Earlier this year, at an online forum for writers that I frequent, I watched a familiar scenario play itself out. A new member joined the forum, full of excitement (and not a small amount of hubris) about the novel he’d just completed. As he posted his early attempts at a query letter for others to review and critique, two things quickly became clear:
- He was convinced the rest of the forum would be utterly dazzled by his unmatched literary brilliance, and
- Before writing his opus, he had done absolutely no research into the business of publishing.
The first one is not necessarily a bad thing. We should be excited about what we’ve written. And we should believe in the literary merit of our work (but not to the extent that we let our egos blind us to the possibility of improving our work).
It’s the second thing that can be the real killer, and yet it’s so common. Many new writers assume the way to write their first book is to simply sit down and start typing. On one hand, this sounds wonderful, and artistically pure. But on the other, imagine applying that logic to some other large task. If you wanted to build a house, and you had no background in construction or architecture, would you just grab some boards and nails and start hammering? Or would you perhaps want to put some planning into the project first?
Over several days and numerous threads on that forum, I watched a painful but increasingly familiar cycle unfold, as this new writer came up against some of the harsh realities of writing and selling commercially viable fiction. So, to borrow from the Kübler-Ross Model (AKA the five stages of grief), I thought I’d share my observations with you, and see if perhaps any of these stages sound familiar.
1. Denial
What do you mean my 375,000-word opus is too long to be marketable?! And what’s this “genre” of which you speak? I refuse to limit my creativity by trying to confine my work within a single easily identifiable genre! And why on earth should I have to bother with writing a query letter? Can’t I just call up one of the top agents and hire her – after all, she works for me, right?
It quickly becomes clear when a writer hasn’t done much (or any) homework on how the publishing business works. And when the harsh realities of this business begin to reveal themselves, some writers are not exactly open to the information.
Many new writers are quick to dismiss the advice and instruction they receive, unwilling to accept that there are any rules or conventions they need to be aware of. This behavior is often fueled by the dogged belief that “it’s gonna be different for ME.”
And now and then you’ll run into writers who are so proud and thrilled to have actually completed their manuscript, it simply doesn’t occur to them that their very first literary effort might possibly have some room for improvement. They don’t say it out loud, but you can tell what they’re thinking:
True, not every new writer considers himself a deity. But godlike or not, the next stage is inevitable for every new writer.
2. Anger
There’s no way around it: when you try to write – and ideally, publish – a book, you’re in for some disappointment. Whether it’s your first time being subjected to critiques of your work, or being rejected by an agent, or trying to wrap your head around some seemingly counterintuitive convention you’re supposed to embrace, you’re often not hearing what you want to hear. And that can make you angry. Very angry.
What do you mean I’m “head-hopping?” And what makes these agents so special, that they don’t have the common courtesy to even reply to my query? And hang on – there’s no WAY I’m going to give my self-published book away for free, even though you say it’s a viable marketing strategy! It’s all so maddening, sometimes you just want to scream.
Suddenly the whole “I’ve always wanted to write a book” dream has turned into a nightmare, when faced with this realization:
But hey, you can’t stay mad forever (although one of my ex-girlfriends could possibly disprove that theory). Soon most new writers find themselves moving on to the next stage.
3. Bargaining
This is when many writers try to find some way around the rules and obstacles they are encountering, rather than facing them head-on. Or they’ll try to argue their way past these obstacles, often using some apples-to-oranges logic. Hey, The DaVinci Code was 500 pages long, and Tolkien’s stuff was even longer, so why can’t my book be this long? Harper Lee never wrote a sequel, so why do I need to write a series if I want to sell lots of ebooks? I bet Shakespeare never had to write a query letter!
In making these arguments, they overlook the fact that the authors to whom they’re comparing their work were already established, or were writing in a different time and/or business environment, or any number of other factors that negate the comparison. But all the new writer can see is that somebody else got away with this, so why can’t I? Why is it always somebody else who gets all the luck? Why is it always Marcia, Marcia, Marcia?
I’ve seen writers go down swinging in these rhetorical arguments, not realizing that in their attempts to appear strong, logical, and in control, they ultimately appear desperate for some way out of having to face all these hurdles.
Ultimately, most writers have very little luck with their bargaining efforts. With every counter-strategy defeated, and with every shortcut blocked, they find themselves at the next stage.
