the world, the world will be ready for them.
ReplyDeleteI know the feeling! The rise of indie publishing has created this urgency, a sense that you need to have a book out NOW - but it isn't true, and it certainly isn't right for everyone! The best thing to do is focus on your own writing. The comparison game is never a good idea, because there's always going to be someone who manages to write 6 books a year before you finish one! Focus on finishing up one project you really believe in and then decide on the right path for it. Good luck! :)
ReplyDeleteThere is a sense of urgency, but then again - people have been reading and writing for centuries. It won't go away. There isn't just one ship and if you miss it, you're screwed. Have faith that at the right time, it will happen for you.
ReplyDeleteI know how you feel, since I've been trying to write and self-publish a book for about 3 years, myself. Of course, you know that. And, as frustrating as it is, I'm finally starting to see that every author just has to publish a book when they're ready to publish a book. I think we both need to be a little more patient and let it happen when we've finally written something that really merits publication.
ReplyDeleteI know you're not the world's biggest Veronica Roth fan, but I was recently listening to a podcast with her agent being interviewed, and she said she had turned down Veronica's first manuscript. She wasn't really feeling it was the right story to publish and when Veronica handed over Divergent, the agent knew she had the right one to go shop around to editors.
It really struck me when I heard that because it made me realize that all authors are not ready to publish just because they've written a novel or two. You have to right the right novel and that could take a few tries, or more. :)
Hi Lan!
ReplyDeleteI totally get where you're coming from. I read all these success stories, right, of the people who get an agent and then their book sells immediately. Or there are those people who are overnight self-publishing successes. So, so many stories like that, and even though they are not in the majority, it really feels like it sometimes. I've been out on sub now for over a year with the same MS. My agent and I are still enthusiastic and hopeful--but I'm not going to lie. It can get discouraging. Hang in there. I'm sure your time will come :).
Ninja Girl
I totally understand. I've written the one book last nanowrimo, and I left it alone. After I re-read it I realized how much it absolutely sucked. My MC was too perfect, and everything was just too, something. I did an outline this year hoping that it would help me, but even still, I find myself wondering if my book idea absolutely sucks...and then I think of a new book idea and want to drop my old one....smh
ReplyDeleteI'm not much of a writer, but I think everyone writes on their own time-table, and comparing yourself to others is always going to make you feel bad. Because there's always going to be someone who's writing faster. If you're going to compare yourself, you should compare yourself to those of us who haven't even had the motivation to start anything. Compared to us, you're light years ahead! Plus, it's better to publish something that you feel is ready, rather than something you just rushed to finish to meet some arbitrary standard. You can do it, Lan!
ReplyDeleteYou know, I think too many people rush into publishing when they should be more strategic about it. I mean, I want to write for 30+ years, so starting off strong is important. Give yourself the time you need to put your best foot forward. You won't regret it!
ReplyDeleteI know exactly how you feel. I have a tendency to start writing stories but never really finish them. Don't worry though. Your time will come.
ReplyDeleteSit back and relax. Write at your own speed and enjoy the ride. It will come to you.
ReplyDeleteYou're right about the market flooding. This is why I'm trying my hardest to be as unusual and high quality as possible (if that makes any sense!)
ReplyDeleteJust keep going, you'll be there in your own time.