tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411759600837193508.post5287843288590292049..comments2024-03-27T05:29:26.481-07:00Comments on Shrinking Violet Promotions: For Those We Lose Along The WayR.L. LaFevershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14646274781361864901noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411759600837193508.post-45605218643304473672021-07-23T03:13:53.884-07:002021-07-23T03:13:53.884-07:00Krupuk ini sesungguhnya mempunyai bahan landasan y...Krupuk ini sesungguhnya mempunyai bahan landasan yakni tanah liat yang sudah dikeringkan. Tanah liat itu sudah dibuat jadi satu potongan – potongan yang tipis yang seperti krupuk. <a href="https://dapur-mama.net/" rel="nofollow">https://dapur-mama.net/</a> Kemudian, makanan yang ini jadi salah satunya makanan ciri khas yang dari kota Pati.<br /><br />Dengan kekhasan pemrosesannya dan bahan landasan tersebut yang membuat krupuk ampo ini jadi salah satunya oleh – oleh yang membuat beberapa pelancong jadi ingin tahu bagaimana sich rasanya krupuk ampo itu.R1se Hluoluohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12853204727468657416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411759600837193508.post-32014544682503581192010-10-13T11:39:35.120-07:002010-10-13T11:39:35.120-07:00I take comfort in the fact that with my first YA n...I take comfort in the fact that with my first YA novel I felt I did justice to all the people who helped me write it over the 22 years it took to get published, and that despite its small press origins it received critical recognition and awards and has been adopted for courses in high schools and colleges. Even if its companion and none of my other projects after that ever finds a publisher, no one can take the first one away from me.<br /><br />Thanks for this wonderful site.Lyn Miller-Lachmannhttp://web.mac.com/lynmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411759600837193508.post-86149714572454462412010-10-03T08:31:09.511-07:002010-10-03T08:31:09.511-07:00You know; you really do need to find all those lit...You know; you really do need to find all those little moments and enjoy them -- the first time you hold your published book in your hands, read your own words, know that you did this INCREDIBLE thing - you wrote a novel - you did it - and it was even published...<br /><br />The thing is, no matter where you are in your process, it becomes about never being enough - you "just want to be published" then "you just want to sell a few books and have a good review . . ." then 'you just want to win an award/be on a best seller list/sell a million copies/be on oprah..." and even then it's not enough: <br /><br />there is someone always who has better rankings, ratings, reviews, sales -- <br /><br />instead, remember why you did this thing, this beautiful beautiful thing - remember how it felt to write "the end" and send it out to the world so hopeful - remember to enjoy all the moments . . .<br /><br />just remember that with few exceptions (if any!) there is not a writer out there who does not wish For More . . . so take your book in your hands and remember that first time you held it and how all the possibilities for joy were there, and remember that joy.Kathryn Magendiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12863595228298349863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411759600837193508.post-51702800498060232652010-09-28T20:22:12.115-07:002010-09-28T20:22:12.115-07:00"What if a discouraged new author doesn’t hav..."What if a discouraged new author doesn’t have a good support system or a professional ally such as an agent or a second book contract to force them to keep going? How easy is it to just let the dream be crushed and retreat?"<br /><br />Way too easy. Even if you don't want to let it go. That's where I am right now, with a small press book that's been in limbo for over two years and lukewarm responses on everything I've queried since. I try to stay realistic and positive, but I'm starting to lose faith. <br /><br />I keep coming back to this post and reading the comments. I'm trying to believe that if all these writers can stay in the game so can I. But it's hard.Miriam Forsterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08773194271144793485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411759600837193508.post-15926504247462627782010-09-24T04:24:40.779-07:002010-09-24T04:24:40.779-07:00I'm about to become a debut author in Feb 2011...I'm about to become a debut author in Feb 2011 and I just want to say reading everybody comments and suggestions has helped me push aside all my greatest fears about my book going out into the world. It has taken me ten long years to finally get to this place so I 'm going to celebrate and learn from the experience even if the sales don't go anywhere. <br /><br />I tell my writing buddies all the time that there are a lot of thing I can't control in the process of being published all I can do is the best I can with what I have in front of me and reach out as best I can to potential readers<br /><br />Thank you for this post and I will be referring other in my various writing group to come over and read it.Karen L. Simpsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03320299913012919654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411759600837193508.post-429805360702053852010-09-23T18:04:25.430-07:002010-09-23T18:04:25.430-07:00I am so far in over my head in terms of being able...I am so far in over my head in terms of being able to respond to everyone, but thanks for all these great comments!<br /><br />Tara, it's HARD adjusting our expectations. So. Damn. Hard. Especially when writing is the fulfillment of a life long dream. If it makes you feel any better at all, I have heard your book mentioned A LOT online, and always in a, This is great you gotta read it, kind of way. :-)<br /><br />Kristin, I loved that quote as to how writing is NEVER a waste of time. I absolutely believe that with all my heart.<br /><br />lanielson, VERY interesting to know about Caroline Cooney! I hadn't realized that.<br /><br />Jennifer J, I love losing myself in the flow of writing. That is one of the best feelings EVER.