4. Depression
This is similar to the second stage, but now you’re feeling crushed rather than angered. This is when you may feel it’s time to wallow, and embrace the fact that the world is out to get you, and that life simply isn’t fair. After all, Clive Cussler is rich, and you’re not. At this stage, the outlook can be bleak.
Overwhelmed by all the challenges and responsibilities that a writer has to take on, some go so far as to seek professional help…
…while others resort to a time-honored tradition that has helped countless writers through the darkest of times.
But there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. You just have to make it through that tunnel.
5. Acceptance
With enough determination – and a thick enough skin – many new writers can make it through all this, and begin to accept the way things are, minus all the resentment and angst.
Suddenly, it all seems less like a conspiracy aimed at preventing you – and only you – from achieving your goals. And when you stop taking all these challenges and obstacles so personally, you might even find yourself reaching a Zenlike state of acceptance.
It’s at this point that you can actually start to thrive, with a newfound understanding of the obstacle-strewn landscape you are navigating. And it’s at this point that you can finally sit back down and do some damn WRITING.
The sad thing is, many writers bail out before they make it to this stage, sullenly stomping off to shove their manuscript into some drawer, never again to see the light of day. And while this is mostly a lighthearted post, I do want to help keep new writers from giving up too soon.
So what’s the antidote?
What I recommend to aspiring writers is this: Strive for a balance between the time and energy you put into learning the business, and learning the craft.
[pullquote]Strive for a balance between the time and energy you put into learning the business, and learning the craft.[/pullquote]On one hand, you can spend your whole life reading every literary blog and scouring every website about agents, self-publishing, social media, or building your “platform” (God I hate that word) – and never have time to learn the little stuff, like the difference between “that” and “which,” or the big stuff, like how to build a dramatic arc, write vibrant dialog, or create compelling characters.
But on the other extreme, if you’re too much of an “artiste” to concern yourself with pesky little things like genre, acceptable wordcount, how to write a decent query, how free and discount promotions can boost your ebook sales, the importance of your cover art and descriptive blurb, etc., you’ll also shoot yourself in the foot. Whether you end up signing with a Big Five house, or publishing your book yourself, you need to take a proactive role in marketing your book, and that requires a solid understanding of this rapidly changing industry.
Like it or not, the era of a writer only needing to write, and leaving the business side of things completely in the hands of others is long gone (if it ever truly existed). Accept that, and move on, understanding that there is an entrepreneurial side to being a published (or publishable) author. It’s a lot to try to wrap your head around, which is why I say strive for a balance.
Set yourself up to succeed
[pullquote]Writing is hard. Publishing is even harder.[/pullquote]Writing is hard. Publishing is even harder. But I think you can do a lot to avoid or at least partially circumvent these stages of grief by going into this with eyes – and ears – wide open. By doing some homework, and being inquisitive and open-minded – in particular, to advice from people further along in their publishing journey – I think aspiring writers can save themselves a world of hurt. In doing so, they can also accelerate their own path to publication.
How about you?
Have you witnessed these stages in others – or in yourself? And to help others get past such hurdles, what advice do you give aspiring writers who are just starting out? Are there books or websites you point them to? How do you give them a quick “Publishing 101” to help keep them from spinning their wheels? Or do you figure it’s all just a “hard knocks” thing, where the best way to learn is from their own mistakes? Please chime in, and as always, thanks for reading!
About Keith Cronin
Author of the novels ME AGAIN, published by Five Star/Gale; and TONY PARTLY CLOUDY (published under his pen name Nick Rollins), Keith Cronin is a corporate speechwriter and professional rock drummer who has performed and recorded with artists including Bruce Springsteen, Clarence Clemons, and Pat Travers. Keith's fiction has appeared in Carve Magazine, Amarillo Bay, The Scruffy Dog Review, Zinos, and a University of Phoenix management course. A native of South Florida, Keith spends his free time serenading local ducks and squirrels with his ukulele.
Fantastic and love the cartoons, though have no idea how you do that! Also that you reference Elisabeth Kubler Ross, known for her innovative work in the 70’s on grief, loss, death and dying. (Well I would, cos I am a therapist and studied her way back then!)
Anyway, back to writing novels. Totally agree, all of the above! I would say to newbies, like me! Never give up, be open to listening to those who know more, get good people to support you, believe in yourself no matter what but take notice of feedback. Read great websites like this one and don’t let the thought of marketing stop you writing. Let the love of writing help you surf the waves even if you get dumped a few times!
