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
