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Amanda Gale

Goodreads Author

Website

http://www.amandagalebooks.com

Twitter

AmandaGaleBooks

Genre

Women's Fiction, Fiction, Romance

Member Since

June 2014

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Amanda Gale is a lover of history and an incurable night owl. She enjoys museums, hiking, and strong tea.

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I'm an aspiring writer, but I'm dealing with two things: I get discouraged every single day because 96% of manuscripts are rejected, and I haven't had an idea for years, literally. There's too many people wanting to be writers, and knowing there's so much competition just kills me a little every day. When I get motivated, immediatly something appears about the industry that kills it. Any tips on how to deal with this?

Amanda Gale Hi, Cintia! I'm just seeing this now--apologies for the delay! Thanks so much for writing! I completely understand. It's really easy to get discourage…moreHi, Cintia! I'm just seeing this now--apologies for the delay! Thanks so much for writing! I completely understand. It's really easy to get discouraged, and I think all writers feel discouraged at some point. There are so many steps in the process, and so many paths to take--it can feel overwhelming at times.

My first piece of advice is to just push, push, push. So much of the difficulty lies in persisting with this simple task. No matter what you're feeling, if you feel called to write, just keep doing it, regardless of the obstacles you may encounter. Take it one day at a time; try not to worry about step D or H or Z before you've accomplished step A. Once you've completed the book, you'll probably feel a new rush of motivation, and it'll feel so fantastic to have that finished product!

One thing I've learned in talking to so many writers is that everyone has a unique voice and a unique niche. I think the key is to find what your voice is, to pin down where your passions lie and to try to add something to the table. Be yourself, and be genuine--if you do that, you can't really have any competition. :) It's definitely true that there's competition for visibility, and that is, truthfully, one of the toughest parts of writing and publishing. But, being true to yourself will help you stand out from the crowd, and readers will find something in you they don't see in anyone else. As a result, you'll be able to draw the right readers.

I think the further you get into the process, the more you can determine which path is best for you--whether you go indie, publish traditionally, or something in between. I'd suggest joining some writers' groups, if you haven't already done so, where you can bounce ideas off people and learn the ins and outs of what's going on in the industry and how people are dealing with it. As you said, things are constantly changing, with publishers big and small and also in the indie world. The writers' groups I'm in have been absolutely invaluable. I've learned so much and have felt a real sense of camaraderie, which has helped lift me up when I've felt discouraged or lost.

Regarding the issue of not having an idea, I think perhaps writers' groups can help with that, too. Many groups will offer writing prompts that might be the trigger you need to get you started on a bigger project. Three of my own works came about because I joined anthologies--they had themes we had to adhere to, so I wasn't starting from scratch. You could also keep a notebook handy to jot down random thoughts you have throughout the day. Sometimes an entire story can be developed from one face, one sentence or line of dialogue, one minor event, or one emotion.

I hope this is helpful! Thank you again for reaching out. Best of luck to you! I have no doubt you'll find your way with time. In my opinion, the hardest part is not just getting started but building momentum. Once the ball is rolling, it's hard to stop, and I suspect you'll find yourself moving forward no matter what. I just published a book this week, and it was years in the making; I'd tried to start it for years, and it wouldn't come to me. The first half of the book was torturous to write, but I pushed through, knowing it would be worth it. Lo and behold, the second half came much more easily, and here it is. :) You truly can do it, even when you feel you can't--and when you've done it, you'll feel that much more proud as a result.(less)

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Amanda Gale’s books

Average rating: 4.37 · 195 ratings · 58 reviews · 14 distinct works

	Meredith Out of the Darkness (Meredith, #1) 4.03 avg rating — 61 ratings — published 2014 — 3 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Meredith Against the Wind (Meredith, #2) 4.44 avg rating — 25 ratings — published 2014 — 3 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Meredith With the Waves (Meredith, #4) 4.63 avg rating — 19 ratings — published 2014 — 3 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Meredith Into the Fire (Meredith, #3) 4.39 avg rating — 18 ratings — published 2014 — 3 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Strawberry and Sage 4.85 avg rating — 13 ratings — published 2015 — 4 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Catherine and the Wind 4.75 avg rating — 8 ratings — 3 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Gwyneth in the Garden 4.86 avg rating — 7 ratings — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Love in the Lavender 4.75 avg rating — 4 ratings — 3 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Sweet Lavvy 4.67 avg rating — 3 ratings — 3 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Meredith: The Complete Series 4.33 avg rating — 3 ratings	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

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Amanda Gale wants to read The Rendezvous and Other Stories by Daphne du Maurier	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
May 09, 2023 09:55AM · like
Amanda Gale wants to read The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
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Amanda Gale rated a book it was amazing The Thursday Murder Club (Thursday Murder Club, #1) by Richard Osman	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Apr 29, 2023 10:24PM · 1 like · like
Amanda Gale rated a book it was amazing Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
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Amanda Gale wants to read Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Apr 24, 2023 08:27AM · like
Amanda Gale wants to read How to Be Perfect: The Correct Answer to Every Moral Question by Michael Schur Goodreads Choice Awards Nominee in Best Nonfiction	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
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Amanda Gale wants to read I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Feb 25, 2023 04:06AM · like
Amanda Gale wants to read Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom by Ilyon Woo (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Feb 12, 2023 12:05PM · like
Amanda Gale wants to read Scattered Showers by Rainbow Rowell (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Jan 24, 2023 08:49PM · like
Amanda Gale wants to read Sensitive: The Hidden Power of the Highly Sensitive Person in a Loud, Fast, Too-Much World by Jenn Granneman (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Jan 22, 2023 08:09PM · like