Let me explain:
I rise, switch on my laptop and watch the in box for rejections with the obsession of a kiddy at Disneyworld. I research for novels daily. I tweet until I fall out of the tree when friends have their books published, I am so thrilled by each and every one of them fulfilling their dream. I Facebook links and Google+ congratulations. I blog, read blogs, comment on blogs and read books to review. I study about making book covers, how to format manuscripts and marketing techniques. I platform build. Yes, yes you say, but why the title?
Every day I feel I am giving up writing. Social media is encroaching upon my writing life but it needs to be part of that life. I need it in case I have a book to promote. So what do I do? I have made a start with this blog. The power disaster on the island made me cut back on posting. I had begun to consider once or twice a week but worried about losing friends and readers. Then it dawned on me, without writing my books I will lose readers.
Make sense?
Today I had a low mood day and became frightened I had wasted four years. Without an agent/publisher I feel I have not fulfilled the whole dream. I said to my Cypriot friend I might as well give up writing. I do not know how to self-publish a novel (simple poetry books are my limit), the publishing world is crumbling, I live in a limbo country for agents, and I am fed up of being asked when is my book coming out. I want more than just having novels sitting in my word programme. Whine. Whine. Whine.
She replied. 'Let your readers decide when you give up writing Mrs.Glynis.' I reminded her I have no readers yet as I am not published. *whine* Her response? 'No because they are waiting for you to come out of the cupboard and feed them.' (It all boils down to food with Cypriots). Her words hit home. Let the world decide good or bad, but get out there. Do not give up just keep focused. One way or another get your book out there. I cannot give up writing but I can give up doubting my novels and my chances of holding them in my hands.
My determination now is to submit, submit, submit one novel and self-publish the other by the New Year. Whether it will happen or not I do not know, but her words made me determined not to give up writing.
So I have decided > to post here when I can. To Tweet when I can. To Facebook daily as I find informative links and it is like my writing group. To read blogs when I can. To concentrate on writing and supporting other authors. To not feel guilty, pressured or useless.
Have you ever got to the point of giving up? Not through self pity but through the overwhelming fear of it all?
28 Comments:
*hugs* Im sorry you feel this way. Although I havent had these feelings, some of my CPs have. It can be really tough. Stop looking at the rejections as a bad thing--look at them as your battle wounds. When you finally make it, you can look back and say, "Hey, look how far I've come!" There will be tough times, but it'll be worth it in the end =)
Hi Glynis .. don't give up .. but I can't help much more as I'm not in that world. However - I think a step away sounds in order .. and perhaps look around at the people who have self-published .. Stephen Tremp, Judy Croome, Roland Yeomans .. etc etc .. and perhaps go with your poetry for a while ..
You can't give up - you'll regret it forever .. just relax and take some time out ..
How about a blog on Cyprus .. just gentle 'small' posts ... for a while ..
Look after yourself and cheer up!! Power out is a pain .. see you soon .. cheers for now - Hilary
We all hit these depressive walls. Remember, you're not alone. Many of us are writing with only our beta readers for an audience. The more we write, the better we'll get. Someday we'll be recognized. We hope.
Sending a hug to you.
Yes, the day I started all of this!
Don't give up, Glynis.
Hi Glynis .. me again! Just wanted to say .. I really HOPE you watched the two trailers I posted .. on the film WISDOM and the one on MUSIC .. the pearls that fall upon the blogger are well worth the listen .. and relisten - that's why I posted, so I can go back again and again ..
Cheers - just a gentle nudge for someone who's feeling a little stretched and overwhelmed .. life's like that .. !!?? Keep positive and happy - big hugs from 'Engerland' ... Hilary
Glynis, yes,yes, and yes. I have felt exactly this way. And I almost gave up when I couldn't find an agent for my memoir. I am so glad I didn't and that I self-published instead. There is help here for you if you decide to go that route. If you love writing, then write. don't worry about the rest. Social media is necessary, but I found I had to cut way back. Writing must be the priority, not social media. I even had to cut back on my singing group, because it was taking over my life.
Please don't give up.
Karen
I've had times in the last year that have been like this, that the proverbial black dog's right there getting me down and discouraged. Don't give up, Glynis. Sort out your schedule to put the emphasis on writing, and if that means blogging as little as once a week, so be it. The writing has to be the emphasis for all of us.
For a week or two, though, take a break from the writing, get your head back in the right spot. You'll get there.
Don't give up. You have it in you to make others feel the words you put down on paper.
