I've been thinking on how to write this post for over two weeks. I have had several things happen to me during the past three weeks which have funneled my mindset to putting my faith a little more in my Heavenly Father.
What if I get rejected by an agent? Or by a senior editor that requests unagented manuscripts? What then? I tremble with the thought!
I know this for sure--if it is rejected, it is not meant to be. My Father in Heaven has something else in mind. And that something else is always better. He knows what is best for me.
Just as with everyday life, when we find ourselves drowning in our dregs, what better cure than service? This can be applied to our writing.
For now, I have lost my muse. She has gone on a long vacation. I prayed about it. I have fasted over it. I have asked for Priesthood blessings.
I received an answer.
I can help others with their writing and finish my editing course. It's okay to set aside my creating for now, though it makes my heart drop. I must trust the Lord and follow Him.
I know He as something in mind for me.
How do you cope with rejection? Muse negligence? Even required rewrites!
I love breaks. They are the most powerful opportunity for growing perspective and greater insight. Good luck with things!
ReplyDeleteYou and I are in exactly the same place, my friend. Maybe we should get together and have a movie marathon or do lunch. Wish I lived closer. I can only tell you what I've been doing to pass the time until my muse decides to show up. In the past week I've read two romance novels, helped a friend of a friend edit the first three chapters of her book, cleaned out my pantry and organized my office. Today, I'm starting a new novel (reading, not writing) and might venture to the park for a change of scenery.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your take on leaving it up to the Lord. I've done the same and trust that he will guide my manuscript through the hands of editors/agents until it lands on the right desk. If it isn't meant to be it's only because he has something bigger and better in store for you.
Hang in there, sista. You're a great writer and a special spirit. Just take a deep breath and keep busy until your muse wanders back into your life. She may be building up for one whopper of a job and you'll be so busy you won't know what to do with yourself. (((HUGS)))
how do I deal with those things? I cry, scream, argue, then realize what you just said, the Lord is in charge. It has been a few months for me since I've been able to write anything more than a few paragraphs. It's hard not to blame my job, then my husband for wanting me to have a job, then myself for not finding a way to write with my job. There's alot of guilt for not trying harder, alot of feeling that if I was a "real" writer I'd be writing all the time. I would always want to write. My muse would never leave me. Then there's alot of prayers, temple attendance, and rallying to get my confidence back up. I'm still in this stage I'd like to say it goes away fast or that there is a tried and true method, but I haven't found one yet. I'm just trying to keep my focus on writing even if it is just to read, edit, or enter contests. It is nice to know that I'm not alone in this, so maybe that will help you too.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you feel let down a little, but what a wonderful attitude to look at your opportunity to help others edit their books as a gift from God! It totally is. And what a difference a truly gifted and inspired editor can be for a struggling author.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I rely heavily on Heavenly Father to help me with rejection and hard changes my editor might ask of me. Sometimes I need to rant and rave for a while before I take the problem to Him. But He's patient and is always there for me when I finally call on Him. And He always, always helps.
Good luck to you!
BE PATIENT. The publishing industry moves at about the same speed as tectonic plates. It won't leave you behind.
ReplyDeleteIf you read the biographies of great artists, scientists, and musicians, you find that many of them had a quiet, unproductive period before their great burst of genius. This "gathering time," like Isaac Newton's lazy summer spent dreaming in the apple orchard, is as essential to genius as the work and sweat of the productive years to come. Just wait for the apple to bonk you on the head!
Wow--Thank you all for sharing this with me!
ReplyDeleteRejection is soo part of the process--it's like the old saying, "You have to kiss a lot of frogs, before you find your handsome prince." I sent out 50 queries to get 6 positive responses, that eventually landed me my agent. And if you think that's perserverance, then ask Mary about the 250+ queries she sent out to find her agent. Just know that when you are ready to branch out into the world of publishing, yeah, it's gonna hurt, but it will be so worth it in the end! I promise!!! Enjoy your break!
ReplyDeleteJenni
One of the things that has helped me the most is an amazing book called "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron. It has helped me work through my blocks and fears and is a 12 step program for creative recovery. It is amazing. And doing it with friends makes the process even more interesting. Christine and Ali and I are all working on this together right now. You're certainly welcome to join us. Support groups are awesome.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing that inspires me is a quote I have hanging on my desk that your blog reminded me of. It's by a christian author I know, virginia Smith (Ginny). She said "God has plans for your writing. And believe me, they're better than any plans you have for yourself. Let Him be in charge and let Him delight y ou with what He has in store." I am constantly reminded to turn it over to Him and quit trying to take over and just listen.
He hasn't failed me yet. Sometimes I struggle to hear and sometimes I'm deaf as a post, but eventually He opens the door and lets me write again.
Best of luck to you, Elizabeth. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.