The first rule of writing is you don't talk about disappointment. And there's a lot of it.
If you're just starting out, you probably know that. Querying is a recipe for disappointment. Sure, you refresh your inbox every 30 seconds, but you know you do it with as much fear as excitement. Here's the secret, though: it never goes away.
Justine Larbalestier said it more eloquently than I could ever hope to with her post I'll Know I've Made It As a Writer When...
And it's not just those milestones Justine put on her list.
It's the waiting...
the Twitter-stalking...
the waiting...
the low pageviews on your blog...
the waiting...
the news that your agent isn't sure about your latest manuscript...
the waiting...
the feeling that you've run out of ideas...
the waiting...
Did I mention the waiting?
So, why do it? Because how can you not? Because the worst day of writing is still better than most days doing anything else.
Because for all the disappointment, there's the elation.
When you get the new idea...
when your agent loves your latest manuscript...
when you get that so close rejection that asks what else you can show them...
when the words pour out of your fingertips like a flood...
when you type the words The End...
So, yeah, there's a lot of disappointment in writing. It's hard sometimes. It's pouring your heart into something only to find out you made mistakes. Big mistakes and little ones.
But...it's writing. And I wouldn't trade it for the world.
7 comments:
So, I probably shouldn’t be allowed to comment since I am not a fiction writer nor do I intend to be a fiction writer. Yet, as a cheerleader, I look forward to your next moment of elation and bite my fingernails during your waiting. Also, it may not count for much, but I think this post is darn good writing.
So true. To admit disappointment feels kinda like admitting failure, but it isn't true at all. It's just part of the road. :)
You need to visit my blog and check out WRiTE CLUB! :)
DL Hammons @ Cruising Altitude 2.0
Co-Host of the Blogging from A to Z Challenge.
Loving your blog so far, Liz! I can truly empathize with the D for Disappointment especially. Getting so close so many times.... it's heartache, but then there's that shiny moment that catches this crow's eye again to keep trying!
Annie, you are always welcome to comment! Cheerleaders really help with the disappointing times :)
Sarah, exactly! We don't want to wallow, but it would be nice if we could all admit that this isn't easy sometimes.
DL, thanks for visiting! I'll have to check out the club!
Betsy, thank you so much! And you're so right, the shiny bits make it all worthwhile.
- Liz
This is so insightful, Liz. Writing is like so many other things in life; a mixed bag. Deciding the ups outweigh the downs is what makes it worth doing. I haven't found anything really worth doing that didn't include occasional frustration and disappointment.
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