This reads so true to me, Kate. Even after over a dozen books. I have just finished rewriting my first original YA narrative on Gandhi's Salt March in 1930. Thought it would be a breeze when I began. 40,000 words, less than half a normal adult book that I typically write. Simple, straightforward, inspiring story. A year of work, I expected...I'm now into year three, a dozen drafts, and finally feel in my bones like it's ready. I'm exhausted just recollecting the effort. It's long since past where it's a financially responsible book for me to do, but I simply love this story. Alas. Thank goodness I have a newsletter here that pays such huge sums of money :)
Sep 21, 2022·edited Sep 21, 2022Liked by Kate McKean
Why do so many of us think writing should be quick and easy? Maybe because we were the “naturals” — the one or two kids in our elementary school class of 30 who loved writing and did it quickly and well and got high praise for it. We got used to that praise. Of course writing a novel takes light years more thinking and rewriting and editing than a fifth grade essay on My Summer Vacation. But our still-plastic brains took away a message of “I’m great at this. It’s easy! It’s fun! Everyone loves what I produce!” And good: That led us to be writers. But bad: we think it should be easy.
This is go good. I sent more than 80 queries for my first novel. I heard a lot of "noes". Some very kind and encouraging replies, but still "no". Nearly a year went by before an offer came through. And that's on top of the year (plus) writing the book.
Thank you thank you thank you. I can't tell you how much your newsletters mean to me - how they help me stay focused and buoyant, how they pour fresh cold water over any preciousness I might feel, how they help me remember to just keep going. Seriously, so helpful! One day, I hope you publish all your advice into a NYTimes bestseller!
I'm done, reluctantly admitting defeat. Not because I want to. I've run out of steam, health, time.
Maybe I started too late in life, roughly 23 or 24 years ago. I was 53 then, full of ideas and energy, though not a lot of spare time. I was still working full time, but it seemed doable then.
It wasn't.
I'd go at it fast and furious and then slow. I'd get all excited about being published the traditional way, and then get discouraged, give up, and self-publish.
Then I'd start over. New projects; maybe, just maybe this is it. And do it all over again. Wasting what years I had left. Never guessing I'd finally struggle just to stay alive with but a little relief from pain. Live from day to day, hour to hour. Thinking several months ago that I'd better stop play acting that this time I'd get published traditionally, I was forced to give in and self-publish.
Well, at least it's out there, I told myself. Wasn't that what I really wanted? Not sure If I'm lying or not.
Whatever.
I'm still done... and for some crazy reason still following the writerly scene. So along with dying, I'm going nuts.
I do so many mental gymnastics to try and get around the fact that Writing is Hard, and they never work. Thanks for the reminder - and for mentioning another book to add to the TBR pile!
Thank you! This is just what I needed to hear, now. I'll just have to put my head down and keep on with that hard work - I know it will be worth it in the end. Thanks.
I love (and hate) this because I, too, always think I will be the exception. Of COURSE I can write a novel draft in a weekend, why would that be a ridiculous expectation? (Excuse me, my eyes have rolld right out of my head.) Just the reminder I needed today.
A spectacular reminder! I'm writing my 3rd book now, which is a memoir and a total departure from my other writing. I've been working on it for over 2 years and I know I have at least 2-3 more years to go (along with working with editors ... etc.) before I'd even be comfortable pitching it, but it's all worth it.
This reads so true to me, Kate. Even after over a dozen books. I have just finished rewriting my first original YA narrative on Gandhi's Salt March in 1930. Thought it would be a breeze when I began. 40,000 words, less than half a normal adult book that I typically write. Simple, straightforward, inspiring story. A year of work, I expected...I'm now into year three, a dozen drafts, and finally feel in my bones like it's ready. I'm exhausted just recollecting the effort. It's long since past where it's a financially responsible book for me to do, but I simply love this story. Alas. Thank goodness I have a newsletter here that pays such huge sums of money :)
Just what I needed to read today. Thank you. ♥.
Why do so many of us think writing should be quick and easy? Maybe because we were the “naturals” — the one or two kids in our elementary school class of 30 who loved writing and did it quickly and well and got high praise for it. We got used to that praise. Of course writing a novel takes light years more thinking and rewriting and editing than a fifth grade essay on My Summer Vacation. But our still-plastic brains took away a message of “I’m great at this. It’s easy! It’s fun! Everyone loves what I produce!” And good: That led us to be writers. But bad: we think it should be easy.
This is go good. I sent more than 80 queries for my first novel. I heard a lot of "noes". Some very kind and encouraging replies, but still "no". Nearly a year went by before an offer came through. And that's on top of the year (plus) writing the book.
I just started the querying process and - shockingly - am 0 for 3 so far. This is just what I needed to read today. Thank you!
Thank you thank you thank you. I can't tell you how much your newsletters mean to me - how they help me stay focused and buoyant, how they pour fresh cold water over any preciousness I might feel, how they help me remember to just keep going. Seriously, so helpful! One day, I hope you publish all your advice into a NYTimes bestseller!
Appreciate you and this!
I'm done, reluctantly admitting defeat. Not because I want to. I've run out of steam, health, time.
Maybe I started too late in life, roughly 23 or 24 years ago. I was 53 then, full of ideas and energy, though not a lot of spare time. I was still working full time, but it seemed doable then.
It wasn't.
I'd go at it fast and furious and then slow. I'd get all excited about being published the traditional way, and then get discouraged, give up, and self-publish.
Then I'd start over. New projects; maybe, just maybe this is it. And do it all over again. Wasting what years I had left. Never guessing I'd finally struggle just to stay alive with but a little relief from pain. Live from day to day, hour to hour. Thinking several months ago that I'd better stop play acting that this time I'd get published traditionally, I was forced to give in and self-publish.
Well, at least it's out there, I told myself. Wasn't that what I really wanted? Not sure If I'm lying or not.
Whatever.
I'm still done... and for some crazy reason still following the writerly scene. So along with dying, I'm going nuts.
I published three manuscripts using self publishing and I wish I hadn't. I don't recommend it. A literary agent is definitely best way to go.
I still have to learn this lesson with every book I write whyyyyyyyyy
such a good reminder!!
I do so many mental gymnastics to try and get around the fact that Writing is Hard, and they never work. Thanks for the reminder - and for mentioning another book to add to the TBR pile!
Thank you! This is just what I needed to hear, now. I'll just have to put my head down and keep on with that hard work - I know it will be worth it in the end. Thanks.
I love (and hate) this because I, too, always think I will be the exception. Of COURSE I can write a novel draft in a weekend, why would that be a ridiculous expectation? (Excuse me, my eyes have rolld right out of my head.) Just the reminder I needed today.
A spectacular reminder! I'm writing my 3rd book now, which is a memoir and a total departure from my other writing. I've been working on it for over 2 years and I know I have at least 2-3 more years to go (along with working with editors ... etc.) before I'd even be comfortable pitching it, but it's all worth it.