My First "R"
I would
like to say I truly belong to the Thick-Skinned Club. Most of the time, I do.
But, there are days where I am a baby and any type of critique of my WIP drives
me to tears. I admit it! Insecurity is always there, I think, for any writer.
Will readers like our work as much as we do? We can’t please everyone.
I’ve
decided to aim my writing for the publishing line I have read for so many
years, a Harlequin category. Category romance is a special type of writing…
readers know what to expect when they pick up the book and it includes tropes. In fact, in most cases,
a reader will pick up a book because it comes from that particular category,
even if they don’t know the author. I do anyway. I know what to expect from
this type of romance.
For that
reason, I sent off my first WIP to this publisher´s book pitch challenge. Actually, they only asked for a one-page
synopsis, which was hell in itself. In this challenge, I had only one week to
hear back from the editors. They would pick five lucky winners to pitch their
book. Well, I didn’t make it, so I guess this was my official first “Reject.”
It was bound
to happen. Which author has never gotten a reject, especially on their first
novel? Well, it still hurts. You always have that hope….and actually I still
do. I am proud of my work. I am not proud of my first one-page synopsis,
though. So, I will take this all as a learning experience and continue to work
on my “baby” and send it off again. This time with the normal query letter, 2-page
synopsis (easier said than done), and first chapter. That is a real indication
of what type of writer I am.
This
morning I found a great article that spoke to me. I’d like to share it with
you. The Positive Side of Rejection.
I actually
will take this rejection as a positive. I don’t feel down anymore. It has all
been a learning experience. I will move on.
But, there
is always that little doubt nagging me on the inside… so I think you for
letting me share my insecurities and allowing me to move on.
If you are interested in joining the Insecure Writer's Support Group, please follow this link. Each month writer's share and support each other. We are in this journey together!
Happy Writing,
Melinda
