Yes, I know its not Monday, which is my usual posting day, but I have been swamped lately. I have finished, F I N I S H E D my novel, Shadow Warrior. This is the sequel to my Shadow Dancer novel published last fall. It is formatted and edited (hopefully) to the best of my ability and is right this very moment, officially in the paws of my publisher. Woo Hoo!
Now comes the hard part: The waiting. Nail biting, worry inducing, stomach aching waiting. I hate this part. What if they don’t like it, or worse hate it? What if what I think is a great story actually sucks? Most times I would just jump back into another story and get moving writing it, but my brain wont stop the “what if” cycle that spinning and circling around in there.
My shorter stories I don’t have this type of issue with. Oh I am invested in their future, but not heartbreakingly if rejected (not that it doesn’t upset me – I wish it didn’t, but alas it does every single time). My novels though, they have my soul in them. They have my time, my energy, my frustrations. A ‘no’ on one of my novel submissions tend to depress me for days. No, I’m not wailing in the streets, but the weight of that one little word, tends to hang on.
So to try to combat my neurosis, today I have decided that I am going to read a new book. Any recommends?
Have a great week everyone.
ctny
Saving Max. I loved this book and she is a first time author. I'm desparately trying to rack my brain for some other books I love but it's drawing a dead blank!! For the last year, I've barely read any books that weren't picture books!!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could say I dont get all excited and all depressed with submissions and rejections for every single story I send in. The only time a rejection doesnt hurt as much is if it comes immediately after I've gotten an acceptance on something else! Otherwards, it hurts every darn time.
Have you read The Mysterious Benedict Society? It was recommended to me by a 6th grader, but it's just lots of fun if you want to get your mind off other things. If you want something more serious, I'm currently reading Factory Girls by Leslie T. Chang and it's fascinating.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your submissions!
hmmm, well the best book I've read in the past two years was the hunger games series by Suzanne Collins. If you haven't already read it you absolutely must. I'm writing a novel this summer as well, and I understand what you mean about it being part of them having your soul in them. Good luck with your publisher, hope to see your name on store shelves soon!
ReplyDeleteCourtney, having read Shadow Dancer, I can say you are a great writer. I'm sure your publisher will love this book too. Take a deep breath and try to relax.
ReplyDeleteReading a book is a great idea. I've just read several middle grade books that were great, Chasing Vermeer, The 39 Clues, and When You Reach Me. For YA I'm reading Dreaming Anastasia. I recently read Fallen and Torment by Lauren Kate. Those were good too.
Congratulations on finishing your book. I know the wait is nerve-wracking. I think that is part of the reason I self-publish - LOL!
ReplyDeleteHang in there!
Talia
http://taliajager.blogspot.com
Congratulations! This is huge. I'm very happy for you.
ReplyDeleteLadaisi Blog
Conga rats, Courtney, on finishing Shadow Warrior!
ReplyDeleteIf you want to read something small and sweet that will soothe your brain, try Lois Lowry's Gossamer. It's just charming.