A few months ago I started submitting a young adult contemporary, a book loosely based on my freshman year of high school. It was a very awkward time in my life, and I always knew I'd find a way to encapsulate it in some artistic form. I chose the sarcastic, buck-toothed Joni Weaver whose mom is an online poker-playing social dropout, and dad is an alchy running the local movie theater across town. I'm very proud of the book. It's not perfect, it's not a great piece of literary fiction. But it has its moments. Out of nine query letters sent out, I had four very reputable agents ask for the manuscript. Two have declined, and two are still reading.
It takes a lot of patience to be a writer.
It also takes a lot of determination, acceptance of failure, self-motivation, and perseverance.
I know that I am meant to do three things in my life: music, writing, and motherhood. Maybe throw art in there too, but I am most passionate about the others. Music is my soul. I've always been singing and writing songs, picking at pianos and guitars. Always. But on the same note I grew up in a library, and books and writing are like my spirit. I couldn't do one with out the other.
I just wish I could make some money doing this. I wish an agent would take a chance on me. I wish I could write that one book that would bring me financial relief so that I could take my kids to the dentist whenever the need calls, or buy them clothes when all their others have worn into bare threads and holes.
But I am not alone, and there are many writers out there who want the same thing. Who have the same issues.
We'll get through it.
Adding: There is a contest to win a free copy of The Soul Seekers over at goodreads. One more day to enter!
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Took my daughter to an ortho today. Perhaps you know the pain . . . money, money, money falling out of you like water. She has a lovely smil...
Amy, the road you chose is not an easy one, and maybe not a financially rewarding one either, but it is one done with the passion and love that most of us wish we had. Many people do not like their jobs, hate going in on Monday to work for the "man", and feel great dissatisfaction with what they have done with their lives. I do not see that in you because what you do is who you are. I pray that the other rewards will come your way and that you will not get discouraged and give up your dreams.
ReplyDeleteYour title is perfect and so are you.
Really, really appreciate the support and encouragement! Thank you!!
DeletePerfectly said. There was not enough money to adequately care for my children when they were small; perserverance may be the best character trait to show your children.
ReplyDeleteI often seen trailers on the freeway with SAIA Trucking in bold red and gold letters. I think of you when I see them. Perhaps you hear me smile.
I see those trucks too and always wave at them. But since they don't know me at all, they're probably thinking, "Crazy . . ." : )
DeleteI agree with both Arleen and Joanne. Amy girl - follow your dream. I believe in you.
ReplyDeleteThank you!! I'm trying. This year has been one of the most difficult in my life. I've applied for jobs, but in the end I just can't take the hours. I have one kid who comes home every afternoon from kindergarten, and one a few hours later on the bus. 'J' needs very good, very strict attention because she's a dreamer and a wanderer, and if someone was to just let her play out by the road, she'd walk right in front of a car. My girl is smart as the dickens, but when it comes to little things like surroundings, she is a space cadet. Next year I can get a day job and afford all this stuff, but man. If only I could get more money from my books I could just stay home and be a mom and write my ash off. Actually, I've been writing my ash off this year. : ) Haha. Oh please, lord, let something big happen for me. I'm trying so hard!
DeleteAdding--didn't mean to go off on a rant. I guess that's how stressed off I am. It wasn't a rant at you, Molly. I love you so much!
DeleteKeep moving forward, looking forward. Success will come!
ReplyDeleteI needed to read this today. Thank you for posting it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by!
DeleteDid you send it to the people who published The Soul Seekers? I would have thought they would be interested. Good luck anyway; especially on the money front, you're certainly not alone there!
ReplyDeleteCro, I did not. However, I have sent them the sequel for TSS's.
DeleteCongrats on getting the interest you have achieved. I'm jealous! You write really well and I hope your ship comes in soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tom! But you shouldn't be jealous—you're a wonderful writer yourself!
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