Mason
Thoughts in Progress
Freelance Editing By Mason
Yup understand.
I find if i think
"write for myself first, then others" i can write more clearly.
When i get fed up, i open a clean document and write the silliest stupidest story that comes into my head. Like a kids tale written from the head of a space cowboy or a week smoker. Or a day in the life of a coffee cup. Something bizarre. Something that makes me laugh. something i don't have to worry about spelling grammar, plot or anything else. I just write every sill thing that comes into my head. I enjoy doing that. It refreshes me.
So have some time in your day to enjoy your writing, I'm sure it will all work out just fine.
Good luck and happy writing :-)
sarah
Natalie, thank you for your hug. It warmed my heart. X It is not the rejections that are getting to me. It is my inability to see my way out of my obsession to have an agent/publisher. I cannot see that self-publishing is the end of my dream yet. I am waiting for the moment when I can say I am ready to do it alone.
Hilary, you support and encouragement from good ol'Engerland is most gratefully received. Your blog is an inspiration. I do run another blog with bits and bobs and my poetry blog, so am not going to start another. I need to concentrate on this dream of mind. The ending is not coming together at the moment. It will, I just need courage. X
Theresa, thank you. I have wonderful support (you are one of those folk ♥) and should never feel this way. However this idea of an agent/publisher is gnawing at my insides. I know self publishing is the way to go but I am not quite ready to go that way. My mood is frustration and disappointment at myself for not being able to balance everything and not letting go of the dream ending.
Karen, I know it will happen that way for me. However I am at that dark end of the tunnel. The light isn't quite showing me it is the end of the dream ending. Frustrating.
I am going to spend today reorganising my whole thinking and on-line practice.
I am glad you published your memoir, it is an inspirational book!
Alex, I cannot give up and will not give up writing. I will have to give up other things because if I do not that is what will happen. I will have no time left in my day. Thanks for encouraging me always. x
William that dark dog will not sit quiet at the moment. I am due to fly to the UK at any moment. I am going to be a grandmother for the first time. The two weeks I am there with baby in my arms I am sure my views and mood will change! Thanks for your encouragement.x
Mason, you made me cry with your compliment. Thank you so much. X
Sarah, I have no desire to be rich and no desire to have a best seller. Like you I write for myself. I have reached the point of frustration and it annoys me. I want to see my book in my hand and if I were not so stubborn and techno blind I could. I think I need this period in my life to battle forward. Make me a stronger writer for I cannot give up that dream. I must give up other things to give me focus time. Thank you so much for your support and encouragement. x
Thank you all so much for taking time out for me. ♥
Just stopping by from Karen's Labor day BBQ - what a beattiful home you have!
Hi Glynis. I'm stopping by from Karen's party. Sorry to hear things are getting tough, but as I'm sure you've realized, you are NOT alone. Good luck.
I know at least three other and myself who are all going through this.
These are scary times for writers. More than usual, I think. I've decided to do what is right for me and things will go the way hey are meant to.
In high school the tell not to do things because everyone else is doing it. I think the same holds true now.
See where you are; where you want to be and plan a path. The way of the old publishers may not hold up as well now. (Their business certainly didn't.)
Best of blessings in all you choices.
Kate and Donna-hello! Sit take wine with me. Thanks for your comments. :)
Mary I am sorry you are suffering the same. I must say I have improved today after giving some serious thought to my writing life.
Thanks for visiting me. ♥
We've all been there, Glynis and it's only natural. I'm so glad you had someone to give you another boost! :o( I'm so sorry you felt like this ...
Hi Glynis. Sorry you feel like this. I'm glad you're not giving up! I've read one of your manuscripts and I loved it! You won't believe it but I even mentioned you to another friend in America tonight who loves historical fiction! I told her 'when Glynis' book is out, get it....if you don't get it, I'll get you a copy!' I believe in you, Glynis, and your stories.
I felt this way - almost gave up - after finishing my first novel which still needs a lot of work. The plot stinks! But I don't want to give up. If I give up, I'd have a lot of 'what-ifs'. So now I'm still writing. Don't give up, Glynis!!!! Hugs!
Jessica, your support and encouragement helps. Thank you. I got a lovely pep talk from T last night. She has put me on the right track. Sorry about the poetry group but I have had to sacrifice so many pleasures in order to move forward. HugsXX
Len, bless your heart. I cannot give up now can I? You are so supportive and I adore you for encouraging me forward. Hugs. XX
I know how you feel. I have thought about giving up a lot, but still keep on. You are a good writer, don't give up!
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