Blog Chain Post: Breaking up with the Internet

Hi Internets. You've probably noticed that I've been avoiding you.

Well Internets, pull up a chair and sit down. We need to talk. It's not you, it's me. Well actually, who am I kidding? It is you.

You see, you're constantly flaunting the successes of other people in my face. And, while I'm genuinely happy for these people, there gets to be a point where a level of - let's call it frustration - starts to build. And when that happens, I start to not like myself. I don't want to be the person who asks, "Why not me?"

So I've decided something, Internets. We need to break up. Now don't get me wrong, we can still be friends and hang out. But our torrid love affair? Over. You're not good for me and I don't like who I am when I spend too much time with you.

Wait. What? You want to know if there's someone else?

Well, I didn't want to bring it up, but since we hang out in the same circle I figure you'll find out sooner or later. Yes. I'm seeing someone else.

Sewing and I hooked back up. I know. We were lovers before and, while sewing doesn't always give me the same dangerous thrills as you do, sewing doesn't make me feel bad about myself. Sewing is always there for me and doesn't care whether I'm good enough or whether someone is better. Sewing makes me happy in ways you never could, Internet.

So I put all of your things in this box. You'll find your Publisher's Marketplace in there.

What's that?

Of course I remember the day we shared my book deal in PM. I agree that was a happy day. But what I didn't like was how you continued to rub the other deals - the BIGGER deals in my face. I don't need that kind of pressure, Internets. I used to be thrilled with that fact that I was getting published. But you kept telling me that that wasn't good enough. And you see, I really don't need that kind of negativity in my life.

You'll also find a couple other things of yours in that box. A couple industry blogs and things like that. You see, you've smothered me. I can't possibly spend all the time with you that you're demanding AND write AND spend time with my family. I hope you understand. You might want to think about getting a puppy.

Also, I hope you don't mind but I'm keeping the Email, Twitter, and Facebook you gave me. They were a gift after all.

Anyway, it's only been a couple of weeks since I started avoiding you and I'm already happier. That alone speaks volumes. I'm sorry I had to break up with you on this very public forum but, as you can see, it's for the best.

Hi. Cole here. If you or someone you know is dealing with the pressures of being a writer, don't worry. This blog chain is here to help. Please stay tuned for tomorrow's post by Michelle Hickman when she'll tell you if she has any hobbies, tips, or techniques for staying positive and productive.

How about you? What hobbies, tips, or techniques do you have for keeping your writerly battery charged?

Blog Chain Post: Hurry Up and Wait!

This round on the blog chain was started by my crit-partner and friend, Sarah Bromley. She asks:

What has been the most unexpected part of your writing journey up to this point? What has happened that you could never have predicted? Has it been a help or a hindrance?



Um...wow. So many things.

But if I had to list just one thing, the most UNEXPECTED thing, it would be this:

I finished the first draft of KATANA in 2007.

KATANA will hit the shelves in 2012.

Crazy, right?

When I first began writing, I had no idea how much time, sweat, blood, and tears I would shed seeking out publication. I had no idea I would spend two years and over two hundred rejections querying until I found an agent.

I hadn't a clue it would take another year and another dozen or so rejections before I had a publisher. And, even then, it would take another two years before my book appears in a book store.

Is a five year wait from finished novel to publication typical. No. You could wait longer. Or not as long. The only constant in publishing is that there is no constant in publishing.

My agent once told me that the motto of publishing biz is, "Hurry up and wait!" And I get asked all the time how I survived the process. I wish I had some secret waiting technique that I could share. Or that I was some master of zen. My only real answer is that I'm insanely stubborn.

Hee.

For more answers, check out Kate's answer before mine and Eric's post tomorrow.

How about you? What took you by surprise?