If to get published I have to churn out a cookie-cutter book and sacrifice my integrity in the process, it looks like I won't ever get published because I refuse to be a sheep. Not that I am a sheep. For the record, I am a Taurus. If you tell me I can't do something, I will do it. Eventually. And when I do, I will do it superbly.
For all you writers out there, you need to believe in yourself and your book. This is especially important if you're going to be unique. Being unique means you will have a tough journey ahead. You will be told to "convert" to get published; you will be told you cannot succeed. But, if you keep your belief and your determination, you WILL achieve your dream.
Never sacrifice. Never compromise. Never be someone you are not.
If a reader is too precious to allow rough sex in a fictional relationship because it's not considered "romantic"... well, I take that over supposed a "real life" romantic fake cookie-cutter swooning Edwardian vom-fest any day.
Needless to say, not only did the Geli submission get absoultely trashed, I did too! And I found this out on my birthday!
Sarcasm aside, that promise still stands. This is not failure; this is my new motivator.
My will shall shape the future. Whether I fail or succeed shall be no man's doing but my own. I am the force; I can clear any obstacle before me or I can be lost in the maze. My choice; my responsibility; win or lose, only I hold the key to my destiny - Elaine Maxwell
Elle, I really admire your strength and courage. If I had received criticism such as you seem to have, I would have crawled into bed in the foetal position and not got up for at least four days!
ReplyDeleteI'm no expert, but I have read a fair few books in my time, and I KNOW that I would buy your books. Experts can give advice all they want, but at the end of the day, all that matters is that you are writing something that you like and that other people want to read. Which you are doing!
Never ever give in to what is "expected" because it's just boring and literature (or art in general) would never progress if everyone did the same!
I'm right behind you!
Elle! what the hell's gone on??????
ReplyDeleteIs this something to do with the new writer's scheme? Whatever it is, don't be discouraged!! I am so mad on your behalf right now!!!
We both know you have talent and it will be recognised sooner or later....I believe that genuine worth will always come out in the end....but I'm so sorry you've had to have such a suckey experience right now.
As long as you keep on writing, that's the main thing....I'm rooting for ya! xx
I don't know what's gone on to bring about this change in your blog; I'm curious, and if you want to talk about it then feel free to email me.
ReplyDeleteBut that's probably just my own nosiness talking!
Seriously, now, though - you sound so determined and though I don't know what's gone on in your life recently, all I can say is I find knockbacks or rejections or anything bad can often fire you up and give you an "I'll show them!" attitude. If that's what's happening here, then great. Use that energy! (((hugs)))
For what it's worth, I'm Taurus too...I've got quite a few years on you, and I'll have one more to add to that number in a matter of days!
I hope you keep this blog going. And I hope you end up showing those bar stewards, whoever they are, who got you so riled!
Thank you, Astharis! Believe me, it means a lot to know people are behind me and want to read what I write. And I definitely agree there would be no progress if we were all expected to chrun out the "same-old, same-old" material. Hopefully one day my books will be recognised and get the credit they deserve ... opposed to being dismissed as they aren't "limited" to the being the "norm".
ReplyDeleteThanks, Amy! Don't worry, I'm a tough cookie. I WILL do this. But it means a lot to me to know people are behind me and believe in me. It makes it that little bit easier for me to tough this out as I know if I don't do this, not only would I be letting myself down, but I would be letting down other people too. :)
I've just e-mailed you, Scarlett! But yes, this is definitely going to result in me "showing them", and I will be keeping this blog going - don't worry about that! I saved it all before I started deleting, so I will probably end up restoring it at some point. :0)
I replied to your email!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I *so* admire your attitude. Thank god you're not giving up. Always listen to advice if it's given in the right spirit, but never let the bastards grind you down...as the saying goes.
:D