In the Beginning...There Was Darkness

Writers should really be provided with an accurate road map when
beginning this crazy journey to publication.  Seriously, that would make
it all so much easier.  A map that says begin here at point A writing
said story which when completed you will submit to Publisher A.  If
Publisher A accepts remain on course for Plan A.  



If
Publisher A rejects they would direct the author to the next best route
for their project.  Said author, revises or not according to
instruction, and then goes back to their map and follows the new route
to the next publisher and so it goes.  Each step a clear route on the
map.



No wait that would be utopia and this is the real
world. In the real world one struggles through learning craft and
writing story after story that is published or not.  And eventually you
may find a substitute for said map, an agent, but not before you've
spent many, many hours and learned much of the process for yourself.



But
first, to succeed you must enter no man's land.  It's a dark brooding
place filled with highs and lows, hopes and dreams, excitement and bouts
of disappointment that dive you into moments of darkness where you
threaten to never write again. Don't go there - writing takes the
darkness away every time. 



And there is no map.  I'm
sorry to say, it's a jungle out there.  You can plot a course but it is
only guesswork whether or not you'll arrive at your destination in one
piece or whether your story is sturdy enough to make it to the end.



And
that's why in a utopian world a map would be ideal especially as you
first venture into the world offering your writing and fearing that it's
about to become the sacrificial lamb at the alter of something bigger
than you can quite comprehend.  Wait, that's no fear, that's reality. 
If you're lucky you'll get no rejection, no scathing comments.



Scathing comments?



Maybe,
maybe not.  But every rejection draws its ounce of blood.  After awhile
you'll get callouses.  If you've got a strong stomach and a huge dose
of fortitude, you'll make it through the dark hours where eventually
there's light. 



But if you're a writer - do you really
have a choice?  So strap on that backpack, pick up the map you've
outlined for yourself and write on.  And whether you're a writer or not,
appreciate the book you're reading just a little more as you consider
its author's journey.  I know I will.



Stop by on Friday, August 9 when I'll be hosting, as part of the tour for Theo Roger's latest book - How to Get Good Reviews On Amazon.  So stop by, and check out a valuable reference for any writer's shelf.







Ryshia

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