Thanks for an informative and entertaining read.
Wow. Sage advice and moving pictures, too. I see a lot of these qualities in new writers. A newcomer to my writing group became flustered when everyone in the room criticized his florid prose and use of words nobody understood. He was (literally) shaking and never came back to a group meeting. We tried to tell him that sometimes, less is more, and you have to have a story, not just a lot of pretty words. Not taking the time to research the industry is one thing, but the bigger problem is when writers don’t understand the craft. I love your comparison to the five stages of grief. Thanks for such a wise and entertaining post, Keith.
This is FANTASTIC. I see a lot of this in my classes. Thanks for this wonderful blog–I have a feeling I may be directing some folks to it. :-)
Wait! I’m not a god???
Brilliant and hysterical. Thanks for this, Keith!
I’ve lived this (more than once), survived it, and seen it in others (my cousin’s writing career lasted for 3 pages before she bailed), only I didn’t have those great video bytes to help me thru. The five stages are a baptism in fire, and fire is the great purifier. After it stops hurting like a bitch, anyway. I used to read submissions for an ex-associate. One author, a PHD of Something Arcane, took umbrage at my suggesting that he learn about the craft of writing novels. He asked me who the hell I thought I was. Then he listed all the famous writers in whose footsteps he was following. I think of him when I’m hearing feedback I don’t like. Thanks for a glorious post.
Great points, Keith. Those little videos are funny, but honestly, they were pretty distracting to me. Maybe I’m the only one who wiil say it, but one or two would have been plenty to enhance your message. I’m pretty sure that a lot of people will love them all!
Keith-
Hilarious. Seriously.
A balance of craft and business. The two hats. Time honored advice, wonderfully delivered today.
As an agent I’m on the other side of it. The resistance of newbies is familiar. I’m used to it. It makes them hard to teach, but hey. They eventually will be seasoned and receptive, like the best professionals.
The gatekeepers, though, smashed by the tsunami of expectations and need can have their own unhelpful reactions. Time and again at conferences I see the younger agents and editors huddle in the green room or hospitality suite as if they are under siege.
But it’s not a war. We’re all on the same side. Newbies need to listen and the young pros need to share what they know. We all want the same thing in the end: great stories well published. It’s a drag to not quickly get what you want. But who said this stuff is quick or easy?
A little laughter along the way helps us keep our balance. Thanks, Keith.
Thanks, Don. And THIS is such a great point:
“But it’s not a war. We’re all on the same side. ”
I see so many writers who forget that. Thanks for the reminder!
Needed those chuckles. Great to see you chime in, Donald. Yes, teachability is key. And helping other writers get ahead is always a wise investment. To this, many writers like me would chime in to say, “Thank you, Donald Maass!”
Love it, Keith! I remember waffling between the middle three stages a LONG time before moving on.
Keith –
Great post – wisdom and humor (girl friend line made me lol)!
I think many of us, particularly when new to writing, have a difficult time achieving “distance” from our work. This contributes to some of the responses you reveal in your piece.
Because the story we write touches us, we assume it will touch others. As author/readers we have an understanding of the characters and the events that generally goes far beyond the words on the page. Unless the writing is skillfully crafted, other readers do not share this insider’s knowledge/emotion.
They read the words on the page.
What is in the author’s heart and mind is meaningless if it is not communicated by the words on the page. Finding the words that allow the reader to engage and experience something of our intent is the challenge.
It’s difficult to acknowledge that oftentimes what we have written does not do the job.
Unlike the grief provoking events of Kubler we have revision and rewrite…thank goodness (-:
KC -I really enjoy your posts.
Keith, I love your illustrated writer’s journey. As I read, I saw my life flash before me. I’ve been there at every one. I am grateful to the editor who first took me under my wing when I was in stage 1, and for his patience as I made it to stage 4, then 5. Funny, though, how getting to one doesn’t stop me from backtracking. I wonder if there’s a stage 7: Tough Skin, a mixture of denial, anger, bargaining, and depression that equates to: “I don’t give a damn about publishing or any of that crap. I just want to write a story that is as good as it can be!!” Wait, what? You mean that’s step 1 again? Ahh!
