I have considered myself a writer for many years, even though it wasn’t until I was out of college that I began to realize that it was okay to be serious about it and strive to have writing as my primary career. Please note that said aforementioned career shift has yet to occur. It’s the unfortunate truth that I have to have a day job, and that I really need a second one to make ends meet. Needless to say, it may be a while before I can get one of these.
Seriously, though, who wouldn’t save up for this?
As my attempts at writing have grown more serious, especially over the last year or so that I’ve been maintaining this blog, I’ve noticed that there’s something highly repetitive about the life of a writer. It’s a vicious cycle, really.
Write, format, edit, submit, get rejected, repeat.
You know the worst part about this?
I’m totally okay with it.
The Swords of the Ancients 
8 Comments
I would definitely save up for something like that. Absolutely stunning.
Good luck! I strongly believe that persistence will get you places. =]
Thank you very much, Zen. It’s always nice to hear words of encouragement from fellow writers.
I stopped being okay with it after about rejection #50. That’s when I started reading up on self-publishing and said, “You know, this isn’t as a bad as I thought it was.”
I’ve adjusted my ideas of success, so now I’m not equating it to whether someone accepts my work or not (because, let’s face it, plenty of good stuff doesn’t get published for one reason or another), but whether or not I can screw up the courage to put my work out in the market–especially when I have no agent or editor to double-check it or help me.
Rejection is still a possibility. I may publish and not sell any books except to a few friends and family members (which I don’t count). And it will sting worse, I think, because then I know the market–not an individual–has rejected me. At the same time, I can say that I’ve had an honest chance. I never have to wonder if I could have made a go of it if some person had only given me a chance.
Control over the situation is in my hands, not someone else’s.
I’m glad to see that you’ve not given up. As of late, I’ve only been submitting short pieces to magazines and whatnot, so I can’t really say for certain what it’s like to get a rejection from an agency (though I did intern with one once upon a time). Self-publishing is definitely a good option, but I’m not going to give up on traditional means just yet, even if, as you said, I don’t end up selling anything to more than a handful of family and friends. I’m going to keep my options open as I grow closer to having something big ready for publication.
Join the crowd, friendo.
Thanks, Tony. It’s a crazy business that I’m getting into, but it’s still what I want to do. Best of luck to all of us, right?
OMfreakenG…do want! I truly believe you have it in you to be a famous writer, Philip. I enjoy writing, but never took it as seriously as you do. Make it happen, and I’ll be first in line for a signed copy of your work.
Thank you, Angela! I’m certainly going to try.