When
an author puts themself out into the world, whether it be for submissions, to a
new reader, or just to a family member, our biggest fear is rejection--they
won't like it. And seriously, it's the worst thing that we can do. Fear is
powerful. It has a way of breaking down a mindset.
I
remember the first query I sent out. I thought I'd nailed it and that the agent
was going to be so happy that I sent it to them. Then the rejection came. Then
the second agent rejected it. After about twenty of these "No"
responses, I began to doubt my story. Myself. My idea of publishing.
The
doubt led to fear. Fear that I'd never be good enough to publish. I wasted
several months on fear before I finally just gave in. I'd been sitting at my
computer crying one day when my husband found me. Of course, when he asked what
was wrong, I couldn't tell him. I'm the strong one in the family. The person
that keeps everything together. If I told him of all my doubts and fears, he'd
surely find my weakness.
He
wouldn't take, "Nothing." for an answer, and I finally caved. This is
what he told me. "Rachel, you have spent months pouring over books,
reading and learning. You don't take no for an answer, ever. I know you. This
is not you. You are great at story telling. I've been following your story (he
meant my twisted way of seeing the world) since the day we met. It's what keeps
us going. You do not give up. You're better than that."
And
you know what he was right. Three days after that conversation, I pitched and
sold my book. It's a mindset, this fear and doubt. But once you choose to lose
the fear and doubt, and decide to be positive that you can do anything, life
will change. Opportunities will open up and the world will finally make sense.
At
least, that's my story. :) If you had a moment in life that you kicked fear in
the pants, please share! Who knows, you might help someone out in the process.
Author
bio:
Rachel’s
writing career began at the impressionable age of twelve with a poem dedicated
to the soldiers of Desert Storm. A dark macabre affair that earned her a
publication in an anthology and many raised eyebrows from family and friends,
she hid her poetry and artistic style for years…
Tucked
away in the heart of Central Texas, with the loving support of her husband and
three children, she dusted the cobwebs from her craft. Returning to those
twisted regions of her mind, she creates romance that devastates...because
that's the only true way to love.
Rachel Firasek
True
Love Devastates
Great post today, Rachel and Louisa. I'd love to read that poem to the soldiers of Desert Storm. Thank goodness you didn't give up. I've had a similar journey. Got the agent, got the rejections. But it's a process, and I'm a work in process. In the meantime, I'm selling, and finding new readers every day. I write for the readers who have yet to discover me. I think some days that is what keeps me going.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the positive attitude and encouragement.
Hi Rachel and Sharon, great post. I love your work, Rachel and can't wait to read more
ReplyDeletewow, ladies...I love this post. AND, yeah, I totally get it. Rachel, your story sounds very similar to mine...I sent my amazing (to me) story out to about 20 publishers...knowing they'd love my work as much as I did. I figured I'd be beating them off with a stick, trying to decide which one would be best for me. Well, everyone of them sent me a rejection.
ReplyDeleteIt put me out of commission for months. Questioning everything...was I even a writer at all?
Then...well, I met someone in a doctors office waiting room. Craziest thing, no one else was in the room, only me. This guy walks up to me and introduces himself as Charlie and then asked me what I do for a living. It was so dang surreal...I looked at him at first like he was some kind of a stalker, and then something came immediately to mind 'nothing happens by accident' - I answered him, "I'm working at being a writer, but not too good at it yet. Apparently I have more to learn."
He held his hand up (seriously) and stopped me from speaking, then pointed at his temple and said, "You already know everything you need to know about writing, right here." He tapped his head. "You just need to write."
I sat there speechless...what the heck?? He smiled, then said, "Nice to meet you, (and called me by name). Then left.
LOL - I'll tell you what, that was the most bizarre meeting I've ever had. I swear he was an Earth Angel;) Anyway, I got a real head of steam afterward...and wrote my little heart out.
Sharon and Marian, thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed and found a little bit of encouragement from it. :) Kay Dee, if that wasn't a sign, I have no idea what is. Thank you so much for sharing. Big hug to you ladies!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post. I'm all about keeping it positive, but some days, it's a kick in the pants! I love this story, though and I'll remember it when I start to feel like every agent or editor out there has it in for me. Which hasn't been proven yet, so there is still hope! There is always hope.
ReplyDeleteRachel, you know I'm a total fan of yours. Plus a friend. Sending you HUGE hugs, honey! And you too, Louisa!
ReplyDeleteWhile it's great to keep positive, it's also good to know that we've all been there. That doubt happens, and we're not always a good "fit," but the key is to keep plugging ahead. Thanks for your message!
ReplyDeleteAh, thanks ladies! I'm so glad I could share my learning curves with you. I just beat cancer with a mostly positive attitude, so I know that there is power in that forward movement. Keep writing and submitting and reaching out! Hugs to you all! :)
ReplyDelete