I pointed this article out to a writing friend and in re-reading I realized I got my numbers all wrong. But I still think Tough Skin should be stage 7. It comes after stage 6: I Quit – the point at which a writer gives up on everything only to realize it’s absolutely impossible to do and there’s no choice but to stick it out for those stories we love so much.
Keith wins the internet today. Great post.
I was going to say, “what do you mean I’m not God?!” when The Don, Donald Maass, just spend several days encouraging the UnConference attendees to be God — at least in our stories. But, really, I totally get these stages, and I think I may be through this round of them. I’m sure they’ll be back, but I’ll remember all the good things I’ve learned from others farther on the writing journey than me: you are not your work, yes this is hard and it hurts, invest in the process. And now I will always think of your goat gif. It would’ve been the perfect illustration for something John Vorhaus said in the Fail Big session last week: “practice patience and impatience simultaneously — be charitable about my failures, but relentless about my process.” Thanks, Keith! (And I always point all writers everywhere to WU, of course.)
Quite possibly the best “writing” post I have ever read. Inspires AND entertains…makes me want to start again. And I will…as soon as I wipe my screen clean of all that spit-out coffee mess.
Talk about balance! I absolutely love the humorous gifs you matched with such sage advice. I suspect any writer, no matter the stage of career, can see themselves here if they come to it honestly.
And you are right – ultimately the key is balance. For me the salvation is never to forget my love of writing, the spark that first drew me in. One encouraging takeaway from the Un-Conference was the recurring message to find one’s voice and then strive to improve it. The writing is the one thing an author can control. So while it is vital I learn and stay abreast of business aspects, for me it starts with seeking real stories that have meaning for today’s readers and then working tirelessly to make my narration stronger, my scenes tighter, and my characters more real.
If I have faith in my writing, then learning the publishing aspect is no longer a dreaded chore. Instead, it becomes an extension of the process, a means to ensure the widest possible audience for my work.
Love! I had a writing partner who was stuck in at least twelve of the five stages you mentioned. We had to part ways. It was either that or gouge out my eyes.
Thank you for the laugh AND the truth-telling.
So true. There is indeed an arc of mindset writers go through–certainly this writer did, mired though I was for a long while in #4. My way forward happened back in late 2005 when I decided to write more, and again in 2008 when I attended my first writers conference and had my eyes opened finally to what *really* studying fiction writing craft could do. Keeping craft in mind keeps me centered.
To writers starting out, study craft, listen to well-given feedback, write more, and never give up! Persist.
But, but, but, but…! I’m *special*. Aren’t I?
Oh.
(Thanks, Keith! Hadn’t thought of the Five Stages of Grief as a model for writers, but it’s right on.)
Hey Keith–
Your post proves that a triple-threat guy–author, rock drummer for headliners, corporate speech writer–can also deliver the goods when it comes to advice for writers. Thank you. I think, though, that you neglect mentioning something every bit as important as the points you do make: mastering technology.
A writer who successfully weathers your five stages of coming to reality, and goes on to learn the business as well as the craft of writing will have a fighting chance. If he is unable or unwilling to learn these things, Game Over. But even those who do learn are not yet out of the woods. They must also know how to use social media and current technology. You hate the word “platform,” and so do I. But agents and editors aren’t just looking for saleable product, they’re looking for writers who can sell themselves and their work. In our time, that means technical mastery, and it’s much too important to be thought of as just another aspect of “learning the business.”
The success of your post today illustrates what I mean. The text itself is useful, and although many of us have often heard the points you make, they are points worth hearing over and over. But you have broken them up with amusing video clips, featuring well-known entertainers. This is what makes your post memorable. Take away the video, and the advice is still useful, but far less effective. Technology at work!
Care to comment?
Thanks for such thoughtful (and positive) comments, Barry. I’ve been mulling over your point about technology, and to some extent I agree, but not necessarily for the same reasons. I do think that a writer who is serious about getting published can no longer hide behind the whole “I’m helpless around technology” excuse, regardless of their age. I feel safe saying that, as I was just a few years shy of 40 the first time I used a computer, and now I cannot imagine life without one.
But I don’t know that it’s essential to “master” technology to succeed as a writer. Instead, I think it’s about mastering (or at least being well aware of) your own strengths. For example, I tend to use humor as a “social lubricant,” and I’m pretty good with computer graphics, and I pay a lot of attention to the visual side of storytelling. So for me it made sense to harvest a bunch of funny GIFs floating around in the interwebby zeitgeist, and modify and arrange them to suit my narrative. But it’s not necessarily an indication that every author needs to be able to tell a story this way.
