Fellow Dame, Karen Mahoney,and I have chatted about how hard it is to blog while on submission. It’s difficult to decide what to write here. You want to be honest about the process for those new writers just starting out–don’t want them going in with high expectations, but the truth is
THEY WILL ANYWAY.
I knew this could take some time. I’ve gone this route before. Yet, the excitement over my book during one week last year made me think it would go faster this time. Honestly? I went through some pretty heavy disappointment after a few months.
Everyone talks of jumping into the next project instead of waiting on one to sell. I did this. I finished another first book in a series and it’s out with my agent now. I wrote and sold a story for an anthology. I also have three novellas nearly completed. I love the work and the challenge of deadlines.
But the thing is, no matter what else you’re doing, there is a part of your brain in wait mode. Wondering if an editor is reading your work, hoping one will love it. It’s impossible to set the wait aside, not entirely. Not when it’s something you want so very much.
I started blogging when I decided to try the publishing route again. Writing is in my blood. The desire to see my books on the shelves is my dream. I enjoy blogging and talking about the business with other writers, but every time I got on here and wanted to talk about the difficulties of waiting, I worried a potential editor might look me up and think I was complaining. I’m not. I do understand how many writers are after the few publishing spots out there, understand the time it can take. Doesn’t make it easier, but it is the way it is. (Nods to the lovely Sara Saint John for that bit of wisdom, btw.)
Another writer who went through a long wait on her first book told me this period is one of the hardest. She’s right. You wobble back and forth, anticipation bubbling in your gut one day and frustration eating away at it the next. The hope stays there, even on the days you think you couldn’t possibly feel it anymore. I’ve had extremely positive feedback already, but like the rest of the world in this current economy, I think publishing companies are in wait mode, too.
But it occurred to me that I have a loyal group of readers here who deserve more of the Blogger Rinda I used to be, so I’m going to work on getting three or so posts a week again. Possibly more when my other personal situations improve, too. You guys rock for waiting along with me! 😉