NOTES FROM THE WRITING NOOK: Down Day

Over the years, I’ve shared the various ups and downs of my publishing career with my partner. He is the first to remind me that it’s a really tough business. Now more than ever, competition is SO STIFF. More authors than ever are writing and publishing books. It’s hard not to feel lost in the crowd.

So, what do I do when I get bad writing news?

I feel the feelings. Some might say it’s not healthy to dwell on the lows, but it’s human nature, the need to process it.

Writing is my dream job. Seeing my words in print is all I’ve ever wanted. Not only is it hard work, it’s hard to deal with so much rejection. Even after years of sending out my work, it still stings when things don’t go how I hoped.

All I can do is work through it. Continue writing. Work on the next thing. I’d love to say I have a thick skin and I can just let the rejection roll off my back, but some things sting more than others. I have to keep reminding myself what MY idea of success is. Some authors want fame and fortune. I want to connect with readers. Which yes, does mean getting my work in front of said readers. So, I keep pushing, working, growing, creating, and hope that, whether it’s one reader or 100, every one means so much to me. Every one lights a spark of joy in my heart, enough to keep me going on those days when it feels like I’m just not enough.