While “mastery” may not be crucial, I would agree that fear and avoidance of technology can be a major detriment. The better you understand the tools at your disposal, the more control you can have on how you present yourself and your ideas. For example, by being decent at computer graphics, I was able to offer my publisher a mockup of a proposed book cover for my debut novel, which their professional graphics team ended up using almost verbatim. I was able to storyboard the video trailer we produced for the book, too. But not because I was a “master” of technology, but because I was *good enough* at it to get my point across to somebody else who *was* a master.
And at a more nuts-and-bolts level, I do think a lot of writers do themselves a disservice by not learning more about the tools we ALL use: our word processors. I see so many people who are baffled by Word, Scrivener, etc. – and yet they use those tools for hours every day. To me it makes sense to look up some tutorials and finally figure out how to slay these beasts. I know it’s frustrating, when the software keeps changing (if I ever meet the person who invented MS Word’s “ribbon” interface, I will pull their spleen out with my bare hand). But since I have to use Word, I hunkered down and learned how. I recommend the same for all serious writers, no matter what their word processor of choice may be.
Thanks again for commenting – I’m eager to hear your thoughts on how I interpreted your point.
Keith–
Thanks very much for your own thoughtful and detailed comments on my reply.
My first reaction is to wonder why you take issue with my use of the word “mastery” in relation to tech. Mastery, to me, doesn’t mean a degree in IT or social media. It means that someone has the skills needed to push the right buttons, and take care of business. When you speak of harvesting (great word) “a bunch of funny GIFs in the interwebby zeitgeist,” then of creating a mockup of your own book cover that was adopted by your publisher more or less as-is, then of making a “storyboard of the video trailer we produced for the book,” you are again illustrating my point. I haven’t read your debut novel, so I can’t speak about it. But I would be surprised to learn that the fruits of your technical knowledge–call it what you
will–had a great deal to do with the happy outcome.
As you can probably guess, I’m an older writer. I’ve been using computers for a long time, and I’m happy to pull my weight when it comes to the business of writing. But the new blizzard of technique and media savvy that is increasingly important to a writer’s success or failure–there’s the rub. And it’s not going to be fixed by viewing “a few tutorials.”
Thanks again for your comments. My own strengths–such as they are–have to do with writing. I get help from a professional editor, a professional cover designer, book formatter, and a professional website designer. But it’s not enough, and I am still looking for someone who can help this Old Timer with everything else.
Enjoyed this article, but find the moving pictures extremely distracting. The first one was a nice touch of humor, the second was great for emphasis, but by the third, fourth I was thinking “Alright, alright, I GET it! Am I watching TV or reading an article?”
But again, very good content article. Thank you for that part.
I disagree. It was the video clips that kept me reading. I found myself reading the advice and trying to guess what clip/character/tv or movie could match it.
When I got to Jan Brady, I totally lost it over “Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!”..up until that point, I thought The Office clips were funny!
Yup. Entitlement is ugly to watch, read, or listen to.
What? The whole publishing world including bookstores and Amazon has been waiting all these years, with bated breath, for you to finally set pen to paper?
Let me be the first to bow down.
Why do some people think they don’t need to educate themselves? And this in an age where you can happily spend days letting Google give you educational bits to read and watch.
Research, people.
I started reading the writing and publishing blogs in Jan. 2011, figuring I had some larnin’ to do, since the book was coming along nicely.
I thank everyone online (and in books) who ever took the trouble to write something down so I could read it.
Love it! The gifs really make the article.
I think we’ve all been through this at some point. Thank you so much for handling the truth with humor.
And the balancing goats totally made my day.
Hahhahaah! I LOVE THIS POST! Your giff files are hilarious. Also, I CANNOT stand the word platform. So glad you said that. :)
Yes – I agree with every single one of those stages. They happen with every book launch. With every marketing tactic. I’m in one or more of those stages all – the – time.
Writing is hard, but it’s one of the most fulfilling things I’ve ever done. I can’t imagine not writing, so I push through the tough times. A well-known author says writing is crazy making, but if you really want to go insane, publish.
Marketing is its own beast, but it’s vital if you want people to know about your books. My husband reminds me, it’s like stoking a fire and that I have to stick with it and be patient. Ugh. Another word I don’t like.
THANK YOU!
