Wednesday, October 1, 2014

IWSG: Crossing The Finish Line: What It Means To Be A Writer After Signing My First Publishing Deal


Need A Little Support?Thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writer's Support Group gives bloggers a monthly chance to express their concerns, worries, and insecurities without fear of reprisal. It's a seriously big group now, and with well over 300 participants, it shows no signs of slowing down! I'd like to thank Alex for keeping this group going for so long, as it has proved wonderful in the supporting of fellow authors and the revealing of needed and sound advice.

And for its first year, the IWSG website is collecting today's posts for an anthology to help writers on their journey with instructions and tips on writing, publishing, and marketing. And this is my entry:

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I once had an idea that wouldn’t leave me alone. So I wrote a book about it. I haven’t stopped writing since. That was seventeen years ago. And while others have waited longer (and others much shorter), I will soon know what it’s like to be a traditionally published author.

There’s much to be excited about, a lot to be grateful for. You would think accomplishing what I set out to do after all these years I’d be dancing the celebratory jig for the rest of my life. But the truth is, I’ve never felt more exhausted. I assume this feeling isn’t new for anyone’s writing journey. Yes, I crossed the finish line. Countless rejections and trips along the way has left me staggering to catch my breath, wondering if I can keep running ... or maintain this pace.

In my pursuit of getting published, I’d forgotten something that was once clear: I’m a writer. It’s what I wanted to be since high school. It’s what landed me A’s in English classes. I have a greater sense of who I am because it forced me to reach into the cavern of my soul.

But it took an advanced copy of my first book, in the hands of my oldest son, for me to realize what I’m really doing this for.

This art, this business, isn’t about me. For me, this isn't about fame. For me, this isn't about money. We're conduits. We receive messages and jot them down for others to read. Learn. Be enlightened. Tuning ourselves to the right frequency is the tricky part ... No guarantees without constant adjustment. The finish line is a breather before the next run. Crossing that line doesn't mean I'm finished. The marathon is over, yes, but now comes the sprint. And I plan to keep going. Because someone out there is waiting for what I have to say.

And you as well.

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This is going to be a great month, I think. I have a lot to catch up on, more words to tackle, and lot's of exciting sci fi/fantasy awesomeness to bring up. Hopefully I have some cool news, too. Stay tuned.

Where are you on your writing journey? If you've signed a publishing deal, how has life treated you afterward? What is writing for you?

I'm David, and we're the conduits for a story that's yet to be told.

27 comments:

  1. Hey, the post is back!
    It’s about sharing a vision for others to enjoy.
    Thanks for contributing to the book!

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  2. I really needed to hear this today. Beautifully said. I have to remember why I'm really doing this too, because even with my launch date two weeks away, I'm not jumping up and down in ecstatic glee. I'm seriously exhausted. But I'm also so so grateful to have my publishing dream finally be realized. Onward we go...

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  3. My series was written to inspire others to pursue their dreams. There are days I've forgotten that, though. Thanks for the reminder.

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  4. Lovely post, David, and thanks for the reminder. What a rush to see your son holding your book.

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  5. This is a great post, and it's exactly what I needed to hear today :). Even though I'm not even published yet (nor, sadly, anywhere close to being published), I still sometimes forget why I love to write and why this is my dream. I just have to keep running my own marathon at my own pace until I cross the finish line :)

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  6. This is such an inspiring post. I'm glad you stuck with it - it gives people like me hope :) Also, it's crazy how difficult this publishing journey is. Every step of the way.

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  7. Great post! I find the best part of being an author is the writing proces itself - even after being published, that never changes. :)

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  8. Writing never stops, does it? :) That's what I love about it.

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  9. I recently read on somebody's blog (I wish I could remember who) that publishing a book isn't crossing the finish line ... it just gives you a spot at the starting line.

    So, David, the race is still on! :D

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  10. I still get excited with each new contract but sometimes I feel like I can't keep all the balls in the air. Time to sprint again.

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  11. Race on David, Race on. Congrats on your success and get ready for more. You're right getting your book traditionally published isn't the end. It's a new beginning/chapter in your life. What did your son think of your book?

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  12. Great post! It seems the journey is never over, even once you have a publishing deal. It's just the beginning of something new.

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  13. Sir David,

    So eloquently written... I admire your strength at this time. I am also so happy that your words will be reaching the minds of youth with so much for them to absorb. Children are like sponges and we need to write for their nurturing and development. Think of all the authors you had read as a young one and how they affected the man you are today.

    Well done, Sir...

    Carry on.

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  14. Hi David - a great way of expressing why we write ... as we develop friendships in blogging, if we don't have a book to let our children hold (if we have children), the we realise we write for others ... and can help so many ... and support others ... cheers Hilary

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  15. Great post. Those pre-release months can be exhausting.

    And getting published for some does not always mean it's easier to sell the next book. I know several authors who have struggled after their first series was published. We do this for the love of writing, not money, like you said.

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  16. The lesson you learned is so valuable. That's the kind of things that trully keep us in track and going, even when we are utterly exhausted. i am looking forward for those good news you're giving us. Dragon Hugs!

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  17. Conduits for the story. I love that. I think that if we always see ourselves that way, we won't become obsessed with the rest.

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  18. Great post. How cool to be able to see your son holding your book. I hope to do that someday. I write for others, as you said, but I also write for myself, as a way to sort out my thoughts and emotions. It's like a conversation. It can be one sided, but it's more fun if there's someone else.

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  19. I hope your son also opened your book and read it :) A long journey, but getting traditionally published was hard work. I'm glad all your work and perserverance paid off.

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  20. Hey, no playing favorites! I want a copy of that book in my hands now too. ;)

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  21. A great addition to the book, David
    (and congrats!)

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  22. I know you must be exhausted after everything you went through with Woven, but it's gotta be worth it... :) I'm so thrilled. If I can, I'm going to get a print copy. (((Hugs)))

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  23. I can't wait to hold my advanced copy! I may read it in one sitting.

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  24. Great post:) I feel what you're talking about, the rejection, the success, the trying to focus on what really matters, and then realizing...yes, it's really happening. Cheers to you and your writing for many years to come! :)

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  25. Congratulations, David. That is so wonderful. Glad you crossed that finish line. How great that you can see the book in your son's hands!

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