How I Found The Write Path Blogfest

Today, I'm taking part in How I Found the Write Path Blogfest. A big thanks to Carrie Butler for putting all of this together. Check out the other amazing participants here.

 

 

Dear Past Self,

Hey there! It’s me, you, but in the future. Crazy, right? Anyway, this journey you’re about to embark on is crazy hard. Deep down, I think you know that, but you have to face it and embrace it. There will be a ton of rejection and heartache. Lots of tears and those demons that like to make you feel like you’re not worth much. Yep, they’ll come. When you query, they’ll double, well, triple in size.

Stay strong. I know it’s easy for me to say, but you must. You need to take the support when others offer. It’s okay. It’s doesn’t make you weak. You know the people I’m talking about. They’ll guide you and help you in so many ways. So listen to them.

And don’t compare yourself to anyone. ANYONE. Everyone’s path is different.  It’s true. I know you’ll try and ignore me, but it’s really true. All the feedback you get will be left up to you to determine. That whole follow-your-gut thing. Yep. It’s true. You need to keep writing everyday and taking the opportunities that you know are good for you. Trust me.

When you query, let things slide off. Rejection only makes you stronger. I know that’s something everyone tells you, but it’s true. It still hurts, but you'll learn how to channel the hot pokers that strike your heart. Always be aware that there are options in publishing so keep an open mind. Success is only what you make it. And opinions are just that—opinions. Throw them up and let them fly like petals on the wind. Make sure to keep the ones you cherish close to your heart. You’ll know who means well.

The confidence you have now will fade in and out. It may even get crushed. Don’t let it. Remain strong and believe in yourself. If you don’t believe in yourself, it’ll show. Never EVER think you’re below anyone. Your path is different from the others. That’s all. When you’re at the point where it seems like everyone in the world is published or has an agent but you, you’re still not below anyone. So please, don’t think that.

Patience is also key. Now I know you pretty much have none so figure out how to deal with waiting months and months (possibly never) from agents. It’s how this all works. There are no short cuts. Everything takes time so distract yourself by writing something else. It’ll do you good. Think about it, the more you write the stronger you become.

And the biggy--this is all subjective. Not everyone is going to like your stuff. You don’t like every book you read so not everyone will like yours. All you need to do is keep writing and enjoying the process of creating magic. All those characters in your head need a life on paper; otherwise, they’ll drive you nuts when they talk all at once. No sense in that. You don’t want to look crazy.

So keep going. You’re on the right track. One day things will happen and some people will love your stories. Just believe in yourself and crush the doubting demons. They aren’t kind and only hold you back. You are amazing and you will get there.

Love,

Your Future Self

Christine Danek
Blog: www.christinedanek.blogspot.com
Twitter @christinedanek

"I give permission for my entry to be included in the e-book compilation without royalties and/or separate compensation."

 

 

Social media--blessing or curse?

Social media. Is it a blessing or a curse? I'm not sure if it's either. Actually, it depends on how you look at it and really how you use it. At one point, my journey towards publication relied on it. I craved it. I looked forward to it--everyday. It was a community for me. I can't say it's entirely bad. I've made a ton of connections and friends to which I'm so so grateful for.  I've learned tons and tons. And have gotten so much support from many folks I've never met. A blessing. Plus, you can find anything you need without leaving your house--research. Bonus.

On the other hand, social media can bring you down. For a few years, I was on it a lot and what I began to realize is social media became more like a cursed object. So much information was thrown at me I didn't know what to process. It awoke some things in me. My depression demons would whisper negative thoughts into my head. It brought me down. Way down. I would compare myself and see tons of things happening to others and nothing was happening in my corner of the world. What was wrong with me? Could I not learn? Or even keep up?  I became numb and distant. I was angry at writing when it should make me happy. I got frustrated and fed up. I pushed myself but what I was writing was forced and not thought through. I wasn't enjoying it. Any of it. I wanted something, badly, and I was so caught up in social media, I couldn't focus on me. It definitely held me back. It created a mindset that spiraled me backwards. Confidence dropped and I felt that I was so below everyone, I'm never going to get there.

So what happened. I stopped. I stopped blogging, I limited my FB time, twitter time and all around email. I stopped checking my email every five seconds for responses from agents. I didn't want that to rule my life. I can't control what they want so I shut it off. It can be a distraction and overwhelming. I wanted to keep up but I kept putting myself below everyone because I wasn't there. Why would I be accepted if I'm just a writer? Bad thoughts from not so nice demons. Once I limited things, the weight on my shoulders started to lift. I stepped back and instead of trying to keep up with everyone else, I'm only trying to please myself. It's okay to say no and it's okay to take your time. It's okay to limit things, and guess what, it's okay shut it off for a while. The whole world doesn't need to know every single thing you do. You're writing. That what counts. You're thinking about how to change a problem child in your story. That counts too. There's nothing to keep up with only with yourself.

So where am I now. Still querying and not trying to think about it too much. I'm also revising my fourth novel and prepping it to query one day. And writing my fifth novel. Keeping busy and keeping me happy. I've decided to take my time with this next manuscript and see where it goes. I write because it helps me escape and one day I would love to share it with others, but I need to think clearly and move forward with out looking back and to the side.

I think in the end, social media is what you make it. I think you have to decide the best way to use it and focus on it. I think for the longest time, I did, but got lost, and now, I'm jumping back on the tracks and moving forward.

Hope everyone is well!

What are you working on?

Have a great day!!