Hello Everyone,
It’s the first Wednesday in the month and IWSG Time has come around again.
IWSG, a writer’s support group created by Alex Cavanaugh, is a big help to many of us who don’t mind sharing our insecurities, our successes or giving encouragement to others.
So, if you are interested and would like to join, please go to the IWSG Website at
http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html
The Second Milestone
Last month, I finished my first milestone, and I am waiting on the critiques from my writing coach/book editor before I start with my rewrite/revision in July. It is my plan to finish and pass it back to her for final reading/critique the middle of August so that I can start seeking representation by the middle of September.
However, I am constantly fighting with myself. I recognize this first book is like a baby to me. Do I want to let her go? I know myself well enough to admit I am scared.
That is why every encouraging quote from someone else’s blog encourages me. I snap them up in my heart like a woman was lost in the desert without water.
So my insecurity is picking up the gauntlet and beginning the second milestone.
As one unknown poet said years ago,
Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor’s cup,
And he learned too late as the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
I keep telling myself I have gone too far, gotten too close to stop now. So, as I write I hear the soft whisperings of this unknown poet’s verses in my ear:
Success is failure turned inside out,
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems afar.
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit,
It’s when things seem worst that you mustn’t quit.
Submissions for
the month of April:
Turn The Lights On – Still outstanding- Master’s Review
Mr. Jake – Wigleaf
Annie and Severo – Diverse Voices Quarterly.
Short Story
Rejections for the month of April:
Mr. Jake – Kenyon Review
Lottie – Glimmer Train
Shalom Aleichem,
Pat Garcia
Poem, Don’t Quit, Author Unknown, taken from the following web link:
http://psalm40.org/dontquit.html
I know that you are a writer, and a writer who writes with thoughtful penning. You have a way to make people understand while using their imagination to visualize what you convey.
ReplyDeleteThere comes a times when children fly off. You have to trust that you have put your ducks in a row to allow the experiences that are needed for the flight.
You have a trusted team working to help you. You have people that are awaiting the release. You can do this!!
Thank you, my dear friend. I needed to hear this.
DeleteShalom Aleichem
There's nothing quite like handing our babies over to a new set of eyes. It takes a kind of courage many don't understand. Remember to breathe and to enjoy the ride. Your baby will no doubt be better for your having let go.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right and I am learning step by step to let go.
DeleteThank you.
Shalom Aleichem.
Patricia
It's completely natural to be scared. However, it sounds like you have your priorities in order and you know what your goals are--you're going to make it! Just stick with it!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on all the hard work you've completed so far!
Thank you Megan. I also believe it is natural to be scared. That's why I am not freaking out.
DeleteShalom Aleichem
Patricia
It's normal to be nervous about letting go, but you've worked hard on your story and people deserve to read it. Just like every published author in the world, you also deserve to let your voice be heard.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Quanie. I really appreciate your stopping by.
DeleteShalom Aleichem
I love the statement about how close but seem so far. Congrats, Pat, on the 1st milestone, and best wishes on reaching the 2nd. Keep telling yourself you can do it. Think about The Little Engine That Could. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, I will keep telling myself that. I learned this poem when I was twelve years old. Amazing how some things you never forget.
DeleteShalom Aleichem
Great summary, Pat. Those milestones--so daunting. I've already sought--and failed to find--representation. I did find one but she wanted more changes than I was willing to make. What I took away was that my writing was good enough, but maybe not mainstream enough. We'll see.
ReplyDeleteGood luck moving forward!
Thank you, Jacqui. Keep submitting. Don't let the opinion of one agent put you in a world of doubts.
DeleteShalom Aleichem
Keep heart and stay strong. You might not be able to control how people receive your work, but you can continue to strive for betterment! Keep going!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Loni. I will keep going. Even though afraid, I know writing is where I belong.
DeleteShalom Aleichem
My struggle is that I simply cannot decide what I want to write about. And then, of course, is the constant worry that people will not enjoy the finished product. I think we just need to take a deep breath and let go.
ReplyDeleteMary
#AtoZChallenge Reflections and #IWSG
Mary, overcome the struggle by writing. Just start and see where it leads you. If you're writing from your heart, it will tell you where you want to go.
DeleteShalom Aleichem,
Patricia
Thank you, my dear friend, as I TOTALLY forgot about today being IWSG Day. After reading your post I wrote my post too. You are a great influence, as I see you chugging along. Keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteI didn't think to remind you because you are so organized that I thought you knew. I'm glad you got your post up. Next time I know.
DeleteShalom Aleichem
Your blog posts are always so inspiring, Pat. Thank you for all you do, for the caring, the beautiful proses, and the constant encouragement. Sing on, sweet girl.
