I firmly believe you are right - persistence is key in writing. Thanks so much for this post and all your posts. Have a wonderful holiday, and i look forward to reading more from you in 2023!
I have a post going up tomorrow where I have many of these exact same thoughts. 2023 is going to be about intense periods of playing around with writing and creativity for me, I think.
ME TOO. We are in very similar spots. My kids are older (12, 14, 16, 19), so I do get the five school days (but there were so, so many years where the only place I got writing done was the the bleachers on the side of the pool during swim lessons, or sitting on the floor during tumbling class at the Y). But even though they're older, they still need tending and wrangling and driving around. And I'm forever in this crevasse between giving myself over to the creative process, and hustling to make a buck.
Ha, it's a lot. There is a delightful chaos to it. Also there's a lot we just don't/can't do for them ("You have to get yourself to school!"). Our house is very loud. But also now I feel like I can work in any environment!
Thank you so much for sharing your actual income from writing this year. It's very eye-opening and even encouraging, in a way? Because it's like you said, the journey takes fortitude and perseverance, and it WILL be hard. But it's hard for everyone.
It is SO scary to share it! But I'm glad to hear it's helpful/appreciated. I'll be doing a more in depth post on my earnings in January, and it will include good years and bad years. (I'm perhaps even more scared to show the good years, because will people think I'm overpaid/not worth it? What if the good years mean I shouldn't complain about the bad years? What will everyone say/think of me?? Oof. The mental gymnastics my brain goes through...) Happy new year, Savannah!
I think I’ll be borrowing your word for 2023. The last few years, I’ve had intend, simplify, and clarify. Also, thank you for your candor, hope, and wisdom. I agree with Rachel & Abby. As I reflect on this year, I’ve decided (despite many full requests without any offers) that I’m setting aside one project to pursue representation with another. It’s comforting to know that the business is hard at all stages! Looking forward to following your journey into 2023!
Please do borrow it! List I say in the post, the more the merrier.
Setting aside a project is never an easy decision to come to. But it sounds like you have a game plan for moving forward and that’s huge! Thank you also for your kind words. Happy holidays and new year!
Your posts are always such a comfort. Like Rachel, I deeply appreciate your transparency; I've been agented for YEARS and we've been on sub with several projects (with R&R requests that went nowhere) for a long time, and I still haven't sold anything. It's really comforting to know that this business is just hard, full-stop.
This time of year is particularly hard with authors reflecting on their successes; I'm happy for them, but it's difficult not to dwell on my own struggles. So again, thank you for your honesty, your bravery, and your persistence. Looking forward to more new work from you whenever the universe aligns.
My condolences on the R&Rs that went nowhere. It’s such a painful and frustrating experience.
The end of the year wrap up posts, best of lists, top nine photos, etc can be brutal. Even when you’re happy for those people, seeing nothing but highlights reels can take it’s toll, especially if you’re in a difficult season.
As an aspiring author who is currently querying, I appreciate your transparency. You are one of my favorites, and I am confident that persistence (for us both) will pay off. Happy holidays to you and yours.
I love this post. Thank you for sharing your experience this year.
I’m not sure exactly what next year is going to look like for me, but I know I want to be a lot kinder to myself.
"I want to be a lot kinder to myself." <-- I struggle with this constantly. Let's help each other with this goal in 2023, deal?
Deal! We’ll be kinder to ourselves together. 💖
💜💜 I’m sorry the year has been rough. I feel you, though. Onward to 2023 and I hope that some of those irons work out!
Thanks, friend. Here's to a great 2023 with many red-hot irons!
I firmly believe you are right - persistence is key in writing. Thanks so much for this post and all your posts. Have a wonderful holiday, and i look forward to reading more from you in 2023!
Talent matters, but I swear persistence matters even more.
Thanks for the kind words, and for being here as a reader of this SS. Happy holidays! 💗
I have a post going up tomorrow where I have many of these exact same thoughts. 2023 is going to be about intense periods of playing around with writing and creativity for me, I think.
I can’t wait for your post! (And I’m excited to be on this journey together!)
ME TOO. We are in very similar spots. My kids are older (12, 14, 16, 19), so I do get the five school days (but there were so, so many years where the only place I got writing done was the the bleachers on the side of the pool during swim lessons, or sitting on the floor during tumbling class at the Y). But even though they're older, they still need tending and wrangling and driving around. And I'm forever in this crevasse between giving myself over to the creative process, and hustling to make a buck.
You may get more days during the school week, but you have FOUR. I can barely handle two. I don't know how you do it!
Ha, it's a lot. There is a delightful chaos to it. Also there's a lot we just don't/can't do for them ("You have to get yourself to school!"). Our house is very loud. But also now I feel like I can work in any environment!
Thank you so much for sharing your actual income from writing this year. It's very eye-opening and even encouraging, in a way? Because it's like you said, the journey takes fortitude and perseverance, and it WILL be hard. But it's hard for everyone.
<3
It is SO scary to share it! But I'm glad to hear it's helpful/appreciated. I'll be doing a more in depth post on my earnings in January, and it will include good years and bad years. (I'm perhaps even more scared to show the good years, because will people think I'm overpaid/not worth it? What if the good years mean I shouldn't complain about the bad years? What will everyone say/think of me?? Oof. The mental gymnastics my brain goes through...) Happy new year, Savannah!
I think I’ll be borrowing your word for 2023. The last few years, I’ve had intend, simplify, and clarify. Also, thank you for your candor, hope, and wisdom. I agree with Rachel & Abby. As I reflect on this year, I’ve decided (despite many full requests without any offers) that I’m setting aside one project to pursue representation with another. It’s comforting to know that the business is hard at all stages! Looking forward to following your journey into 2023!
Please do borrow it! List I say in the post, the more the merrier.
Setting aside a project is never an easy decision to come to. But it sounds like you have a game plan for moving forward and that’s huge! Thank you also for your kind words. Happy holidays and new year!
Your posts are always such a comfort. Like Rachel, I deeply appreciate your transparency; I've been agented for YEARS and we've been on sub with several projects (with R&R requests that went nowhere) for a long time, and I still haven't sold anything. It's really comforting to know that this business is just hard, full-stop.
This time of year is particularly hard with authors reflecting on their successes; I'm happy for them, but it's difficult not to dwell on my own struggles. So again, thank you for your honesty, your bravery, and your persistence. Looking forward to more new work from you whenever the universe aligns.
My condolences on the R&Rs that went nowhere. It’s such a painful and frustrating experience.
The end of the year wrap up posts, best of lists, top nine photos, etc can be brutal. Even when you’re happy for those people, seeing nothing but highlights reels can take it’s toll, especially if you’re in a difficult season.
Happy new year to you. Here’s to a great 2023!
As an aspiring author who is currently querying, I appreciate your transparency. You are one of my favorites, and I am confident that persistence (for us both) will pay off. Happy holidays to you and yours.
Thank you so much, Rachel. Here’s to persisting (and being brave in the process)!