I don't like not being in much control of my fate in the publishing life. I manage that by compensating with other activities that -do- offer some measure of control--which for me is sports. Having said that, I'm always sure to stress to my students, and to remind myself, that a) indeed you can't control whether you get published or not so b) your only guaranteed reward from the process is the joy you take in the writing. If the writing itself isn't sufficient reward for you, you might want to reconsider whether writing is for you!
I agree, Henriette. Do it for love or self-satisfaction, and the rest will hopefully follow. Plus, there are so many different outlets today (such as our Substack newletters), that there's no reason for work to ever just sit in a drawer--unless it's not meant to be shared.
Anticipatory anxiety--yes that's the perfect way to state the fear of the unknown!
When I whip myself up into that fear of never breaking into the traditional publishing industry (I decided long ago there is nothing in me that wants to self-publish), I focus on the fact that I created whole novels and illustrations, something I never could have imagined possible when I first stepped deliberately onto a path of learning how to write and illustrate. And when that doesn't work, I remind myself that even if I don't land an agent and contracts for my works, I am still whole. If that doesn't work, I go outside for a long walk and at night have a glass of wine. :)
Renee, you had me at glass of wine. :) Everything you wrote here reflects such a great perspective. And I'm not surprised because I just checked out your Substack newsletter, The Creator's Compass, and subscribed. Looks like you've got lots of great advice for staying centered as a creative person.
How well you captured the struggle, Meta. I think it's a matter of just putting one foot in front of the other and moving forward. That is a form of bravery, right?! Like Salvador Dali said, “Have no fear of perfection–you’ll never reach it.”
When you think of it that way, there's nothing to hold us back ;-)
Thank you, Meta,… I always look forward to your thoughtful queries.
How do I deal with the vagaries, the uncertainties of the whole writing/publishing process?
I further embué my characters with super human abilities to deal with the challenges of life.
I make them more observant, more perspicacious, more soulful and more lovable than I am in real life... at least they stand a chance to make it!
I’m afraid I don’t have the answers here, Meta, but you continue to ask the important questions.
Thank you!
Brian, I'm so happy you had the chance to comment here! Thinking of you (and your perspicacious characters--great word!).
I don't like not being in much control of my fate in the publishing life. I manage that by compensating with other activities that -do- offer some measure of control--which for me is sports. Having said that, I'm always sure to stress to my students, and to remind myself, that a) indeed you can't control whether you get published or not so b) your only guaranteed reward from the process is the joy you take in the writing. If the writing itself isn't sufficient reward for you, you might want to reconsider whether writing is for you!
I agree, Henriette. Do it for love or self-satisfaction, and the rest will hopefully follow. Plus, there are so many different outlets today (such as our Substack newletters), that there's no reason for work to ever just sit in a drawer--unless it's not meant to be shared.
Anticipatory anxiety--yes that's the perfect way to state the fear of the unknown!
When I whip myself up into that fear of never breaking into the traditional publishing industry (I decided long ago there is nothing in me that wants to self-publish), I focus on the fact that I created whole novels and illustrations, something I never could have imagined possible when I first stepped deliberately onto a path of learning how to write and illustrate. And when that doesn't work, I remind myself that even if I don't land an agent and contracts for my works, I am still whole. If that doesn't work, I go outside for a long walk and at night have a glass of wine. :)
Renee, you had me at glass of wine. :) Everything you wrote here reflects such a great perspective. And I'm not surprised because I just checked out your Substack newsletter, The Creator's Compass, and subscribed. Looks like you've got lots of great advice for staying centered as a creative person.
Thank you so much, Meta! Your subscription means a lot to me.
The creative life requires an endless amount of self-care (and wine!), and finding your newsletter a few weeks ago came at the perfect time.
Yay!!!
How well you captured the struggle, Meta. I think it's a matter of just putting one foot in front of the other and moving forward. That is a form of bravery, right?! Like Salvador Dali said, “Have no fear of perfection–you’ll never reach it.”
When you think of it that way, there's nothing to hold us back ;-)
Creating anything--and hoping for publication but not depending on it--*is* a form of bravery. Well said!