Thursday, August 11, 2005
Little Sister
Don't you--ever feel like you're a step behind.
For the longest time I felt that way about my writing, (probably still feel that, but I'm getting better), I started my writing career late in life. Not that I started writing late, I used to write a lot. When I was a teenager I'd write episodes for 'Arthur of the Britons', I'd write flakey stories theorising 'Cheese Mining Emporiums on the Moon' (You go take a look at all those shadowed holes up there and convince me otherwise)... but somewhere between work and dating I left writing behind. Over the years I found other creative outlets, drawing, acting, singing, but now I've settled back into writing. And I love it--god how I love it. I'm not quite there yet, but I'm close. I can feel it.
When I decided to pursue this career seriously, (not just for my own amusement) I went out and read everything I could find on plot structure, character building, GMC, Beginnings, saggy middles.. you name it I read about it. And that's when it began, the 'oh I'm so behind everyone else'. I would listen avidly to my newly acquired writing compadres as they discussed IC and EC and generally soaked it all up. Oddly enough punctuating dialogue was--probably still is--my biggest weakness, (let me tell ya, after twenty years of writing memos and business correspondence I think I can be forgiven for forgetting that little bit of grade seven info) but I think I've even conquered that. I'm currently finishing up my 3rd book, (the first one doesn't count, it was fanfic), so in many ways I'm far ahead of many who step down the road to publication.
Still... the vast majority of my writing partners are now published.
Prior to RWA conference I felt very much as though I was out of step, behind, trying to catch up. But something happened to me at conference. It probably wasn't the first time, but it was the first time I took notice. People were asking my advice. Seeking my counsel... suddenly I was the Big Sister to a few. It made me reassess where I'm at with regards to my writing... and I'm at a pretty good place.
but far too many people are being published before me, dammit dammit dammit!
X
For the longest time I felt that way about my writing, (probably still feel that, but I'm getting better), I started my writing career late in life. Not that I started writing late, I used to write a lot. When I was a teenager I'd write episodes for 'Arthur of the Britons', I'd write flakey stories theorising 'Cheese Mining Emporiums on the Moon' (You go take a look at all those shadowed holes up there and convince me otherwise)... but somewhere between work and dating I left writing behind. Over the years I found other creative outlets, drawing, acting, singing, but now I've settled back into writing. And I love it--god how I love it. I'm not quite there yet, but I'm close. I can feel it.
When I decided to pursue this career seriously, (not just for my own amusement) I went out and read everything I could find on plot structure, character building, GMC, Beginnings, saggy middles.. you name it I read about it. And that's when it began, the 'oh I'm so behind everyone else'. I would listen avidly to my newly acquired writing compadres as they discussed IC and EC and generally soaked it all up. Oddly enough punctuating dialogue was--probably still is--my biggest weakness, (let me tell ya, after twenty years of writing memos and business correspondence I think I can be forgiven for forgetting that little bit of grade seven info) but I think I've even conquered that. I'm currently finishing up my 3rd book, (the first one doesn't count, it was fanfic), so in many ways I'm far ahead of many who step down the road to publication.
Still... the vast majority of my writing partners are now published.
Prior to RWA conference I felt very much as though I was out of step, behind, trying to catch up. But something happened to me at conference. It probably wasn't the first time, but it was the first time I took notice. People were asking my advice. Seeking my counsel... suddenly I was the Big Sister to a few. It made me reassess where I'm at with regards to my writing... and I'm at a pretty good place.
but far too many people are being published before me, dammit dammit dammit!
X
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I have 3 words for you: patience, persistence, postage. Okay, so I have more.
You are quite talented, you WILL sell, and if anyone has published before you, it's because they stuck with it longer or more diligently, or both. Not because they're more talented, but because they were hungrier at the time.
~ Big Sister
You are quite talented, you WILL sell, and if anyone has published before you, it's because they stuck with it longer or more diligently, or both. Not because they're more talented, but because they were hungrier at the time.
~ Big Sister
Can I be an "Even Sister"? (Would that make me a cousin?) LOL!
I definitely know what you mean. I even got to thinking that I'd have sold by now too, if I could dedicate my entire work day to it, but probably not. We all have to grow and do so at our own pace.
I'd like to think I've outgrown my jealousy issues while I'm at it, but probably not. I'm happy when other's sell, though, which is an improvement from a long time ago. Ultimately, while I think you definitely need talent and training, a lot of selling is simply hanging on longer than the others at your skill level.
Which might explain why it takes so long to sell...all that typing makes for a hell of a grip. LOL!
