IF YOU SPEND A LOT OF TIME FRETTING
ABOUT DOING THE RIGHT THING,
YOU'RE GOING TO MISS OUT.
BE BOLD.
QUERY LIKE YOU HAVE THE ANSWER
TO MY PRAYERS.
(Janet Reid)
One of the things I love about Ms. Reid's blog and her attitude is that it reminds me that people want to read our stories.
I tend to be "apologetic" about my writing. I downplay everything. When meeting new people who ask what I write, where I've been published, I might mention my story collection, but I don't say it proudly. I brush it off, like it's no big thing - "It's only an ebook. I just published it myself."
A lot of this attitude comes from being raised not to brag or to boast. Some comes from having previous news and excitement about writing accomplishments fall on deaf ears. (It's rather demoralizing to hear nothing but the chirping of crickets from people who used to be supportive and encouraging.) And all the rejection I've received over the years? It's taken a toll. My skin is both tougher and more sensitive than it used to be.
But here's the thing: I don't want any of us to "miss out" anymore. I want all of us to "be bold." People do want to read our stories. They do want to be a witness to our creativity. Our audiences are out there. Believe that. Trust that.
Now, let's go find them.
I am so guilty of doing exactly what you describe too. But slowly I'm getting bolder. Couldn't agree more with your sentiments...
ReplyDeleteI'm slowly getting bolder, too, Simon. Very slowly. Moving kind of like a tortoise. But, just like a tortoise, we'll get there...eventually. :)
DeleteNothing shocked me more than the first time a complete stranger wrote to tell me how much she loved one of my books.
ReplyDeleteGood friends are always supportive, but the real test is the audience 'out there'. That's where we have to be.
Oh, I know! The first time a stranger emailed me to tell me she really enjoyed one of my stories, I about fell off my chair. :)
DeleteWhat a delight to find myself quoted on your blog! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank YOU for stopping by and commenting!
DeleteI've quoted you a number of times here at TSR - your blog posts are chock full of great lines. :)
I'm boldly looking for them now!
ReplyDeleteI think you've already found them.... :)
DeleteI'm getting better at telling people I'm a writer. But it is a tough way to make a living.
ReplyDeleteSusan Says
I'm glad you're getting better at, Susan. Keep going!
DeleteI'm guilty of the same thing—except for the part where I tell people I'm a writer. Pretty sure everyone around here just thinks I'm a beach bum.
ReplyDeleteI like the Be Bold idea. I'm going to give it a try.
You can be a beach bum AND a writer. :)
DeleteSince you've just moved and you're in a whole new state, you could use this as an opportunity to BE BOLD right from the get-go. Reinvent yourself, starting right now. :)
When people used to ask me about the series I was writing I'd say, "It's a long story." And I'd brush it off too. Maybe that's a habit for most writers.
ReplyDeleteAnd when I say I'm a writer, I often feel embarrassed about it. Probably because I was made fun of for writing by my siblings when I was a kid.
I do need to work on being bold. Thanks for the pep talk and the push, Madeline!
You're welcome, Chrys! And I know you can be bold. You can do it - you're already on your way. :)
DeleteI can totally relate to this. I tend to downplay what I've been able to accomplish, even to the point of not mentioning a new release. But we should be bold and proud of what we've accomplished. There are people who do want to read our work. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's so unfortunate that many of us relate to this. We should be proud of what we accomplish! :)
DeleteThis is SO nice to hear. I have a hard time be bold and being proud of my work. Mostly, I just don't have the confidence. I really hope my first rejection doesn't break me. :/ Eh, sorry not to be a debbie downer!
ReplyDeleteYour first rejection WILL NOT break you. You will bear it proudly because it shows you are pursuing what you love with all its hurts and highs. :)
Delete:)
DeleteThanks! I really hope so! Would it be weird to keep it or should I throw it away? haha
I believe I read somewhere - but don't quote me on this! - that when Stephen King was younger, just starting out subbing his work, that he used to keep his rejections, shoving them through a nail that came out from the wall of his bedroom. :)
DeletePreach it! I keep on submitting despite the rejections.
ReplyDeleteOf course! That's what writers do. :)
DeleteBragging is one thing. Stating the facts is another. And facts are things to be proud of. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from Elements of Writing
You're right! :)
DeleteThis is a very good point. I was also raised to be humble and not to brag. I think this is a positive quality a lot of the time, especially in the selfie-world, but it can definitely hinder us if we're not careful.
ReplyDeleteGoing for 100 rejections this year has really helped change my mindset, because I'm actively "collecting" them, which also forces me to submit my work more often. They don't sting as much when you're seeking them out. :)
I remember you mentioning that 100 rejections idea, and I still think it's an excellent one. It would be such a dramatic change of mindset for many of us. Still considering giving it a try one of these days.... :)
DeleteWhat a fantastic quote! Now if only I could follow it LOL. I'm trying...
ReplyDeleteI'm trying, too. :)
DeleteJanet Reid's blog is one of the best agent blogs out there. I learned so much from her blog while I was querying agents.
ReplyDeleteIt really is one of the best. Definitely a must-read! :)
DeleteI could probably stand to be a little more bold sometimes. Not just in writing, but in other ways too. :)
ReplyDeleteSame here. :)
Delete