Before you were published, did you ever have days where you thought it would never happen, that everything you wrote was going to be worthless? I'm about to query for the second book I've written, and I keep feeling like I've failed before I've even truly

First of all, thank you for the kind words.

Second, the simple answer is yes. All the time. Acutely. Painfully. Repeatedly. That feeling of failure and anxiety never really goes away, because for every challenge you conquer (and I am going to be cheering for you to conquer this one), the publishing business will throw another at you.

And you know what? We’re not alone. With a single exception (I do not exaggerate), every author I’ve met experiences this same awful, debilitating, paralyzing, misery-making doubt.

But here’s the thing: You have written two books. YOU HAVE WRITTEN TWO BOOKS. That is a big deal, okay? Most people who say they want to write never make it through the first book. You’ve done it twice! And no matter what happens with this manuscript, you haven’t failed. You’re making art. You’re making art on your own without getting paid for it, without getting applauded or patted on the back for it. This makes you a badass. This makes you a fighter.

Lots of incredible authors didn’t land an agent or make a deal their first or second or third time out. Write the best books you can. Get feedback from people you trust. Query thoughtfully and in small batches so that you can tweak your pitch if you don’t get the response you want. And then remember we have no control over the market or trends or chance. All we can do is keep making art. All we can do is keep fighting.

Wishing you luck and courage with all of my fingers crossed. Please let me know how it goes.