Cintia
asked
Sharon Dunn:
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?
Sharon Dunn
Cintia, I am so honored that you asked me this question. I started trying to get published in 1991 when I was pregnant with my oldest son. He is now 26.
Yes, this is a business about rejection and hearing the word "no"more than u hear the word "yes" even after u get published.
You have to write because u love to write. The pleasure has to be in making a story work. It sounds like the constant rejection kills your creativity. after my first book almost sold and then got shot down, I went to a writer's conference
and realized I could spend my whole life studying story craft and never get bored. Publication was secondary. I decided to be a student of the novel. Quilters don't quilt because they can make money at it, they quilt because it nourishes their soul. So i guess what I am saying is shift your focus a little.
Yes,there is a ton of competition and the industry seems to get turned on its head every couple of years. I can only tell u what helped me when I joined some writer organizations and a local critique group, I felt encouraged and found the cheerleaders and fellowship that buoyed me up against the rejection. U might look into ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) I am no longer a member but they helped me a ton when i was starting out. U do have to be careful. some critique groups can be unhealthy and be more about hurting each other rather than supporting.
Finally, do not let the rejections determine if u can write or not. U give editors too much say over your talent. Find the place inside yourself that knows you were meant to write regardless of what an editor says.
It was my pleasure to answer your questions and it was an honor. I hope it helped. Feel free to shoot me another question.
Yes, this is a business about rejection and hearing the word "no"more than u hear the word "yes" even after u get published.
You have to write because u love to write. The pleasure has to be in making a story work. It sounds like the constant rejection kills your creativity. after my first book almost sold and then got shot down, I went to a writer's conference
and realized I could spend my whole life studying story craft and never get bored. Publication was secondary. I decided to be a student of the novel. Quilters don't quilt because they can make money at it, they quilt because it nourishes their soul. So i guess what I am saying is shift your focus a little.
Yes,there is a ton of competition and the industry seems to get turned on its head every couple of years. I can only tell u what helped me when I joined some writer organizations and a local critique group, I felt encouraged and found the cheerleaders and fellowship that buoyed me up against the rejection. U might look into ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) I am no longer a member but they helped me a ton when i was starting out. U do have to be careful. some critique groups can be unhealthy and be more about hurting each other rather than supporting.
Finally, do not let the rejections determine if u can write or not. U give editors too much say over your talent. Find the place inside yourself that knows you were meant to write regardless of what an editor says.
It was my pleasure to answer your questions and it was an honor. I hope it helped. Feel free to shoot me another question.
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Dec 27, 2017 02:25PM · flag