Published authors sometimes have a moan about deadlines, revisions, edits and bad reviews – in fact I’ve also blogged on this tour about the negative aspects of being published that I wished I’d known about before. But you know what? All of that is far outweighed by the positives. So don’t give up folks, if you are still striving for that deal – and here’s why.
1 Getting published demonstrates one thing that we all know but sometimes need concrete proof of – that hard work and perseverance will guarantee success. Is that a bold statement? I don’t think so. I’ve known a lot of writers over the years, and without exception, every single one that has learned their craft, studiously subbed to agents/publishers, and moved on from rejection, has eventually landed that deal. Okay, so it has taken some writers longer than others, but the overriding quality they have all shared, in order to at some point sign on the dotted line, is DETERMINATION. And it is a wonderful feeling, when you finally sign the contract, to realize that all those years of hard work have paid off.
2 When you tell people that you are an author, they insist that you must be clever – and, of course, on a very vain level that is lovely. Not that I believe it, however. See above. I am more determined than gifted. In fact my stock answer (which I truly believe) is that everyone has a degree of talent in some area that can be nurtured, be that writing, selling clothes, being a great parent or singing pop songs.
3 There’s the feeling of vindication. Whilst I have only ever had support from friends and family (fellow writing pals haven’t been so lucky), there is the need, when unpublished, to constantly justify why you expend so much sweat – and so many tears – pursuing a place in an industry that gives you nothing back but rejection. At last you can shout “Yes! You see! I knew I’d get there in the end! I knew what I was doing! I wasn’t wasting my time and energy! I CAN write!”
4 Royalties and climbing rank positions are lovely indeed, but one of the best aspects of being published is positive feedback from readers. A review that says your book cheered them up. Nothing pleases me more than knowing that I might have made someone’s day into a better one. I’ve made a difference, however small.
5 That sense of immortality – knowing that when you pass onto the next world (or into a black hole of nothingness, whatever you believe!) you have left something tangible behind. It is as if authors beat Mother Nature. Although, having contentedly said that, I did think recently, with a wry smile, that so far my books are digital-only and if there is ever a severe energy crisis, my stories might disappear into the ether. So I need to press forwards for a print deal!
Bio
Samantha Tonge lives in Cheshire with her lovely family, and two cats who think they are dogs. When not writing, she spends her days cycling and willing cakes to rise. She has sold over 80 short stories to women’s magazines. Her bestselling debut novel, Doubting Abbey, came out in November 2013.
Every girl dreams of hearing those four magical words Will you marry me? But no-one tells you what’s supposed to happen next…
Fun-loving Gemma Goodwin knows she should be revelling in her happy-ever-after. Except when her boyfriend Lord Edward popped the question, after a whirlwind romance, although she didn’t say no….she didn’t exactly say yes either!
A month-long cookery course in Paris could be just the place to make sure her heart and her head are on the same page… And however disenchanted with romance Gemma is feeling, the City of Love has plenty to keep her busy; the champagne is decadently quaffable, the croissants almost too delicious, and shopping is a national past-time! In fact, everything in Paris makes her want to say Je t’aime… Except Edward!
But whilst Paris might offer plenty of distractions from wedding planning – including her new friends, mysterious Joe and hot French rockstar Blade - there’s no reason she couldn’t just try one or two couture dresses is there? Just for fun…
Links
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SamTongeWriter
Website: http://samanthatonge.co.uk/
Doubting abbey Blog: http://doubtingabbey.blogspot.co.uk/
5 comments:
I do so agree. I spent so many years working, with no apparent success, but was learning all the time. Then, one day it happened. Good luck with your lovely new book, and do get it in print if you can. There's nothing quite like holding your own book in your hands!
Thanks so much, Frances - yes, that is my dream!
Got to be in it to win in, as they say!
I agree with all you say, Samantha, especially the part about determination being the key to success. All dreams have to be pursued and your path to success is inspirational to all writers hoping to succeed. Congratulations!
Congratulations, a lovely uplifting piece which all aspiring writers need.
All best with your writing projects
Mary j dinan
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