Momentary Setback

In case you've noticed (or in case you haven't), writing hasn't been a huge topic around the blog lately. Mostly because I haven't been doing much of it. 
After I completed SECOND-HAND SCAVENGERS, I hit a major rut. We're talking at least six feet deep here. It wasn't a "writer's block" rut. I'm not going to be writing for awhile--I've got too many books waiting to be edited!
I've been extremely (and quietly) discouraged. I've questioned question my talent, ideas, and if my voice even needs to be heard.
The thing is, guys, my books are just a few in a infinite shelf of books. 
Which led me to the inevitable: What's the point?

Since I crashed into this rut--more like a pit--I've stayed away from all things writing. Sometimes a break helps gain perspective. I am happy to say that I miss writing and my characters a lot. The time away also helped me come to one major conclusion as to my down-in-the-dumpsness.
I'm lazy.
Seriously! Part of what has me so "blah" is the fact that my books need major work. And I don't want to do it. I want them to be 101% perfect from idea to keystroke. Unfortunately I'm human, so they're not.
I'm working to get over this aspect. The "infinite shelf of books" thing? Well, that's something I'll just have to accept as part of the writing world.
Time to yank myself up by my hypothetical bootstraps and get to work.
If you're feeling discouraged about your work, here's a message just for you.
You can do it. Your voice matters. I want to read your story.

The Writer's Raincloud

Every once in awhile I get what I now call The Writer's Raincloud. Like this week, for example.
What is The Writer's Raincloud? Allow me to illustrate:
It's this:

And this:

And also this:

Get my drift?
In non-gif format, The Writer's Raincloud is period of time where you (a writer) feels like:
1. There is no point to writing; the odds of being successful or even getting published are tinier than--well, you're too melancholy to be creative enough to think of something "tinier than."
2. All of your books are terrible. Awful, even.
3. There are so many amazing novels and novelists out there, you're just a sneeze at a concert.
What triggers The Writer's Raincloud? Maybe a mental recovery period from NaNo-ing? Or the realization that tons of work (editing and query-writing lies ahead)? I have no idea. I just know it takes awhile to get over.
And that's okay.
Though my mental timeline had me start editing this week, I'm going to push it off until my fervor returns. That's what writing is supposed to be after all: fun! 
Once my self-esteem recharges, I know it will be again

It Takes Dedication

It may come as a surprise to you readers, but sometimes I really don't want to write a blog post.

I like to think I'm not the only one out there occasionally bitten by the "lazy bug." But if I were honest, sometimes it's more than just laziness. I feel like my posts are unimportant. That they're just floating in cyberspace without anyone to read them.

That's also how I feel about my books, too. They're just hanging out there on my laptop's hardrive, not being read. They're not even collecting dust on a bookstore shelf!

Writing is the most exciting and heart-rending career in the world.

But I wouldn't trade it for anything. I love what I do. And that love--that passion--keeps me going.

Even when the odds are stacked against me and getting published seems impossible.

If you're feeling discouraged, don't give up. You never know what opportunity might be waiting around the corner.

Slogging Through the Slush

So last week I entered the miry trenches of querying. I was so involved I forgot to do a post last Thursday.

                                     

But here I am now! That has to count for something, right?

Here are so updates for you so we can commiserate together. Over the last week I have received the following:

Query Rejections: 18
Full Requests: 2

You know that sound Lucy makes in I Love Lucy where she messes up pretty bad and Ricky finds out? Yeah, cue that.

                                     

Not as stellar as I was hoping. In fact, I was pretty annoyed/frustrated/depressed/melancholy over it this weekend. Especially since my novel for NaNo happens to be the sequel to After Alice (my querying manuscript). My family tried to cheer me up, but it didn't really work. I was determined to be pessimistic.

                                   

Then I got to talking to this writer on twitter then on NaNo's website. She probbaly doesn't realize how much she boosted my spirits, but shout outs to her website! She's querying too, so we commiserated and she reminded me how cool of an idea After Alice is.

Maybe you're wondering what the point of this post is? Well, let me sum it up for you in one sentence. When braving the querying trenches, have a fellow writer/soldier at your side, it works wonders.

Unfortunately, I'm still going to jump every time my phone vibrates...