As an author, it can be discouraging when you can’t seem to get an agent or publisher to notice your work. You’ve put yourself into every page and want to share it with the world, but at every turn you keep getting a “no” or, “sorry, but I’m going to pass on this one,” or my most recent favorite, “pass, but God bless.” Hmmm….
So, what do you do to keep yourself motivated? My suggestion: Write Another Book.
I keep a quote from Edgar Rice Burroughs on my refrigerator:
“If you write one story, it may be bad; if you write a hundred, you have the odds in your favor.”
I don’t want to believe that all my stories written thus far are bad, they simply haven’t found the right home. That being said, with every book I write, I believe my writing improves. So, eventually, I know I’m going to write that masterpiece that the world will be chomping at the bit to read! Yes, I believe in the power of positive thinking. ;0)
In an age when everything seems to be “on the plate” so to speak, it’s hard for me to understand why an agent didn’t like my “accidental incest” story line. I write emotional, epic sagas, and I didn’t feel my theme was out of line. However, I’ve gotten the reaction of “OOOH” from more than one person. But, I’m not going to change the story, because it’s what drives it. Without it, there would be no story.
I decided to make my new book a bit more traditional, and maybe I won’t get that stomach churning reaction when I pitch this one. But one day, when I’m published, I may just reintroduce my saga. By then, I hope to have a following that loves my writing, and understands that things happen in life that aren’t always “happy” and pleasing to the stomach.
So please…I urge you…
WRITE ON!!
WRITE ON!!
Jeanne Hardt 
Hi Jeanne, you could always try self-publishing in the meantime too. I am writing my first novel and that will be my initial plan. Good luck!
Thanks for your words of encouragement! Yes, I’ve considered self-publishing, but am trying the traditional route first. There is a lot of good to be said about self-pub these days. If you go that route, be sure to get a qualified editor so that your book is tight and clean when submitted. You’ll want to make a great first impression.Good luck to you, too!
I’m in a very similar boat right now, and I’m taking exactly the same advice. Onward and upward!
Yes! Keep me posted on your progress, Sharon.
Never give up, never surrender is one of my favorite quotes. Writing the next book and the one after that will only make you a better writer. My first book has been rejected 3 times so far. I haven’t given up on it but I am working on book two. Lots of authors pull out book one years after they are published.
I like that, Page! Never give up, never surrender. I used the term “rejected” to someone, and they said to never think of it as “rejection.” (Though it’s hard not to!) They said to look at it more as “it wasn’t right for them, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be right for someone else.” We’ll get there, Page!