Writing.Com General Discussion

The fact is, most of us won't make it as writers. I don't mean to sound discouraging; after all, I'm in the same boat. My philosophy is to have small goals and be proud when I accomplish them and then set newer, bigger (though still small) goals to encourage myself to keep going. First it was to write a novel (notice I said write, not publish), then it was to publish a short story, then it was to get paid for a story, then it was to be recognized by a major literary magazine. Which I did, even if it was just to be on their short list. That's still farther than many make it. So next it's write a better novel than the first two (because they were pretty bad). Maybe one day I'll publish one, but that's not the goal. Not yet anyway. One thing at a time.

You self-published a novel! That's great! So what's your next goal? A new novel perhaps? Learning to navigate the social media/self promotion deal? Just because one agent rejected you doesn't mean another will. If you find an agent, it doesn't mean you'll be the next JK Rowling. Most likely you won't. So stay in the moment. Your writing, your current goals, and your current accomplishments. I think you'll find some fulfillment and motivation there.

~Veritas