Have I already used up my only shot?
A year ago I published my first novel with a small press. I am 60 and didn’t start writing seriously until ten years ago. I queried two previous novels and got a few requests, but nothing stuck. Through a series of contacts and coincidences starting with an online course I took, I got the opportunity to publish this one. Since I’m not getting any younger, I took it. I thought it would be (and was) a great compromise between endless agent querying and self-publishing, and I spent a small inheritance on a publicist and promotion. Despite some high-profile mentions in summer reading recommendations and reviews to die for (just not many of them), it hasn’t sold well.
I have another novel completed, edited, and ready to query. But am I wasting my time? Is this published book the end? If I query and don’t mention it, any agent worth the title will find it anyway. And obviously it is my main writing credit. I am an academic editor by profession.
I’m preparing psychologically for this shot to be my last one if necessary, but since I have another completed novel, one partly written, and outlines for two others I’d like to keep going. But I would feel bad taking the time away from other things if it’s going nowhere.
I love the blog although I just lurk. I learn so much. I don’t write in the genres you represent, so I have never queried you but find your take on the business to be smart and sensible. So much advice in this business is contradictory.
This isn't going to be advice about business but about life: Do what you love.
If you love to write novels, do it.
But if you feel like writing without being published would "take time away from other things" that you'd find more spiritually satisfying, then maybe it's time to have a real heart to heart with yourself about what you want your life to be about.
None of us are getting any younger (although some people it seems do not actually grow up).
I know that I feel out of sorts and cranky if I haven't tackled a blog post or a queryshark entry in any given day. I feel very fortunate to have a community of readers here that both torment me and contribute in valuable ways. Without them (and you, without the readership you desire) I'm not sure
how satisfying it would be to write this. Thus, figure out what brings you the most joy.
And on the business side of things, mention your earlier book. It got good reviews. We all understand that some books do not get the readership they deserve. We've all relaunched writing careers for one client or another.
I believe in trying rather than not, but I also believe there is no failure in electing to do something else.
Let your joy show you the right path.
16 comments:
This is creepy.
OP a while back when I wrestled with the daunting choice, similar to that which you are currently facing, I too wrote Janet and asked the same question.
With more of life behind me than what I imagine might be ahead, I wondered if all the time I spend on writing a novel (I’m a columnist and essay writer) is a waste because of unknown outcome.
janet told me exactly what she has told you:
“..figure out what brings you the most joy.”
“Let your joy show you the right path.”
I contemplated life without finishing my WIP then dove in with a spirit I can only call joyful and renewing.
I am calling this “creepy” because just yesterday I finally FINISHED THE NOVEL I wrote her about and have thought for these many months about the joy I have experienced during this writing journey.
OP, may you find your bliss in the written word.
And Janet, do you have any idea how grateful we are for your incite?
It is life changing. Thank you.
Now it rests. I'll edit, query, and hope. Hope is joy simply spelled another way.
Janet is so right about this. Do it if you love it. I have 3 quirky MG's I'm slowly working on when it pleases me. If I finish, if they're good, if I sell them, great!
If I don't get that far, I'll still work on the two adult stories I have in mind. Because they're my ideas and I am fond of them.
Woke up at 4AM some time ago and one thought in my dream mind, Emotional Truth! It must have Emotional Truth!
Works for me.
What beautiful advice. Thank you, Janet.
Congrats to Carolynn on finishing -- HUGE moment! To OP, I can't do better than Janet's advice to do what brings you joy...but I will add one little wrinkle: if you're doing it for love, it shows in the work. My day job involves performance, and you can always tell who's really feeling it. Same for writing. If you're doing it for love -- joy! -- it's not a waste of time to you or your reader, and your positivity draws everyone else in. Eventually.
I write because I love it.
I do theatre because I love it.
I keep my day job because we have bills to pay and I carry the insurance. I do love my co-workers, and I think what we do is important, so there is that.
Do I hope my art will pay off?
Absolutely.
Is that the sole basis for me doing what I do?
Not even close.
And the funny thing is, the more I concentrate on improving my craft, the closer I get to it paying off.
OP, it's a tough decision you have to make. My Mum used to say to me that stress is when your mouth says yes and your stomach says no. Listen to your stomach, it can be wise.
2Ns, that is fabulous! Congratulations.
Sharyn... I love that: Emotional Truth.
I turn 61 tomorrow. Pondering much, thinking about a lot. I'll be brief right now and just simply add that I love this blog. Such good people here. Thank you, Janet, for all you do.
Congrats 2NNs. OP I hear frustration in your post. Maybe step back a minute before you make any major decisions. The work will still be there next week if you want to pursue it.
Melanie, the Emotional Truth thing was strange. I thought about two of my stories and realized they both had that, a theme I guess, underlying the main character's struggle. When I thought of it that way the story fell into place. And if I become clever enough to work in a sub plot or two they could reflect the same truth.
One story I've torn apart and redone over and over still doesn't have it. Which is why it doesn't ring true to me and I keep taking it to pieces!
OP, sixty is young. I'm all for planning for reality, but it doesn't hurt to expect the best, too. If you love to write, have a writing party just to celebrate that. Congrats on your published book!
My Grandad just got back from a month-long trip to South Africa. I called him the night before he left. He doesn't have internet or email, but the week that I called him, he had gone bowling three times and (ice!) skated twice. He is practicing for an ice show in December and has booked a plane for Switzerland next spring.
He's ninety-one!
Oh and if you see this, 2NS!!!! What! That's awesome!
Beautiful, beautiful words. All I can say, OP, is keep sharing them. Whatever that means. How do we not fall in love with this wonderful, this nonsensical life?
Love this advice. I'd also ask what are your goals with your books? If a big part of your goal is to put more of your stories and words out into the world, even if no agents bite you can always self-publish or even share your work for free on Wattpad.
One cool thing about this blog is that writers are the ones asking questions. Sometimes, like with this question, it's clear that a writer wrote it; the question is almost a joy to read.
OP: I’m 62. I have written for decades but only in journals, or putting throw awsy stuff online. A few years ago I started writing seriously and pursuing being published.
If the books never go anywhere, I will still write, whether I pursue being published or not. I really can’t not write.
What would you do if you were not writing?
Carolynn, woohoo! Congrats! I would never have guessed from your comments here that was the case. Go, you!
Janet said, “None of us are getting any younger (although some people it seems do not actually grow up).”
You thought I wouldn’t see that, but I did! 😜
I don’t comment often, but I just wanted to say: I love this post. Thank you, Janet, for sharing this.
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