Monday, October 20, 2008

Building the wall

So, once again, a post on Natalie's blog got me thinking. I was analyzing today my unexpected emotion when it came to querying Midas.

It's been two weeks to the day since I sent out those first queries. Two weeks, and was already starting to feel like, "Oh well, I guess I failed." I almost feel silly admitting it. I mean, I still have material out with agents! I haven't even sent out twenty queries yet! I haven't even hit the double digits with rejections! And there are several agents that I haven't even heard from yet! And the troubling thing about it is that I tried to tell myself that I was just being "realistic."

No. I was letting the rejections get to me. See, since my initial interest, I have had six rejections in a row over the course of the last eleven days. (I know, poor poor me. But, hey, I'm totally scolding myself here.) So, I was starting to build up a wall. A wall that said, "Oh well, Midas doesn't have it, guess I'll move on." So, I stopped sending out queries. It's been five days since I sent one out. Instead, I've put all my attention on my new story. In short, I was seriously starting to give up under the guise of "being realistic."

Then I read Natalie's post this morning, and it had me thinking all day. Now, don't get me wrong, being realistic is important, but I was abusing the term. So I gave myself a firm smack on the wrist and said to myself, "If Natalie's not giving up, you sure don't have any right to."

So, thanks to Natalie for being a rock. :) You've helped me re-light the fire. In fact, I think I am going to send off a few new queries right now.

12 comments:

Becca said...

Ren,
1st of all - you need to call me sometime so we can chat a bit about all this! I suppose I could call you too, but I just figure, your the busy Mom/Writer with scrumbly kids and husband (: Second - although I can't relate really as far as querying goes - I SWEAR its just like dating! Its so hard not to just say "oh well, I failed - apparently what I got ain't good enough!" So yeah, on that level, I can relate. But just like you would said "Now, Becca - you can't say that,"- I am going to reiterate what you said -"Now, Ren - you can't say that!" So as for your struggles....I am glad you are striving to not feel defeated - cause you're not defeated!! Not even close! And now Ren I'm going to cite a historical quote and I'm going to assume you know who said it - and will take it to heart. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER GIVE UP!! Cheers (:

Natalie Whipple said...

Renee, I feel ya, sista. It's just hard—no matter what part you're at. It's good that you are moving on to your next project, but don't give up on querying! You've really only just begun, and you will know when you feel like you've put all you want into the pursuit.

See, I gave up on TWO projects before I hit 30 queries. But Blood Dragon is different. I know it—heck, most people who've read it know it. I've got to keep going even though it's an emotional struggle. I'll probably have 50 total by the end of this week...the odds are just awful. (You want a run down, send me an email.)

Midas is adorable and right on target for YA. Hang in there—more interest will come, and in the least likely of people and times.

Kiersten White said...

He he, yeah, no giving up allowed.

It's a looooooooooong process, and you're just getting started. In a hopeful, not depressing, way ; )

Terri Tiffany said...

thank you for some much needed encouragement on this end too!

Diana said...

Ren, I am glad you aren't giving up. You have a gift, and your book is awesome! Like Becca, I will also cite a historical quote " OWN IT" a quote that has given me motivation on many a rainy day:)

Renee Collins said...

Thanks to everybody for the encouragement. :)

Becca-You are totally right about the dating analogy. It's EXACTLY like that. I need to call you and we can chat. :)

Natalie-I really was toying with the idea of quiting, but now I am definitely sticking it out. In fact, last night I sent out a whole batch of queries.

Kiersten-The fact that I have really only just started is hopeful to me. It was silly to get discouraged so soon.

Terri- Hey, I'm glad to offer any inspiration. We writers need to keep pumping each other up. :)

And Diana-Thanks. I really did think of you yesterday. I thought, "What kind of an example am I setting for my sis if I give up now?" :)

Natalie Whipple said...

Don't feel silly for getting discouraged quickly. I really think it happens to all of us.

It's those stories! We've all heard them—the whirlwind publishing miracle. So inaccurate. You hit that two weeks and start thinking, "Wait? Aren't there supposed to be agents banging at my door?"

And then when there aren't, you start to think that's it. It's over. No one will want you. It's natural.

Yay for sending out more queries. I've done quite a few recently myself.

Renee Collins said...

Thanks Natalie. I'm actually relieved to know that I am not the only person to have such visions of grandeur. :)

And hurray for us for pressing forwards. What is the quote on your blog? Go forward confidently for your dreams. (Or something like that.) I've always liked that one.

writtenwyrdd said...

Best wishes for the querying process.

I just stopped by to thank you for the nice comment about my opening. High fantasy and poetic prose is not in demand or in favor, it seems. (And it is a bit overwrought, I admit!)

Renee Collins said...

I really did like it, WW. In fact, I was surprised by the other's reactions.

I say, give me overwrought and poetic over boring any day. :)

Stacia said...

Don't know if you'll see this comment, but figured I'll leave it anyway. Literally three days before my agent offered representation I had started making a list of small presses to sub my book to. And I had something like 6 fulls and two partials out at the moment, but I was just convinced--deep in my soul--that I wasn't going anywhere,

We all feel that way, so don't give up. :-)

Renee Collins said...

Thanks December/Stacia. I did notice the comment. :)

I always appreciate hearing stories like this. It gives me hope. It's odd that I should be low on hope so early in the game, but I guess that's querying for you.