Smooches,
Dee
I definitely know what you mean. I even got to thinking that I'd have sold by now too, if I could dedicate my entire work day to it, but probably not. We all have to grow and do so at our own pace.
I'd like to think I've outgrown my jealousy issues while I'm at it, but probably not. I'm happy when other's sell, though, which is an improvement from a long time ago. Ultimately, while I think you definitely need talent and training, a lot of selling is simply hanging on longer than the others at your skill level.
Which might explain why it takes so long to sell...all that typing makes for a hell of a grip. LOL!
Smooches,
Dee
Dee, doesn't that make you twins? ;)
I didn't used to feel behind, but now I sure do. ;) I'm so glad you're in that place now X. You so deserve it!
I didn't used to feel behind, but now I sure do. ;) I'm so glad you're in that place now X. You so deserve it!
What Sunny said! Also trying different publishers. That's what worked the magic charm for me. Small presses, e-presses. The indies of the book world are more willing to take a risk, I think. So, you take that risk too and send something off, sistah. Then people will be approaching you for advice and autographs!
# posted by 
: 8/12/2005 3:33 PM
: 8/12/2005 3:33 PM
You have oodles of talent, X. Just hang in there. Everyone has a different road to travel. This writing game is a big gamble in so many ways, and fortune (both good and bad) turns on a the drop of a dime. There's no sense in getting too caught up in certain things. Just believe, your time will come.
And believe you me, the little sister/big sister thing doesn't end once you do sell a book (and you will). There is always somebody you admire and ask for advice (and maybe you envy them, too), and there is always somebody who admires you and asks for your advice (and maybe, please God, envies you too).
I like being part of that ladder, though, whichever rung I happen to be on at the time.
I like being part of that ladder, though, whichever rung I happen to be on at the time.
You will be published because you're too damned funny and interesting and good at writing not to be.
That wasn't english but you get the gist, yes?
That wasn't english but you get the gist, yes?
X, I know how you feel.
You, me Raebeez and Canya - maybe we need to make a deal to make a super effort and encourage (and nag!) each other to get more stuff out there before the end of the year.
You, me Raebeez and Canya - maybe we need to make a deal to make a super effort and encourage (and nag!) each other to get more stuff out there before the end of the year.
If it helps, I've always thought of you like a Big Sister. One who's all-to-willing to kick my @## :)
You know your stuff, have tons of talent, a great personality, and you're always willing and there to help.
What more could anyone ask for from a Big Sister?
You know your stuff, have tons of talent, a great personality, and you're always willing and there to help.
What more could anyone ask for from a Big Sister?
X, I can't say it any better than these guys. (Does that make me a little sister?) I think we're all at a stage of needing to grow more, and needing to learn something more. There's this NYT Bestselling author I know, and it's so interesting to spend time with her, because this woman (who recently signed a um, really huge contract for a lot of money-like a million) still says she has a lot to learn about the business. Every time I see her at a chapter meeting, she's taking notes along with the rest of us, commenting on ideas that she hadn't thought of and is going to put into practice.
# posted by : 8/15/2005 3:54 PM
: 8/15/2005 3:54 PM
X, babe, I read your post and thought, "what's she doing--stealing thoughts out of my head??"
I'm a little sister right along wid ya. I, too, let the writing stuff slide a looooong time, and now I also feel like I'm scrambling to catch up. I agree with everything everyone else has said. And to top it all off, that's what we're here for--to support each other (and kick butts occasionally). We'll ALL do it eventually. I guarantee it. ;)
Oh, and Bron -- I caught your comment above, too -- and I agree. That sounds like a great plan to me! :)
K.
I'm a little sister right along wid ya. I, too, let the writing stuff slide a looooong time, and now I also feel like I'm scrambling to catch up. I agree with everything everyone else has said. And to top it all off, that's what we're here for--to support each other (and kick butts occasionally). We'll ALL do it eventually. I guarantee it. ;)
Oh, and Bron -- I caught your comment above, too -- and I agree. That sounds like a great plan to me! :)
K.
X
I'm the teeny tiny sister, still not got anything out and I understand everything you say.
I often wonder what I'd be doing if I hadn't stumbled across Eharlequin and tried my hand at writing.
The thing is I'll never know how far I"ve got to go if I never put my neck on the line.
You go girl!
Nicki
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I'm the teeny tiny sister, still not got anything out and I understand everything you say.
I often wonder what I'd be doing if I hadn't stumbled across Eharlequin and tried my hand at writing.
The thing is I'll never know how far I"ve got to go if I never put my neck on the line.
You go girl!
Nicki
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