amoskalik wrote:In the two years or so I've participated in this forum, I've seen my own perspective on writing greatly expand. I started out with a very impatient point of view. I was going to win this contest and use the publicity to help sell the novel I had a first draft of (and haven't touched since). I can only smile at my earlier self but not condescendingly by any means. His ideas were hopelessly niave but came from an honest earnestness, an earnestness that carried me forward while I slowly learned a thing or two.
Now I know enough to realize how much further I still need to travel, but I also have enough competence to actually enjoy writing. This gives me a sense of calm that I lacked earlier. The long winding road ahead of me is one of wonder and possibilities rather than an obstacle to be quickly overcome.
I still intend to write what I want to write the way I want to write it, but I've seen so much to inspire me from others that what I want to write has changed dramatically and I anticipate it to continue to do so. That wouldn't have happened if I stayed in my cave (as tempting as that was at times).
You're describing my journey as a writer almost perfectly. I started off writing novels (well, one cheesy, cliche try, at least) and I haven't touched the rough draft in years. When I transitioned to short stories for the purpose of submitting, I was horrendously frustrated. I started seriously submitting in late 2014, and didn't make ANY sales all through 2014-2015. I couldn't figure out how to break through. I didn't see what was wrong with my stories and was, at times, convinced no one was going to pick any of them up.
I also didn't know much of the industry -- Grinder, critters, forums, that a personal rejection letter was gold -- so my views on writing were limit to my own tastes at the time.
WotF sending me a silver HM at the end of 2015 was the first piece of success I had. Although I hadn't made any sales through 2015, I'd grown a lot in my writing. Now it's beginning to show in 2016.
At this point, like Aaron said, I sit back and actually enjoy my writing (even when rushing for a deadline). I will be accepted every once in a while, but mostly my stories are still drop-kicked back to me with a form rejection. I'm fine with that. I enjoy the writing. I enjoy taking time to work on my novel purely in my mind until I know it's ready to be written. The others here are right, writing isn't like driving, but if it helps you to think that way...try getting to a place where you enjoy the drive. Instead of needed to get from A to B fast as you can, know that you're not going to get there any faster no matter how much you want it (NO, that does NOT mean go 90 on the freeway) and maybe enjoy the journey. Look at the scenery, enjoy the radio, because that's what may make it actually go faster.
Jason, if you pop your head out of your writing cave, I hope this helps a little.
