Monday 3 May 2010

Keeping On Keeping On

The thing about this writing business is, you have to know you're in it for the long haul. Yes, there are people who write a book in three months and sell it in three weeks, but they are very rare. Five agents have now had my submission for a month or more, and in one case over two months. I wasn't surprised not to hear from anyone in April, what with Easter, the London Book Fair, and that pesky volcano. But now I'm starting to watch my inbox again: I reckon I should hear something from someone this month, if only another of those nice rejections. Most of all, though, I know I need to keep on keeping on. And as my paid work recedes, towards the end of the week, I'm hoping to get back to churning out some more words for my current WIP.

This week, I read an inspirational tale about one writer's amazing tenacity. I'm hoping it won't take me quite so long - but his story has made me more determined than ever to keep going, not to give up, to persevere.

9 comments:

Karen said...

Oh yes I read that story too - most inspiring. It's often said that determination and perseverance are key, and if he's not living proof I don't know what is!

HelenMWalters said...

I think sometimes it's a good thing we don't know how long and hard the journey's going to be when we set off.

Beleaguered Squirrel said...

Sadly even two months is quite quick for a lot of them. Tenacity is right. Remember I submitted to over 30 of them before I finally found an agent. And even then... hmmm, maybe mine isn't such an encouraging story.

Jenny Beattie said...

Wow, what a story.

Inbox watching can be a stressful occupation but good luck with the news.

Jen said...

Ouf... those tales of tenacity are intoxicatingly romantic and inspiring but quick would be better, wouldn't it?

I actually have no doubt that I'll see a Qwerty Queen novel on the shelves one day. As you say, keep on keeping on, it's the only way...

Carol said...

Hang on in there hon....like Spiral says, you'll have a book on the shelves before you know it!!

C x

Pat said...

I think you are right about the time. It was sometime in May that I got the call just back from holiday.
It will come:)

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

Good luck that you receive the email you're looking for in your Inbox.

That man certainly has tenacity by the bucketful. I'm glad it's finally paying off for him.

Queenie said...

Thanks, everyone! BS, I think they've speeded up - I'm certainly getting quicker responses than last time I subbed which was in 2007.