Join me in pretending this post is NOT a result of having no idea what to write about for the letter U and wanting to share some really beautiful pictures. Shall we?
I've admitted several times to friends and family in this writing journey that I wish I never started. If I hadn't picked up that pen two-and-a-half years ago to write the great American novel as a new year's resolution, I wouldn't have discovered how addicting writing can be, the sheer joy of creating something out of my imagination, the thrill of having others read my work and like it, and the amazing writing community that I come in contact with on a daily basis. In other words, my life would be so much simpler.
I can't go back, though. And now I'm an obsessed crazy writer trying to break into publishing. If I knew, back then, what this road would be like, would I have started? Honestly, I don't know. But since I'm in the thick of it now, let's think about how roads relate to this crazy writing journey:
1) The road that heads straight uphill. It's gonna be hard. It's gonna make me sweat. But oh, imagine that view at the top.
2) The paths of many, but equally promising options. Do I write MG, YA, adult, picture book? Fantasy, contemporary, memoir? I might need to walk down a few before finding the right one.
4) I can see the end, that bright and shiny book deal (preferable six-figures, of course). Why are there so many twists and bends on the way? I can almost touch it...
5) Who the crap was in charge of paving this road? Isn't there a simple formula for getting there, not a riotous ride that will leave bumps and bruises in its wake?
6) So inviting. One shot. Piece of cake. A long tunnel, yes. But pleasant every step of the way. Hmm.
7) Why does it feel like I'm the only to have come this way in a long, long time? Does this path even lead anywhere?
8) Walking the road well-trodden and sure. It worked for them, why not me? haha :)
8) I'm gonna get there if I have to dig my own path to do it.
9) Um. Are you sure this is the way I'm supposed to go?
10) Just keep writing. Just keep writing. Just keep writing.
11) If this is what your path looks like, I hate you.
12) I can do anything. I can be anything. The possibilities are endless. Look out, world.
13) Keep chugging along. BUT, don't forget to enjoy the journey!
What does your writing road look like at the moment? Do you wish you could go back?
13 comments:
OMG, this is the nest post ever... oh some of those roads/paths are just gorgeous..... right now, I'm on an endless road where I can't see my destination... it's bumpy, and my car breaks down often so I have to walk a lot of it..... but I keep moving, one way or another :)
Fantastic photo analogies. This must have taken you lots of time. Thoroughly enjoyed your efforts.
The photos are beautiful and I wonder what you will do with the letters X and Z. I understand yoru frustration, being in the same boat, but U turn isn't an option. The choice is to continue and face more rejections until a positive response, or give up and regret it for many years to come. The business of geting published is very competitive. There are not enough openings for all authors to get published in print publishers. You can always self published in print and as an e-book, but that should be your last choice. Read the story of Jenny Milchman, one of the first bloggers I met. She didn't give up and after 11 years a major book publisher will publish her novel. This was her dream. To see her book in book stores, not as an e-book. She gave it all, and made it. I really hope that her book will also become a best seller, just to have a perfect ending. But you raised a new option, which you should explore: writing also a picture book. As I posted on your friend Robin's blog, it's natural for a mother raising young children to write a picture blog, after reading many of them to her kids and she can also test them on her kids, to see if they like it or not. The challenge is to come with a new lovable character. Once you have it, the writing is easy. It's big market with over 50 literary agents. And the query is simple. You just submit the picture book.
Forget about a U turn. That's not an option. And if all failed, just self publish what you have a e-books(my last option as well) and follow Amanda Hocking's blog for tip how she become a best seller selling her e-books from her small apartment. Best wishes and success will come. P.S. I brought a new follower to your blog, Sierra Dawn, who finished a novel set in Hawaii. We have chats on her blog about Ohana and Hawaii ect.
Those pictures are wonderful. I've experienced the trip along them all. My first book will be published next week, that is if we can every agre on how the cover should look. I wrote Wind Over Troubled Waters with Edith Parzefall, she in Germany while I live in England. Bumpy but joyous at the end.
http://francene-wordstitcher.blogspot.com.
Awesome post. I think I've felt like I've been on all of those roads - every day feels a little different.
What a creative post. Don't you dare make a U-turn!
Can so relate to every one of your roads right now, LOL. These are great comparisons, and great pics!
When I first opened it, my blog was called "Following the Yellow Stripe" - similiar in nature to these pictures, which are great.
Oh my gosh, I totally relate to every one of those roads/paths. I'm on number 10 at the moment, and getting a little sick. ;)
These pictures are AMAZING. I've even been on a few of those roads. How in the world did they do the one with the snow? Crazy.
Oh, 11 looks familiar ;)
Nah, right now I'm at 2 :)
Your blog always brightens my day, Ilima. Right now I feel like I'm on #7. Will anyone even read my book? Will anyone like it? :-p (At least I do!)
Cristina-Yes, I know that endless road.
Em-Musing-My husband showed me all these once so I didn't have to dig too much. Glad you liked them.
Giora-I'm so excited for X. Tune in Friday...
Francene-congrats on your book published!
Tonja-Sometimes it's different by the hour for me. :)
Sara-I won't, though sometimes I wish I could. :)
Jaybird-That could be a road itself...being on so many at the same time.
Jaycee-Following the Yellow Stripe sounds very cool and creative.
Cassie-Just keep writing!
Angie-I thought that too and have been trying to figure out how it could be a fake picture???
Taryn-I hate you for #11, love you for #2
Katie-I love it! Don't worry.
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