So when I boarded this emotional rowboat called a writing career, I just wanted someone—other than my family—to tell me my writing was good. You know, publishable. And then once I received that, I wanted to be published all the time.
Is this really so unreasonable to ask for; someone to like what I write and want to publish it? Well in my boat, it is. Do I know why? No! The story planks all seem to be cut from the same watertight tree. But every plank or so seems to squeeze out a “rejection” leak.
I’ve rowed through so many emotional rapids, sideswiped the “Almost” ship several times, and got sunburnt awaiting the life ring of reply to hopefully pull my story into the magazine of choice. I’ve got blisters on my fingertips.
These stories don’t just flow out of a shield volcano like on Hawaii’s Big Island, you know. They take planning and much too much thought and worry that I’m doing it right. I need to hide away in some cave with an internet connection to create them. Yet the family still somehow tracks me down.
Now it’s not always my family’s fault, I have to admit. Many days, I just sit in my rowboat and stare at all the plot threads and notes dangling off the port side. I’m surprised the fish don’t grab them and flip my boat. My memoir about attending college as a mother of five feels like the dead albatross hanging around the Ancient Mariner’s neck in Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” Will I ever be able to break free and just write?
This is why I remain in the IWSG Sea. You all keep me sane and encourage me to continue to submit my YA short stories and work on my college memoir. I’d be lost without you. Thank you!
And thanks for visiting Adventures in Writing. Please follow my blog if you haven’t already and connect with me online. Leave your blog link in the comment so I can be sure to do the same for you.
This post was written for the Insecure Writer’s SupportGroup. We post on the first Wednesday of every month. To join us, or learn more about the group, click HERE.
Please note that I will not post in August of 2018. I have many writing projects I desperately need to address. Thanks for always reading my Adventures in Writing blog posts and sharing your insight. It means the world to me. Enjoy your summer!
Ah the joys of the journey! There is a point at which self pub is the best option, but it is a ton of work. Chin up, eh? The publishing industry is super fickle.
I liked those analogies! Don't forget about the little dingy.
We all need shipmates in tumultuous sea-times. Keep submitting – one day it will happen.
Art is subjective. Finding an audience is almost as hard as getting the right words down. You'll do it. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
I can totally relate to the emotional ups and downs. Good luck with your projects.
Hi Victoria Marie – good luck with your writing – the more you do – the easier it'll get – cheers Hilary
Most of us share the same lifeboat, but we're all praying for rescue from those publisher types. Keep rowing and we'll get there – maybe together.
Perfect analogies, Victoria. But, you’re a fantastic swimmer, so at least you won’t drown. Think about all those successes, where you arrived at your destination. Many harbors welcome you, and you’ve got a lot of published works. Also, you’re an experienced sea woman by now, so all that has been learned is applied to new creations and projects. You’ll get there with the memoir as well! Enjoy your blogging break. I’ll follow suit.
I like your analogies 🙂 It does feel like an endless voyage some days, and the rare good feedback we get is like finding treasure. Does that make us pirates? I'd like to think so.
Great post that describes the journey well. Wishing you much success. Happy IWSG!
Yes, it's such an emotional roller coaster ride.
Hang in there and remember you're not alone.
Great summer reference. Sail away, Victoria!! Thanks for this post.
So very true, Crystal. I feel any art is at the mercy of the gatekeepers and the public. Thanks so much for your kind words here Adventures in Writing. They're appreciated more than you realize. All best to you!
I had a little dingy at the beginning of my writing career, but it soon accumulated too many holes. I needed a stronger, wooden boat.
It is always a pleasure seeing you here at Adventures in Writing, Alex. Enjoy your weekend!
Don't we though, Lee? Thanks for being one of my shipmates in this tumultuous sea of publishing.
Thanks for your note here at Adventures in Writing! Enjoy your weekend!
Art is VERY subjective, Anna. Thanks for reminding me. And thanks for your words of encouragement here at Adventures in Writing. I truly appreciate them. All best to you!
Thanks, Natalie. I'm getting seasick with these blasted emotions, though. I truly appreciate your encouragement at Adventures in Writing. Enjoy your weekend!
Gosh, I hope so, Hilary. Thanks for your good wishes. It is always a pleasure seeing you here at Adventures in Writing. All best to you!
Thanks, Roland. I'm trying, but my arms are getting tired. Here's to both of us rowing with all our might!
Thanks for your comment here at Adventures in Writing. Enjoy your weekend!
Liesbet, you truly keep me sane. Thanks ever so much for your words of encouragement. They mean the world to me. You give me the courage to maintain the helm.
So good to see your cheery face on Adventures in Writing. Thanks for your comment. Enjoy your weekend!
That is very true, S.E. Life itself is a voyage we hope brings us much joy. And boy, is good feedback rare. But it IS treasure. And I like your idea that it makes us pirates.
Thanks for your kind words here at Adventures in Writing. All best to you!
Thanks, Juneta! And thanks for your good wishes here at Adventures in Writing. I truly appreciate them. Enjoy your weekend!
And that knowledge about not being the only one is what keeps me going, Michelle. I truly appreciate your encouragement here at Adventures in Writing. Enjoy your weekend!
Thanks, Dawn. Wouldn't it be nice to just sail away from all the stress in life even if only for a few weeks?
Thanks for your note here at Adventures in Writing! Enjoy your weekend!
I hope you finish your memoir, I would love to read that. I totally relate to needing to hide out to get any real writing done. Good luck and just keep moving forward. You got this!
https://melsemptyjournal.blogspost.com/
Welcome to Adventures in Writing, Melanie! And thanks so much for your words of encouragement. I truly appreciate them. Gosh, hiding out is the only way to write some days.
I'd love to have you read my memoir when I finally get this next revision complete. Thanks for offering.
All the best to you, Melanie. Please stop by Adventures in Writing again!
Have a great summer too and I hope August is super-productive for you.
Being a writer sure has it's ups and down. I'm glad for IWSG because you all keep me sane and going, too.
Better a rowboat than a barge full of garbage! Judging by your post, you've got writing chops, so just hang in there, and you'll make it to that promised land… 🙂
I think this is one of the most significant information for me.
And i’m glad reading your article.
But should remark on some general things, the web site style is perfect,
the articles is really great : D. Good job…
ดูหนัง
Thank you so much, Tamara. Here's hoping that August will be productive. All best to you. Thanks for your note here at Adventures in Writing.
Hello and welcome to Adventures in Writing, Patricia. Being a writer surely does have ups and downs. IWSG is a wonderful group to find support and encouragement.
All the best to you, Patricia. Please stop by Adventures in Writing again!
Definitely a rowboat rather than a garbage barge, Susan. Thanks so much for your kind words here Adventures in Writing. They're appreciated more than you realize. All best to you!
Hello and welcome to Adventures in Writing, Piseth. Thanks for your kind words. All best to you.
You're very eloquent in your descriptions. I enjoy reading your blog posts.