Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Q&A: My writing struggles.

What have been your struggles with writing 
and have you ever wanted to punch someone in the face
 for telling you that you couldn't do it?
Trying to build a career in writing is a love/hate battle for me. 
Part of me feels so lucky that I have Ryan to support us while I focus on trying to publish
my fiction and another part of me feels guilty for not having a "real job".
Part of me loves being at home all day and setting my own schedule, while another part of me
longs to have obligations outside of the house.
Part of me feels accomplished and proud for getting into an MFA program 
and part of me is terrified to be taking that leap because it means that soon I'll have to
prove myself by getting published or getting a teaching position 
and what if that doesn't happen? 
In short, I struggle with writing a lot. I think everyone who pursues a creative career struggles with their decision, and if they don't, they're probably either insanely talented
or insanely delusional. 
No one has ever told me outright that I couldn't do it, 
but sometimes I can feel when people are doubtful or condescending. 
Most of the time I brush it off because in this field you have to learn how to take criticism
or you'll never survive. J.K. Rowling was turned down at least twelve times before Harry Potter
was published. I expect to face hundreds of rejection letters in my lifetime
and I know I can't let them affect me too much because they're opinions. 
Opinions that determine whether or not my writing gets published, yes, but still just opinions. 
Agents and editors are humans, after all, not supreme Gods of literature.
Sometimes comments do get under my skin, 
and at times I have wanted to punch someone in the face for saying things that made me cry.
But I think as long as I'm (mostly) happy doing what I'm doing, 
the only opinions that truly matter are Ryan's and my own. 
What if J.K. Rowling gave up after a handful of rejections?
We would live in a Harry Potter-less world.
And that would be sad.  

25 comments:

  1. Your struggles are understandable but if it is your dream and you have an amazing hubby supporting you just keep trying. The sky is the limit and God will lead you to whatever he believes. I've read some of your stuff on here and your opportunity is endless. Just have to wait for the door to open!!!

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  2. I can completely relate! Getting a degree in Creative Writing isn't exactly setting oneself up for instant job success. :) But, I love to write, and at the end of the day I would rather strive to do something I love than to not try as hard to do something I'm not passionate about. Keep writing girl, you'll get there! :)

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  3. ok, this post just proves that you are an amazing writer. every word ... every sentence. perfection. you are amazing and you will do amazing. no doubt about that. I think that J.K. Rowling gal (I just about said "dude", I have yet to read harry potter *gasp*) is one smart cookie. and so are you.

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  4. Writing is def a real job, and I'm sure you will become ver successful. Sometimes we hit rough roads but we just have to have faith and push forward.

    XO,adropofbliss.blogspot.com

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  5. I completely understand this post! I feel the same way in my life.

    I would love to write...to really just sit down & write & then hopefully have something published. Right now w/a 4 year old still at home, there's not a lot of time for that...but maybe when she starts to school...I can really sit down and do something.

    I don't tell too many people that I write. I'm afraid of getting laughed at.

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  6. I loved your response! It gave me chills reading it. I'm so incredibly impressed with your determination and love for writing! You are a very strong and influential women. Thanks for blogging!!

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  7. You have a positive outlook on your future career and that's a great start! Good luck with everything, I'm sure we will be seeing your name out there soon :)

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  8. A Harry Potter-less world would be sad indeed! I can't wait to read your novel someday!

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  9. creative careers are so hard because the ideas start as a part of you, and it becomes so personal! i can relate to that through my graphic design career.

    also, you should be so proud of yourself for getting into an MFA program! even if it's hard, it will be amazing, and don't ever feel guilty about going. my husband just finished his MA degree and i worked for us both while he did that - it was hard, but so worth it! you guys will be great!

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  10. It would indeed be a sad world without Harry Potter in it.

    I've always wanted to write a book but I can't find any inspiration to start my story. Its the one thing in life I REALLY want to accomplish, whether or not I get published. I just want to write a book. I thought about majoring in creative writing but the schools that offer the major are either private and super expensive, or really far away from me.

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  11. I think it's great that you ate even trying! I'm at a point where I want to launch my future career in a more creative direction, but I have been too scared to take the leap. I need to follow in your footsteps and just do it anyway. Way to go girl :)

    Natashala.blogspot.com

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  12. I want to punch anyone in the face who turned down J.K. Rowling. Idiots.

    Keep pushing girl, getting into a MFA program is amazing!

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  13. I love this post. I have moments where I long to consider myself a "writer". I'm just not sure I'm tough enough :)

    I think you'll appreciate this post b/c of your J.K. Rowling reference...

    http://www.acarolinalove.com/2011/08/i-may-not-be-there-yet.html

    I think people that follow hard after dreams should probably claim temporary insanity to those around them. But praise God for crazy people!

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  14. I think it's normal to have days that we feel down but we must get up and keep going. Just keep believing in yourself! You are so talented. It's so evident in your blog and in your writing! You are amazing... keep running the good race. no one ever said it would be easy, but it's so worth it when you reach your destination!

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  15. It sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders about it all! I hope to get published some day too, but I know it's not an easy task. You have to be resilient. :D

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  16. Screw the negativity. You are doing something you love, and that is all that matters. Beats sitting in an office for the rest of your life wondering "what if" ? (me).

    Follow your passions, your talents, and your goals, it can only take you to good places, although the journey might be a tad rough.

    And can I tell you a secret? I might be joining you in the career field someday [soonish?] ;)

    Happy writing lovely, you can do this.

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  17. a harry potter-less world is not a world i want to live in! keep your head up! i rethink my decision of a creative career all the time, it takes thick skin and a passion. as long as you have that, who cares what anyone else says? at least you have your love and talent.

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  18. And a harry potter-less world is a world without hope...a very sad world. You have gotten this far! And that's not by chance. You're talented, so when you're down on yourself, just remember that you've gotten this far because you're good at what you do!

    A Southern Drawl

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  19. I just loved writing when I was in middle school and high school, but then when I got a writing/editing internship after I graduated, it changed. It wasn't fun anymore. I haven't really written for fun since.

    I really want to though. I've considered it off and on. I think it would be fun again if I did. :) Don't give up!

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  20. You have a glow, a literal glow about your words.. you have and will continue to become someone great. Even if that means a thousand rejection letters.

    But Ice Cream, should the rejection be too much.. remember Blogland, and then remember me, and get ahold of me and we will take over the world for the day.

    You had me at Harry Potter. You already did, but still.

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  21. I love the top you are wearing in that picture ;) as for your writing... you blogging is so well thought out and its incredibly clear that writing is something that you enjoy. Good things come to those who wait, so just be patient and confident in your talents... your a star!

    xo Teresa
    www.delightfullydarling.com

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  22. A Harry Potter-less world is the saddest thing I can imagine. I need the magic.

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  23. Good insights to following your heart; I've recently begun my own personal training business, and it was scary at first, but it's going well and I LOVE my job! That's what matters. :)

    www.highheelstosneakers.com

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