ReplyDeleteThank you for that lovely compliment. It has just made my day.
DeleteShalom Aleichem,
Patricia
If you weren't getting rejections I'd say you weren't doing enough. And you're getting those from some highly acclaimed publications. Glimmer Train for one. You'll turn that failure inside out and viola! Success. I just know it.
ReplyDeleteYou know that is exactly what my writing coach said. She's happy because she said, I'm growing and the people are beginning to notice I'm there.
DeleteThank you for confirming her advice.
Shalom Aleichem
Keep her. She right. :-)
DeleteIt's scary to let a story out into the world, but as you said, you've already come so far. No point to turning back now.
ReplyDeleteI won't turn back. I just look for the day when the first one is sitting on the shelves and people are buying it.
DeleteShalom Aleichem,
Patricia
Dear Patricia -- Yes, yes, when you've polished and refined your baby to the very best of your ability, then by all means send her out into the world. The feeling is utterly exhilarating, and you have now become one among us book authors. So, next, prepare another baby in the same manner, and then another and another. The adventure will have you smiling all the way.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for the poem reminding me that I must sit down and get to my next one, and not be the one who invented 6-Up.
Shalom,
Samantha
I'm waiting, my dear. You have such a beautiful first book on caregiving. Now it is time to start on the second one.
DeleteShalom Aleichem
Time to kick that book from the nest and watch it soar into the minds of eager readers!!
ReplyDeleteThe Discovery of Dragons and Parallels
You're right. I know that and I cannot wait for it to happen. But sometimes I think about the road ahead and get nervous.
DeleteShalom Aleichem,
Patricia
Yep, that first book will always be the treasured baby, and the second... and the third ;) It's why we work so hard on them. But yes it's hard to let go.
ReplyDeleteYes. So glad you understand. I think first one especially. I've been working on it since 2009 and now I'm getting close to letting it go.
DeleteShalom Aleichem,
I remember being so scared when I sent out my first book. And it hurt to get all those early rejections but I kept revising and learning. Push the baby out the door.
ReplyDeleteSusan Says
Susan, that is what I'm doing, also with my short stories. It is amazing how rejections help us fine tune our stories.
DeleteShalom Aleichem
Pat, often it's that second go-around that is the real challenge. I'm sending overcoming thoughts you way right now for a smashing success!
ReplyDeleteMay 2016 IWSG Co-Host
May the 4th Be With You
Stephen Tremp’s Breakthrough Blogs
Thank you, Stephen and thanks for all your positive vibes coming my way.
DeleteShalom Aleichem
It takes a lot of courage to write, Pat, especially for publication, and you have done it! So you are a very courageous woman. When the time comes, you will find that courage to hand over your baby. Best wishes and much success to you!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ravyne. You know If I had known in 2009 that I would still be working on this book in 2016, I never would have started. Good thing I didn't know. I let the dream that I've had since a small child drive me out of my hiding place.
DeleteShalom Aleichem
Go you Pat with the submmissions! Congrats! And don't be afraid to launch your baby. I love the poem, especially":
ReplyDeleteOften the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor’s cup...
So many people give up just before they reach their goal--it's human nature (read The Alchemist).
Shalom
Denise :-)
Thank you, Denise. I am going to read The Alchemist. In fact, I am going to look for it at Amazon Germany as soon as I finish my responses.
DeleteShalom Aleichem
Pat, I LOVE that poem! It's spot on!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the rewrite/revision of your book in July.
You are closer than you realise - it's SO true for you at this stage of the process, so keep those words in mind.
Go Pat! Onward and Upward!
Writer In Transit
Pat, keep an eye out for an e-mail from Sharon Cramer, the author of The Execution. She's going to mail you.
DeleteThank you, Michelle. I have received the email and responded. I am smiling with a huge smile from ear to ear.
DeleteShalom Aleichem,
Pat
Michelle, thanks also for dropping by my blog on IWSG day. I look forward to starting the rewrite/revision in July and I hope I succeed in every way.
DeleteShalom Aleichem
Fear not. I was like that when I first started publishing, too. I suppose I'll always tremble a little bit when I put a new baby out in the world but I won't hesitate to do it.
ReplyDelete@Kathleen01930
Blog
That is wonderful. I don't know how I will be after it hits the world but I do believe I will be relieved.
DeleteThank you so much for coming by, Kathleen.
Shalom Aleichem
This is beautiful. Keep going, you really are getting there. You finished a book, which for me is the really hard part. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteGood Morning,
DeleteThank you so much. It is encouraging to hear others see me getting there because to be very honest, it is so hard for me to see. I guess it is true that you when in the middle of a battle, you never see your actual progress.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia