This has been a very hard holiday for so many, and if that’s you, please know that I wish you love and, heaven willing, peace in 2024.
New Year’s Resolutions…
…are tough. I will lose 20 pounds! I will eat healthy foods! I will be published!
There’s not much we can truly control in life, and those resolutions are often wisps of mist by February, but I can promise you one thing: persistence in the realm of writing and publishing is the only thing that matters.
Over the break a friend asked when my first book was published.
“2006,” I answered. And then I went on with the fact that that book is still in print, with over 100K copies in 7 countries, and I sold it myself. (You can read the full story here.)
And then he asked, “When did you start writing and trying to get published?”
“Ah,” I said. “About 10 years earlier.”
This friend then said, “Wow. That’s a long time.”
It sure is.
Yes, it took me 10 years from the time I started writing for children until my first children’s book was published. And my journey is not at all unusual.
Ten years of trying, of writing, of studying, of wishing and hoping and longing, of attending conferences, of sending out queries, of receiving rejection after rejection after rejection.
Sometimes I despaired. Sometimes I thought I should just give up.
But, of course, I’m a published author today, with 10 books out and more coming out, because despite my despair, I didn’t give up.
The World Will Never Have Too Many Books
There’s infinite space for art. I truly believe that. And with that truth, I also believe your book belongs in that space.
Maybe your art, your book needs work to get there. Maybe there are a few more things you need to learn. Maybe you have to be patient to push on. But please don’t despair, and don’t give up. Instead, get support, get information, get a boost.
And Speaking of Boosts
Do you want to write a book your reader can’t forget? You know, the kind that keeps you up until 3:00 AM, makes you ugly cry, and sticks with you for months?
For some writers, that’s the dream.
But writing that kind of book isn’t easy. A lot of writers get it wrong, because they don’t understand the vital connection between plot and character arc. Chances are, you either love plot or you love character, but not both. Bridging the gap between the two is HARD.
That’s why I want to introduce you to my friend Dani Abernathy.
Dani is a book coach and Enneagram teacher who helps novelists write the stories they need to tell so their readers can feel seen and can see others.
Dani is offering a free workshop to help you capture the magic of plot and character so you can impact readers on an emotional level.
Join her on Saturday, January 6th for The Art of Emotionally Impactful Storytelling: How to Craft Compelling Narratives that Speak to Your Reader.
And More Help For Writers, Coming Soon!
Once again, if you’re looking for community, content, and support, I’m building a membership and course-rich program that opens in February 2024. Nine modules, hours and hours of writing craft content, and regular meetings to keep you going. You can find details here. It’s limited enrollment, and there’s an early-bird reduced-rate deadline of January 31, so please let me know if you’re interested and I’ll send you an application.
I would also love to know what else you’re looking for so contact me! Ask me a question, or two or more.
And again - blessings for 2024.