Or is it? Are you like me and feel that you have to work like a Trojan workhorse every day, day in and day out?
But what happens when we do? I can only speak from my own personal experience.
- Creativity all but comes to a screeching halt
- I find it hard to shut my brain off at night for sleep
- I feel exhausted all the time
- I get grouchy when I am not creating
- I get tunnel vision
Here’s the truth of it. Most of us are ambitious and anxious to write great books and get them into the hands of readers. But, no matter how much we do, there is always more to do: more writing, more marketing, more admin. A writer’s work is never done.
I have one novel already written and two more in the series vaguely outlined and waiting. I fear I have failed miserably, as an author, this year. Yes, I put out several short stories and maintained my blog, but have not given much more than a glance toward my next full-length book. There’s a couple of reasons for that. I have been in this state of limbo since last year, waiting with bated breath to see if a publisher will take the first book of The White Rune Series. Guess what? I’m still waiting.
So, why couldn’t I force myself to work on the next one while I’m waiting? That would be the smart thing to do. I guess the truthful answer is I need to feel like it is worthwhile. Yes, I know. Everything we are inspired to do is worthwhile in some way or another. Maybe the better word for it is validation.
In telling Rick’s and my stories, I had passion. I was driven to get the story down and out into the hands of readers. I need to feel that burning passion again.
I’m open to any advice. My sister tells me that if you don’t write a story, you lose it. I don’t want to lose them because they are good stories. Such a dilemma.
Then I have to ask myself this question. If the publisher that currently has the manuscript passes on it, what then?
Yes, I know I can self-publish, but I don’t have another $2,000 to $3,000 to invest with little hope of ever recouping. Since I suck at cover design and formatting, I’d have to pay for both of those services plus editing. If anyone ever said writing and publishing books is easy, they told a big lie.
So, the bottom line to all of this is that I took a break from working on the novels. Is that good? I suppose only time will tell.
How about you? Do you take breaks? Do you have books waiting to be published? Please tell me I’m not in this boat alone.
Everyone who leaves a comment will be entered into a drawing for my latest collection of short stories, “Two Shorts and a Snort.” I’m giving away three eBooks.
This book consists of two short stories and one poem from award-winning author, Jan Sikes, in response to a writing challenge from the RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB.
Obsessed:
How far will one man go to satisfy an obsession? The price could cost him his life.
Maggie:
It is possible to pray up a baby? Frank and Mary Pyburn are convinced that is what they’ve done.
Friends Instead of Lovers:
Sometimes it’s better to remain friends instead of giving in to desires and crossing a line.
Most definitely, Teagan. You may get “blocked,” what does come out of you is nothing short of amazing. I hope that you will able to change your job and living situation SOON! Like you, I love promoting others. It gives me great joy to help someone spread the word about a new book or project. No worries, my friend. I will definitely stick with it! I’m not going anywhere. Thank you for your beautiful comment. Hugs back!
Oh Jan, I feel for you. I’m so glad you won the contest to cheer you up — and hope it gets you writing again.
I get “blocked” terribly. But for me, it’s my job and the horrible people I work for — it drains me of everything from creativity to the will to live. And I’ve been coping with that situation for the past six of the ten years I’ve been there. So I have no advice to offer.
The thing that keeps me blogging is the satisfaction I get when I’m able to promote someone else. But even that kind of writing that gets impossible sometimes. All I can say is stick with it. Drink up all the love that flows through your comments.
Hugs on the wing.
Oh, Jan, I can so relate to your frustration. I think most authors can. We live in a state of constantly being behind the eight ball. It seems no matter how much forward progress we make, we’re always treading water.
As for book 2 in your series, my advice would be to write it. Most publishers, especially small press houses, are interested in series these days. If a publisher likes your work and knows you have another waiting in the wings, that’s a plus. And if the current publisher passes on it, submit it somewhere else. Keep trying!
If you end up indie publishing you’ll be able to keep your name “out there” and can work on another ms for traditional publishing if you choose. Yeah, I know that’s a lot, and I know that indie publishing comes with additional expenses, but there are probably a number of friends in the blogosphere who know of affordable options. I think the greatest mistake you can make is to NOT write.
Awww, thank you for the encouraging words, Mae. I know you are right and I am going back to story #2 and work on it. I am happiest when I am creating. I think we all are. Waiting for a publisher can be like waiting on a slot machine to pay off. I will see where it all goes, but for now, I’m going back to work on #2 and get lost in the story. That way, I will stop fretting over the publishing. Hugs and again, thank you!
Such a timely post for me. I don’t feel like I ever get ahead. I do take breaks from drafting new material. This just means my spare time is busy with promoting, advertising, storyboarding for the future, and a miriad of other things.
I’m so glad you stopped by, Craig, and that the post resonated with you. There is nothing about being a published author that is easy. But, we hang in there and we love the creativity.
That’s true too.
That is exactly what my sister tells me, John. I think it’s time. 🙂 Thank you!
This may help. If the publisher wants your book, they will want the next one ASAP. If you have to write it they might not be too happy with you. I would go ahead and finish the next one. What can it hurt? You’ll be ready when the call comes for it.
Well-said, Annette. If the inspiration isn’t there, the words fall flat and it’s a struggle. No need to swim upstream. 🙂 Don’t worry, I will definitely hang in there!! Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. Sunday hugs!
I’ve been a break from book writing/publishing since April. Sometimes it feels as though I am letting myself down however, the way I see it it, that when I am ready to kick up my heels again, I shall. Kick the dust up! Fill my cup up! Ideas DO keep coming and the first one that puts down deep roots will be published next. <3 Hang in there sister!
Like gardening, writing is never finished, but it’s physically impossible to keep up with all the ideas you have in the middle of the night!
So very true, tidalscribe! They just keep coming. 🙂 Thanks for your comment.