Am I the only one who dislikes this post? I could relate to the first two points, but the “Bargaining” one made me a little mad. Every business environment is temporary, including this one, because everything is temporary. I understand that the traditional model works for some people, and some people have grown up in it, so it appears inevitable and necessary. But everything that appears inevitable today was once unthinkable or abnormal, just as many things that will be the norm tomorrow are unthinkable today.
Thanks, Keith. I think I just wasted an hour watching those baby goats….
One of the biggest hurdles I had to overcome as a writer was recognizing the importance of thinking strategically about my career, not just my writing. I think artists tend to want to avoid the kind of clash and clamor that business requires, and as you rightly note, if there ever was an era when the writer could retreat to the garret and just write, it sure as heck isn’t now.
Thanks for the sound advice, the generous dose of chuckles … and those damn adorable goats.
Keith, good show! I’ve been in all those stages (and often underneath the stage), but I seem to languish in the soggy cheetah one the most. Camping there means you don’t even notice when it does stop raining.
I’m as pissy about “platform” as I am about “brand,” i.e., “Use your platform to define your brand.” At this point, my brand is somewhere between Play Doh and Cheetohs. But balance, yes, balance is key. Thus, always keep a number of goats handy.
Thanks for a fine post.
“Always keep a number of goats handy” — you make me laugh, Tom.
This should be required reading for every new or struggling author. I work with many authors in marketing their books online and every word you write Keith is true. Your words bring me clarity and may reduce hair-pulling on my part. I just self-pubbed my first book and have seen daily sales since day one with almost no marketing. Not because my words are wonderful or my story divine – they truly are not… yet – but because I studied my market before I wrote the story. Balance isn’t about finding time to market but in loving to make the sale as much as loving to write the book.
Wow, great post, Keith, thank you! I am a “newbie” working on my first novel. I laughed at the truth of your words here. I see these steps too, to a certain extent. I write a blog for debut authors with up to three published novels. Many can’t understand why they didn’t merit a five-star rating. Although I do point out why on the review, many are not happy if it is less than stellar. I have only one item published, a short story in an anthology, a seasonal Christmas story. I know that many people have pointed out that you shouldn’t have a friend edit your work. Well, my roommate is super supportive of me and wants me to succeed. She is also a great editor and can point out what doesn’t look right or make sense. When she pointed out a couple of things, well, I did the same darn thing! What do you mean you don’t get that? So, I took a deep breath, started laughing like a fool, while she looked at me like I had taken leave of my senses. When I caught my breath, I apologized and told her that I was doing what I swore to myself I wouldn’t–which is listening to criticism. I understand now. It is not easy to hear any criticism of your baby. It’s like your firstborn child. I did end up listening, and for a short, short story, I did about 5-6 rewrites. It is also in present tense, which I had never tried before, and probably never will again. It is hard! I thought it would be easy, but it isn’t easy to stay in the present tense. So, I understand and love this post, and I am going to bookmark it. Thanks again! :)
This explains a lot.
It especially explains those authors who moan about mean one-star reviews, not realising they self-published before their book was ready. Yep. Denial.
Oh, boy…the stages. Yep! I’m super new in the business side of all this…and the publishing side…but I’m happy to say that some critique groups, well-meaning comments from teachers, and thoughtful times splayed out on a grassy lawn fixed the above-mentioned ailments.
I’m happy to say that I’m now in a group where everyone is past these stages. But, that makes me sounds unsympathetic. Really I have compassion for writers in these stages. As a Leo, I am very prideful, and I certainly had pictures of glory in my mind for years, especially when I was a kid imagining how being a writer would be.
I am sure that I will experience these stages again when I get deeper into the publishing and business aspects of writing. For now, I am happy to be sprinting along in the second draft of my epic fantasy novel.
Great post! I enjoyed the gifs, especially The Office ones. Fun!
fantastic article, it made my day. I especially loved the line about Shakespeare and the fact he didn’t have to write queries ( he definitely had bigger issues and worries than that, though )
in this world, where we get bombarded by news by the minute, everyone sort of got used to the Fast, fast, faster approach. everyone wants quick and easy, because hey, it happened to someone else, so why not me.
and then the reality hits and we realize that writing is everything BUT quick and easy. Just like in every other field, where we want to be taken seriously and professionally, we shouldn’t expect to become “stars” overnight. it just isn’t realistic.
to learn the craft, to create the story we were meant to write and deliver it in the way it was supposed to be written … it takes time. lots of it.