<br /><br />And just WOW, Kimberly! What a publishing survivor story yours is!<br /><br />Lena, doesn't that just sum it up! Even when we hate it, we love it! Perfect.<br /><br />(And just for the record, Robin L is the same as R. L. LaFevers, I'm just signed in under my other blogger account.)Robin Lhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02960833482145500665noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411759600837193508.post-41509153271101386942010-09-23T17:28:17.964-07:002010-09-23T17:28:17.964-07:00Jennifer Hubbard linked me to this wonderful post....Jennifer Hubbard linked me to this wonderful post. Thank you so much for this--it literally feels like it's speaking to me (even though this happens to so many of us). I'm a published author with a book that just came out last spring, and I've been having a really hard time dealing with the realities and how things have gone. <br /><br />BUT I'm still writing...and I still enjoy writing. I consider that a good sign.Tara Kellyhttp://thetaratracks.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411759600837193508.post-1272578152906794372010-09-23T07:38:33.592-07:002010-09-23T07:38:33.592-07:00What a wonderful encouraging post and it keeps on ...What a wonderful encouraging post and it keeps on going in the comments! Thank you all!!<br /><br />I'll echo the sentiment that building your own writing community helps so much. This can take many forms: blog communities like this one, writer's conferences and professional organizations like SCBWI & RWA, writers loops, Facebook and Twitter connections... I'd have to say critique partners & close writing friends have made the most difference for me. Having someone read and critique my work has made a tremendous difference in my confidence and in the quality of my work. But it's not just the give and take of critique; it's the occasional face time and the day-to-day support via email (I've never even met one cp in person because she lives so far away! Waving and sending hugs of appreciation to Jen in New Mexico!)<br /><br />Another thing, as others have already said, is taking joy in the writing. Even the challenges of getting stuck and working it through can provide such a feeling of accomplishment. Creating worlds and characters is also a rich endeavor and, in its own way, a spiritual task. I love it. Even when I hate it. LOLLena Goldfinchhttp://www.LenaGoldfinch.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411759600837193508.post-3176668212493862702010-09-23T07:38:33.179-07:002010-09-23T07:38:33.179-07:00This is a wonderful post, Robin, and the comments ...This is a wonderful post, Robin, and the comments are absolutely fantastic - thank you to everyone.<br /><br />I've been writing for decades and yet these comments and quotes are still so helpful. We always need a shot in the arm, friends who understand, and the reminder of why we write. <br /><br />For 15 years I didn't know another writer, wrote 10 books that have never sold even as I was selling magazine pieces. Then I published 3 books with Avon and Knopf that fell into black holes (everything that could go wrong did. Orphaned, bad covers, no reviews, etc.) I went 8 years without a sale, but kept writing another half dozen novels, even while very discouraged and wondering if it would ever happen again. Then I changed agents and within 6 weeks we had a 3 book deal with Scholastic. <br /><br />So I have a 25 year history (I did start at 19 years old and always wrote as a kid) of writing and trying to get published and 8 years in between book sales (waves to Mitali!). I feel like I'm FINALLY starting my career with THE HEALING SPELL that was just released. It's been HARD, HARD, HARD. <br /><br />And no offense intended, but when I hear a 20 or 30-something year old say they started writing 2-3 years ago and their book is coming out next year - and HOW LONG IT TOOK - I can't help chuckling. They have no idea what *a long time* is! <br /><br />Way back in the dark ages, I was trying to write/publish without a crit group, without the internet, without blogs or websites.<br /><br />We are so blessed to have these online communities. <br /><br />I also believe whole-heartedly in God's timing, too. It will happen when it's the right time for you, your family life, and your stories.Kimberley Griffiths Littlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03269829969442171522noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411759600837193508.post-11098354096058735992010-09-22T07:37:07.862-07:002010-09-22T07:37:07.862-07:00The thing that has helps me the most is having wri...The thing that has helps me the most is having writing friends. Whether celebrating or commiserating, having someone who gets what you are going through (and has your back) is just the best.<br /><br />Taking joy in the process--trying to push aside those expectations thoughts and you-should-be thoughts, and losing yourself in the flow of writing, that also helps. Sometimes when I come up for air, I think, oh, this is why I write.Jennifer J.http://www.jenniferjstewart.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411759600837193508.post-27466082144047293482010-09-21T19:17:06.179-07:002010-09-21T19:17:06.179-07:00One thing that helps me is to think of Caroline Co...One thing that helps me is to think of Caroline Cooney,who wrote EIGHT novels that never sold. The ninth sold, and she went on to write The Face on the Milk Carton and many other well-received books. I also heard Isaac B. Singer (after he had won the Nobel prize) say that The New Yorker still rejected some of his stories. So, like whistling in the dark, I try to dismiss a rejection slip with a oh-so-grownup-sounding "rejection slips are just part of the writer's life."Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06707857716373214999noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411759600837193508.post-82180363921858425752010-09-21T18:50:51.267-07:002010-09-21T18:50:51.267-07:00My books haven't made a big splash in the worl...My books haven't made a big splash in the world of publishing. They never really did pop up in the chains. But I've learned to celebrate the small successes. My soccer novel has turned up on various sports library lists. My contemporary novel made it onto two children's choice lists. And a few kids have loved them. So the knowledge that my projects have been the favorite book of a child for at least a short amount of time has been huge for me. <br /><br />But the reason that I keep writing comes is the same reason that I gave myself permission to start writing in the first place. Here's the quote from <br />Barbara Ueland’s book IF YOU WANT TO WRITE. This classic was published in 1938. It’s still in print today.<br /><br />“I want to assure you with all earnestness, that no writing is a waste of time,—no creative work where the feelings, the imagination, the intelligence must work. With every sentence you write, you have learned something. It has done you good. It has stretched your understanding. I know that. Even if I knew for certain that I would never have anything published again, and would never make another cent from it, I would still keep on writing.”Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411759600837193508.post-90860481043329918742010-09-21T18:06:56.931-07:002010-09-21T18:06:56.931-07:00Wow, look at all these great additions! Thanks eve...Wow, look at all these great additions! Thanks everyone. These are FANTASTIC!!R.L. LaFevershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14646274781361864901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411759600837193508.post-78898917114378667572010-09-21T18:02:29.057-07:002010-09-21T18:02:29.057-07:00**Be patient and persistent.
**Give yourself permi...**Be patient and persistent.<br />**Give yourself permission to feel sad and discouraged - but don't that be the excuse for quitting.<br />**If you still have something to say, keep writing. If you don't talk to a writerly bud.<br />**Remember there is something to be learned even from the hardest of times.<br />** Right the middle rails - don't get too attached to the highs or the lows in this business.<br /><br />GREAT POST!Christine Fonsecahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16986034666903054819noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411759600837193508.post-72414884834666851502010-09-21T12:22:15.817-07:002010-09-21T12:22:15.817-07:00This is a beautiful post. I personally can't i...This is a beautiful post. I personally can't image the literary world without Theodosia in it. <br /><br />I think that a writer must go inside and listen to that very personal voice within and let that be the light that shines the way through the process of writing an publishing. Everyone loves stories - even ones that aren't often considered high brow. We have to get past our egos and write our stories because the light inside motivates us to. Equally, we need to be selective of those who we will allow into our minds and hearts when it comes to our personal passions. We need to be the guardians at the door that protect the creative endeavors that come forth from us and treat them with respect they deserve as they find their footing in the world. We as writers owe this to our ideas, because they are ours and no one else would have the same inception. <br />Be your light and grow your light and the light will show you the way.Melnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411759600837193508.post-74645311474273710582010-09-21T10:34:51.130-07:002010-09-21T10:34:51.130-07:00Wonderful post and discussion! I think that no mat...Wonderful post and discussion! I think that no matter where you are on your writing journey (and whether, at that moment, it feels "successful" by external measures) it's essential to remember the deepest reason why you write. (For me, it's because the act of creating feels magical and thrilling... and that's really what matters most to me.) Not an easy task-- not by a long shot-- but worth aiming for!Laura Resauhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15492442901779966554noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411759600837193508.post-1970897020590557662010-09-21T10:14:35.857-07:002010-09-21T10:14:35.857-07:00Thanks so much for getting the conversation going,...Thanks so much for getting the conversation going, Robin. Just to hear all these authors say that yes, it IS difficult, just knowing I am in a community of people who deal with the difficulties, who persevere, and who are willing to share of themselves: probably the best help and support I can wish for.Yat-Yeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04028075516122778317noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411759600837193508.post-4119084782202717532010-09-21T09:01:02.115-07:002010-09-21T09:01:02.115-07:00"I don't care if I have to start over wit..."I don't care if I have to start over with another name, in another genre, in a box, with a fox, etc. I will. They can't get rid of me because I'm in this for life." -- LOL, awesome attitude, Anon! I'm with you on this, for sure. While others can decide whether they do or don't like my stories, whether they will or won't publish them, etc., only I get to decide if I'm gonna give up. (I'm not.)Shari Greenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12495151345889657066noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411759600837193508.post-47812036594810433532010-09-21T08:11:51.858-07:002010-09-21T08:11:51.858-07:00I'm not published yet, but my journey has incl...I'm not published yet, but my journey has included setbacks that have been confidence-shaking and humiliating. The only advice I have is this: Find joy in writing--not only in publication, or in achieving your goals, but in the actual act of indulging your creative spirit. Find joy there, and cling fiercely to it.<br /><br /><br /><br />Also this: take courage. <i>Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow." (Mary Anne Radmacher)</i>Shari Greenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12495151345889657066noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411759600837193508.post-59705857787205316332010-09-21T06:35:06.494-07:002010-09-21T06:35:06.494-07:00Thanks for this superb post, Robin.
