The Writer’s Struggle Is Real

Another agent passed on my manuscript. Fuuuhhh…

When I finished my novel a few months ago, I knew it would be tough to break into traditional publishing. I’ve queried less than ten agents, and all but one have responded. I intend to keep sending submissions, as I believe in my talent as a novelist. That being said, it does hit the self-esteem pretty brutally when someone doesn’t connect with my writing. Fortunately, I am a realist, and I realize that six or seven passes is nothing. I’m not even at the base of the mountain; I’m still trekking through the valley, learning as I move forward, determined.

In hindsight, I should have prepared several synopses and selected the best one in the first place, rather than settling for one, which I spent weeks constructing. I think it’s the synopsis that fucks shit up for a writer most of the time. That, and the inability to properly name their genre in the query letter. I admit to that mistake. I’ve only just come to realization that my novel isn’t simply a literary work; it is women’s fiction. Failing to know your genre is an automatic killer.

I’ve been a writer for most of my life. Ten years ago I decided to get serious about crafting my first novel. I was really into fantasy then, so that’s what I chose to write–an epic fantasy. It’s saved to a thumb drive, and there it will probably remain. Fantasy, as it turned out, is not my forte. And that’s all right. These past ten years of experimenting have delivered me to the valley, and the valley is an awesome place for a writer to be.

Last month, I decided to have Magpie in August published as an ebook. My wonderful friend, a graphic designer, is presently working on my cover art. I saw the rough, and I cried. My dream of becoming a published author is soon to be reality. And while my novel is being read via the internet, I will continue on my journey toward traditional publishing. Who knows? Maybe my next novel will be the one.

To readers out there wanting to climb the mountain, keep pushing forward, and believe.