There is something to be said for persistence. This wasn’t the first time I took up the pen and paper. When I was in high school, I tried my hand at teen romance. It was pretty good, I thought. I took it to a co-worker who read the first page and then returned it, saying it was, and I quote, “Okay.” That book found the bottom of my trash bin in a hurry.
As an adult, I thought I would try my hand at children’s books. I wrote two of them. Putting so much of my heart and soul into them, I didn’t dare share my stories with anyone for fear of the rejection I would get. I hid them away beside my bed, only to find a few of the pages in the garbage after an afternoon of cleaning.
Years later, the writing bug bit once again. This time I tired to push the urge away and bury it deep down within the soul of my unfinished projects. The urge continued. I wrote my first novel in years, a fantasy about a girl who learns of a secret power she holds within her. It was totally cool. At least I thought it was.
My second book was about a girl dating the wrong guy. This won me my first real rejection letter. I hung it up in the hallway with pride.
After taking writing courses and attending several writers’ conferences, I have learned many-a-thing. First, you have to learn your craft. Second, you need to read, read, read, read, and read. Third, you can’t give up. Someday, somewhere, somebody will be interested in what you have on paper. If it is a well written piece, it will find a home. The only thing that will make you better and get you published is persistence.
If writing is something in your blood, something you love, don’t give up. There were so many times I could have given up... there were so many times I did give up, but writing keeps coming back to me. It has opened a new world to me, given me new bonds with great people, and a passion for a craft that is so widely felt. I am finally going to have a published piece (thanks Nicole!), and yes, I am giddy with joy. Persistence will get you published. If you have to deal with a few thousand rejection letters, just remember….rejection is a great excuse for chocolate cake and a pint of that really good ice cream!
Keep on keeping on,
Scarlet
2 comments:
Your persistence has paid off. Each time you come back to writing you bring something different; a fresh perspective; a new skill, a new idea. Even more important, each time your return to writing you bring a new you. Write on! LG
Wow, I wish that second me would finish all that laundry in the basement! It's up to the roof. Just kidding. Thanks so much for your comments LG! I do appreciate them and hope I will get better over time.
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