The fact tha...Thanks for this superb post, Robin. <br /><br />The fact that I write about creating and maintaining resilience for writers helps me, too. <br /><br />When things are at the worst they can be, when the business feels overwhelming and the possibilities limited, I recommend (and I take my own advice, always!)asking, "Why do I write?" If the answer has something to do with, "Because I MUST...because this is how I make sense of my internal and external worlds..." then quitting is simply not an option.Carol Grannickhttp://theirrepressiblewriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411759600837193508.post-75142447623108695952010-09-21T04:45:24.896-07:002010-09-21T04:45:24.896-07:00There are so many good comments here!
I think the ...There are so many good comments here!<br />I think the worst thing for me during the publishing process was the agent rejections. It wasn't so much the waiting/in-between, because the in-between allowed me plenty of time for dreaming about what COULD be. I think that made it hurt worse when a rejection would come in. The biggest advise I could give is to go easy on yourself. I think for writers, rejection is such a personal offense. "They're saying this piece doesn't work? This piece is my heart..." And then it becomes much bigger than just one rejection, it starts to get that self-doubting voice a chance to start grumbling again. So in order to go easy on yourself, whenever you experience a rejection just wave your hand in the air and say, "heh, well, what do they know? (Insert famous author name) wasn't appreciated in his own time, either." And keep smiling.Erin Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01977070417800482420noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411759600837193508.post-5284302487775200562010-09-20T23:32:27.811-07:002010-09-20T23:32:27.811-07:00Thanks for posting this. I'm a debut author wh...Thanks for posting this. I'm a debut author who's been feeling like a giant failure since my book came out. It's disappeared from the chains. PW and Kirkus sort of hated it. Yet I'm posting anonymously because I'm worried someone will see this and think, "Grrr, her book's doing fine--better than mine did!" and hate me for complaining. <br /><br />Just last night I was freaking out to my husband. What if my second book gets canceled? What if I never get another contract? You know, that stuff. And he was like, Why is all that SO scary to you? I said, because I love writing and I'm afraid that they're going to tell me I can't be a writer anymore. <br /><br />As soon as I'd said that I realized how silly it was. Of course "they" can't tell me not to write books. And if I write books I'll edit them, and I'll send them off, and there I'll be again. Back in their mailboxes, back in bookstores... I don't care if I have to start over with another name, in another genre, in a box, with a fox, etc. I will. They can't get rid of me because I'm in this for life.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411759600837193508.post-15191690768629231152010-09-20T19:29:27.998-07:002010-09-20T19:29:27.998-07:00Thanks for your heartfelt advice, Robin. It's ...Thanks for your heartfelt advice, Robin. It's all so true.Jean Reidyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12103543981151799121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411759600837193508.post-57952560168285424242010-09-20T18:07:22.755-07:002010-09-20T18:07:22.755-07:00What a tresure trove of hand holding this blog is....What a tresure trove of hand holding this blog is. If only I had found it sooner. I have had a few shaky weeks after months of basically overediting. Shelved two pbs for the time being, but in freeing up my time a little, I have picked up where I left off years ago with my MG novel. I am having so much fun with it and re-writing it from another pov. I agree with those who say recharge, step back and either throw yourself into another genre like I am doing right now or take a break and scrapbook etc.(oh how I'd love to do that!)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411759600837193508.post-35174116321037938822010-09-20T15:02:19.553-07:002010-09-20T15:02:19.553-07:00I know of so many people whose first book was not ...I know of so many people whose first book was not all they had hoped--or maybe the first book went well, but then they could get no traction with the second. And they went on, sometimes years and many many manuscripts later, to publish something else.<br /><br />There are also many writers who have had a big splash not with their first book but with their 2nd, or 5th, or 10th.<br /><br />So I would say: The first book isn't everything. Not only are there second acts in the writing world, there are third and sixth and eleventh acts.<br /><br />Recharge for as long as you need to, and then if you want to try again, know that the next time around it may be a whole different story.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com