After receiving
a rejection from an agent, that I thought would love my story, I was more than
a little surprised when I was told my manuscript had several blaring issues. This
story was only my second novel, written several years ago when I knew nothing
about writing, and all by my lonesome.
Now here’s the really sad part. I paid a content editor to
go over it, and they deemed it a good story. It went through a critique group, where
a handful of people were following and raved about it. If that wasn’t enough, I
asked a published author to read it all the way through and give me their
honest thoughts. They said it was a good story, and only had a couple of
suggestions and did some minor corrections. I even entered it in a contest, and
received some positive feedback.
This experience has made me wonder if I am to believe anyone.
I had loved the critique group, and thought it very helpful. I had paid a
content editor good money to go over my manuscript. I trusted an author to give
me honest feedback.
I know that writing is subjective, but the editor that
rejected my story, I really admire their writing. And honestly, they’re right.
As much as I loved my story concept, I knew deep down there were issues with
it. All the pumping up of my ego with the critique group, and gentle critiques
of my story from those in the business, lead me to believe I was ready, when in
fact I was far from it. At least with this story.
If I had been told the harsh truth in the
beginning, I may have never typed another word. But now I’m left with wondering
if this is really for me? Can I get to
where I need to be? Where I want to be?
There has to be a better way. A way to be honest, without
killing ones spirit.
For now I’m giving it to God, as I should. He will be the
one that decides if I continue on this journey or not. I’m no quitter, and
thankful for every step of the way in this process, because I know all to well how God works.
He has a perfect plan for each of us that will happen in His, not our, perfect
time.
As it is the way I’ve come to recognize of my own self, I
will pout and be depressed for a few days. But if God so deems it to be, I will
then get back on the horse – or should I say the computer – and write.
9 comments:
This was an interesting post Kym...You've been doing this for a long time. So I know in my own writing I have felt as you have. I have given up my writing, at least the novel. I have given it to a lot of people. Some did read it and told me it was a good story. But I also gave it to enough people who completely blew it off once I sent it too them. It made me realize that while I thought it was a good story, and some said the same, it really wasn't as interesting as I wanted to believe it was. What frustrated me is the time I put into it (over 10 years) and now it all sits in a box. But like you, if God wants me to pick it back up then I will but for now...R.I.P "The Rocker and the Royal"
Luis,
I still liked your story, though I only read a small portion of it. Writing takes a lot of work. Some grasp it easier and quicker than others. It’s been a really long journey for me, though I know others with just as long a journey, or more. For me, I’ve been raising kids and doing ministry, so though I love writing, it’s not my top priority. I too could think all this was a waste, but deep down I don’t really believe that. One, writing provided something, had a purpose, if nothing else as a means to get through hard times in life. Two, I look back at how awful a write I was when I started, so I have to believe there’s still hope I’ll one day be where I want to be. The kind of write I dream of being.
Blessings,
Kym
Kym, I have been where you are and find myself there still sometimes. Don't give up writing. Just keep reading books in your genre, absorbing as much as you can from reading about the craft, and asking God to show you what's next. My debut novel was published in 2011 and I began it in 1993. So it does take a long time but if you're called to write, you'll not be able to stop. Also, guard your heart. I've found that I'd rather be rejected by agents and publishers than to have someone I know critique my work. Why? Well, I followed too much advice and ended up messing my novels up. What one thought was bad, another thought was good. It is so subjective, like you said. But there are set guidelines to writing well that span across the board of fiction. Follow those and write what God places on your heart. When the time is right, you'll get published. God bless! www.sherriwilsonjohnson.com
Sherri,
Thanks much for your encouraging words. That means a lot. As frustrating as it has been at times, I just cannot stop myself from wanting to create a story. I have over twenty pages of ideas, and they keep coming. Now if I can just learn how to produce a well writing story. I guess as long as God isn’t telling me to quit, I need to trust Him, no matter how long the journey.
Blessings,
Kym
Don't tell me, please, that this happened with your homeless Cinderella story? No. That could not be. Yes, there were some things that could be improved, but it is among the best stories I have seen on the ACFW crit loop. I have no stake in saying this, I am VERY critical. Just let me say, get it in front of another agent or to a conference. It has merit.
Yes, Susan, it was that exact story. I know, I was crushed – momentarily – but the editor was right. They didn’t say I should scrap the story, just that I needed to clean up a few writing rules that I was breaking, which isn’t that big of a deal. What is a huge deal is the problem they have with the hero. As much as it pains me, I know deep down they are right. It was the first time I had someone say they had a problem with him. If there were negative comments to be made on a character in the past, it was the heroine not being likeable.
I asked a writer friend who knows the history of this story well, what I should do, and we agreed I needed to set it aside, yet another time. It’s going to be a lot of work to go back and make the changes I need to on the hero. Or maybe I’m afraid of how difficult it might be. Or more so, if I can do it.
For now, I plan to do my best to complete the first drafts of two other stories I started after that one, and then see where God leads me. I’d hate to let it go forever, but I don’t want to have it published unless it’s truly a great story AND well written.
Thank you for your encouragement. It means a lot to me that at least one person enjoyed it.
Blessings,
Kym
I'm the same way. I can't NOT write. Every time I prayed and asked God just to take the desire away from me if I was never going to be published, I would wake up with new ideas. I see that you said you've heard complaints about your heroine not being likable. I heard complaints that my heroine was too weak. Then I'd make her stronger and hear that she was too strong, didn't need the hero. Ugh! And the hero definitely needs to be someone who can swoop in and save the day but he must have a flaw or a weakness of some kind to show he's human and real. Maybe you do need to set the story aside for a while. The one I'm doing now was a contemporary that I couldn't get above 75,000 words no matter what I did. I had two agents and one large publisher say they liked it. But they all suggested changes that made the story what they wanted it to be and not at all what the story was. Then I acquired my agent and he suggested changing it from a contemporary to a historical. I'm almost finished with the revisions and let me tell you--almost immediately I fell in love with the story and it's now over 95,000 words! Who knew that the Mustangs needed two legs instead of four tires? :)
Wow, thanks so much, Sherri. Very encouraging. I know, it’s a crazy business. I was told once that I need to tell when my character is going to sit, or stand, etc., so I started incorporating that in. Now I’m being told I don’t need to. I’m having a hard time finding the right balance of more than on rule. I guess it boils down to being honest with yourself, and sticking with your gut feeling on much of your story. If God wants this story to one day be published, He’ll make it happen.
Blessings,
Kym
You're exactly right. I think it's good to sprinkle in some action throughout the dialogue that lets the reader know what the character is doing--lets them know she's not just standing there with her arms hanging by her side. It can be used to break up some big pieces of dialogue. But I have read some books that seemed to be filled with more movement from the characters than actual story. I hate that. I think a little guides the readers along and helps them stay connected to your character while keeping them involved in the story.
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