I have been there once, the impatient newbie with dreams of overnight stardom, and big press release, and accolades. in my mind, i was already casting the movie version of my first drafted manuscript.
but i learned, wrote, rewrote, wrote again and again. between my writing endeavors I read many books, mostly fiction.
i knew my time would come, but I just wasn’t there yet.
Great article, thanks for putting things into perspective for those new writers who, perhaps until now, never knew that pretty much EVERY WRITER goes through these stages.
Lucky for me, I have been writing for 15 years, have had my agent for 5, and still am not published, so I remain hopeful as I hang out in the final stage of Acceptance (though I keep an open mind regarding Bargaining!) Six adult novels and five YA’s later, I have received enough rejections to cover the walls of a gymnasium, have made it to the coveted acquisitions table so often I offer to bring the staff Starbucks, and have made more changes for editors than a mom does diapers on her new baby. Yet I consider myself one of the lucky ones!
As an aside, I was once a newbie. I remember college grad day, fresh out of my first novel-writing class. My writing professor said, “So, what do you plan to do after graduation?” I responded with a confident laugh, tossing my hair over a shoulder, “Publish my book, of course.” My first book. My practice book. The book that to this day sits in a box on a shelf. My professor’s smiling face turned to one of pity, one that said, “Oh, honey, no, really? That’s what you think?” What he actually said was, “Oh. Well. Good luck with that.” Then he hid from me behind the snack table.
But let me remind all those new writers, there are definitely five stages to go through, but not all are steeped in grief. And if I have to be stuck somewhere, this stage of Acceptance is way better than the other stages. Sure makes for a happier, richer life…and makes for better writing, too! ; )
To new writers, be careful who you select to give you writing feedback. Once you know they know their stuff and have your best interest at heart, listen to them.
Also don’t let the business side of the craft overwhelm you. Instead fall in love with it. To build a successful career, we must sail our own boat.
This is GENIUS, Keith. Sharing with my writers workshops now.
Hahaha. I love it, Keith. My favorite gif is of the ocelot in #4. Way to make a point and entertain at the same time. One might even think you’ve been taking your own advice and practicing this writing gig.
I love your images, Keith! And I have recognized all those qualities in writers I have met and (shudder) even in myself! My advice to new writers is firstly to find yourself a good writing group or partner, which will not only spur you on to write regularly but will provide you with valuable feedback on your work – feedback is essential to improve, otherwise you’re just writing in a vacuum.
Secondly I recommend reading, lots and widely, which is a no-brainer, really. For me, reading well-written books has probably been just as valuable for me as attending workshops etc. As I’m reading a book, I’m taking note of what works in the novel and what doesn’t.
A book I can recommend is Story Engineering by Larry Brooks – an excellent book on how to structure and plan your novel.
Keith,
Appreciate The Five Stages of New Writer’s Grief. I’ve experienced them all, and the first four could be called Stages of Self-sabotage. It took many years of disappointments before I learned how to listen to people who know more than I do about the business side of writing. I now have an MS in Publishing & Writing. But because I haven’t perfected the time machine I’ve been working on in our basement, I have to stay current with the rapidly changing publishing industry. Have to admit that I have not been paying as much attention to publishing as I should.
Although I agree with you about new writers needing to learn about publishing at the same time they’re learning the craft, learning too much about the business can intimidate new writer. Hell, it can intimidate well established writers. Guess you figure out how much you need to know, and at what stage of your writing you’ll need to know it. As you said, it is difficult, but it’s done all the time by determined writers who are willing to learn from others.
Thankxczs.
I have gone a few of these stages when I was younger. I am so glad that the crap I put out there never saw the light of day. I reread the stuff and wonder what I was thinking. I think what helped me was the writing courses I took when I went back to school. I went to Mount Holyoke, and the Professors were published authors, and did not sugar coat their critiques. I became a better writer when I took the advice of others. I still have a long way to go, but I know to hand off my work to others before I do anything with it.
Great, funny, and 100% realistic. But I have to disagree with your title. New writers? No, all writers. Unless “new” refers to any writer’s latest book. I go through each and every one of these steps every time I send a book into the world. Then I torture myself on the OLD books all over again, every time I attempt a “re-launch” or whatever you want to call it. Great post, and I’m off to share it.