As I sat down to write my monthly newsletter, I found myself struggling to pick a topic. With so much going on in the world, writing just seemed like such a silly thing to talk about right now. But then I thought, maybe that was exactly what I needed to do.
To focus on good things that mean a lot to me. Like taking long walks with a good audiobook when the sun finally appears after days of rain. Like losing myself in a new book that I can then rave about to others. Like celebrating all of my wins so that the losses don’t overwhelm me.
Everything is a lot right now and that is true of publishing as well. There has been quite a bit of open dialogue recently about the pressures of the industry and how everyone—editors, agents, authors— are all feeling it.
I can only speak from my own experience as an author and I’m exhausted. The mental stress associated from being out on submission with a book I put my whole heart into, knowing it will be rejected by more than one person I respect, is so tough.
The truth that even once you experience success as an author nothing is guaranteed (a fact expressed so well by Liz Fenton & Lisa Steinke) makes me wonder why I put myself through it.
But I know why. I write because I can’t imagine not doing writing. Writing brings me joy at times I really need it. Writing reminds me I can do hard things. Writing keeps me going despite <waves hands at the world> everything.
I sincerely hope the conversations happening now lead to important changes in an industry full of dedicated and enthusiastic book lovers. ❤️
PS – I made this list recently as a reminder that I am awesome. I highly recommend you make one of your own.
