I write military political technothrillers and when I meet people and tell them I'm a writer they've often replied "I could never do that. I'm not that creative." To me this is a sad statement as lack of creativity or imagination has never been a problem for me. Reigning it in, however, has gotten me into trouble at work, though now that I'm retired that's no longer a limiting factor.
I've written three novels though nothing published yet. I feel my third novel that I'm still working on is publishable so I'm working with an editor to get into final shape, then I'll look for a small publisher. I went to Bookcamp two years ago, a weeklong in residence program for writers working on novels. The professional authors on staff reviewed the first 30 pages of my book and two of them told me I'm writing at a professional level. The one author who described himself as a "word mercenary" told me if I wanted to get published to be insanely stubborn and not give up. I took his advice and know that one day I will get published.
A couple of months ago I sent my book out to a number of beta readers and received some really positive feedback. I know there's a market for what I write, I just have to find my readers. To do that I started a weekly Substack newsletter about what's in the news today inspires lots of science fiction and every week I share examples of books and movies on whatever the theme of the week is. I'm slowly gaining readers.
Thanks for the reminder that we writers are often one bubble off and that's OK, as well as the motivation to keep going!
Thanks for sharing about your writing journey! “One bubble off” - I love that! But it sounds like your bubble is getting closer and we can’t wait to hear what happens!
I love the subject matter of your books and your newsletter. If you have the skills, I think making it in the publishing is just a matter of time and persistence. I hope you publish all of your books! (and I hope I publish mine too 😅)
Your encouragement comes across so clearly. As a new author (but an old writer) it means a lot, as well as your valuable advice, especially on those low days when no one seems to care. Thank you, Kristen.
So grateful to have found you on Substack earlier this year, Kristen. You always uplift and inspire me, especially when I am having a particularly discouraging day (like today). Thank you!
My illustrator friend, who lives on another continent and painted my book cover, says that paid mentorships are a really good way to go. What do you think, Kristen? But it’s hard to find people. I would want the ideal mentor to be like you.
Love this line: "The fire inside your belly needs to be bigger than all of the people trying to put it out." Thank you!
That’s the secret… to pretty much everything!
I write military political technothrillers and when I meet people and tell them I'm a writer they've often replied "I could never do that. I'm not that creative." To me this is a sad statement as lack of creativity or imagination has never been a problem for me. Reigning it in, however, has gotten me into trouble at work, though now that I'm retired that's no longer a limiting factor.
I've written three novels though nothing published yet. I feel my third novel that I'm still working on is publishable so I'm working with an editor to get into final shape, then I'll look for a small publisher. I went to Bookcamp two years ago, a weeklong in residence program for writers working on novels. The professional authors on staff reviewed the first 30 pages of my book and two of them told me I'm writing at a professional level. The one author who described himself as a "word mercenary" told me if I wanted to get published to be insanely stubborn and not give up. I took his advice and know that one day I will get published.
A couple of months ago I sent my book out to a number of beta readers and received some really positive feedback. I know there's a market for what I write, I just have to find my readers. To do that I started a weekly Substack newsletter about what's in the news today inspires lots of science fiction and every week I share examples of books and movies on whatever the theme of the week is. I'm slowly gaining readers.
Thanks for the reminder that we writers are often one bubble off and that's OK, as well as the motivation to keep going!
Thanks for sharing about your writing journey! “One bubble off” - I love that! But it sounds like your bubble is getting closer and we can’t wait to hear what happens!
I love the subject matter of your books and your newsletter. If you have the skills, I think making it in the publishing is just a matter of time and persistence. I hope you publish all of your books! (and I hope I publish mine too 😅)
Luna, thank you for your kind words and for subscribing to my newsletter. I'll try hard to make it worth your time each week to read it!
love this
Your encouragement comes across so clearly. As a new author (but an old writer) it means a lot, as well as your valuable advice, especially on those low days when no one seems to care. Thank you, Kristen.
I appreciate the upliftment ❤️
I love the idea of finding your safe person as far as readers. Thanks for sharing.
So grateful to have found you on Substack earlier this year, Kristen. You always uplift and inspire me, especially when I am having a particularly discouraging day (like today). Thank you!
This is just a moment in time. And you are having a bad day, but you are not bad. Hopefully tomorrow will be better! So glad you’ve found me too!
Thank you. I totally agree - a bad day will pass.
My illustrator friend, who lives on another continent and painted my book cover, says that paid mentorships are a really good way to go. What do you think, Kristen? But it’s hard to find people. I would want the ideal mentor to be like you.
I wonder if you could find someone you don’t have to pay? More of a critique partner?
Yes. I could look on a Beta Reader’s list, and perhaps find some of experience. Thanks for replying.