Don't panic, though. I'll never quit writing. The idea I toy with now and then is to stop submitting my work to traditional Christian publishers. Hold on a second...this is not a rant against the establishment. We readers owe the big pubs gratitude for putting books into our hot little hands, so I am not dissing the CBA.
What exactly am I talking about? I don't think I fit into their winning formula. Let's pick it apart piece by piece and you'll see what I mean...
Good Writing + Unique Voice + Story-that-fits-easily-into-marketable-Christian-category = Contract
GOOD WRITING
This part of the formula takes grunt work. You need to learn the trade and learn it well. It takes practice, typing your fingers to the nubs, and a whole lot of butt-in-chair time. I believe anyone can learn this if they are humble enough to take criticism and motivated to do the work.
UNIQUE VOICE
This second addend is a little trickier. Voice isn't something you learn. It's completely you. It's the words that flow after you stop worrying about what other people think of your writing. This is the stage whereupon you perform as little ol' you in the guise of story and character. I believe everyone has a voice but not everyone is able to let go and give it free rein.
STORY THAT FITS EASILY INTO MARKETABLE CHRISTIAN CATEGORY
Here's my Achille's heel. There are certain genres that are trendy, and if you want a contract, you need to write in those genres. And even if you write in a genre that is selling, you must keep the story within defined boundaries. At this particular stage in our economy, risk takers who stray from the accepted path will not win the contract.
So what I learned in 2012, besides that I stink at math, is that I need to make a decision. Either I play the publishing game according to the rules, or I quit beating my head against that wall and write for the sheer joy of writing. It's a crossroads every rogue writer eventually comes to.
What road do you think I'll take?
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9 comments:
Thanks for sharing Michelle, I can't believe your writing received rejection (still pondering this considering what an amazing writer you are).
However, as I let the peace of God come into my heart as I read your post I am also filled with the notion that God is taking you down another path. There is a purpose in everything we go through, the good and the bad so that's where my faith rests :)
Rejection stings no matter what the reason, but God's got your back ALL the way. I know you won't stop writing, (or at least I truly hope you don't) but at the same time it DOES sound like traditional Christian publishing is not a match for you and your writing style.
I will continue to be in prayer that you come across a publisher that is a love match because your stories deserve an audience and the talent God has given you will not be squashed. He'll show you what the next step is, He'll encourage you in every way that is needed, and He will guide you where to spend your time so that your efforts are appreciated and bankable. Even if this means leaving your comfort zone, He'll will take care of the details and build you up in the process. He doesn't want you beating your head against the wall or feeling discouraged in your writing journey, He wants you to flourish and to blossom :)
Will keep up the prayers and looking forward to rejoicing with you when that writing contract is presented. You're more than a conqeror through Christ and He has a train load of blessings just for you and the Griep family now in 2013. Hugs to you!
Aww! What a sweet encouragement, Kara! While I'm not curled into the fetal position and sucking my thumb in discouragement, I certainly could use prayers for direction. A note skewered onto the end of a lightning bolt would be nice, but I doubt God will answer that blatantly (though He very well could). Whatever He does, it will be good!
No I realize you're in the zone and ready for an answer, but I think you're wonderful and like sending encouragement to you :) LOL to that lightning bolt image! You're such a trip! I don't believe the answer will come in that form either (still laughing), but He will provide the answer in a way befitting for you :) My prayers are for a QUICK and EXPEDIENT answer because it's needed! Keep up that awesome sense of humor and thanks for encouraging ME in the process!
I am sure that no matter what you decide to do concerning your writing, that as long as you are glorifying the Lord, it will all be good. Praying that God guides you on a path of writing bliss!
I my WORD!! I am an 'outside the box'kind of girl. My voice is not AMISH!!!
Ahem. Not that there's anything wrong with the Amish, I just think there are more Amish-y books in print than actual Amish people.
I think I rite perty gud, but I am waiting until God drops that perfect agent in my lap, okay, maybe next to me, who says "what I want is some hot Navajo guy who has angst for a beat-up Bostonian with serious issues".
I LOVE the note on the lightning bolt.
And don't you DARE QUIT!!!
I'm so sorry to hear you got a rejection. :( I love your stories, Michelle - you are a talented writer who writes with such a great mix of fascinating setting and wonderful romance!
I'm sure you've already considered this, but what about self-publishing? I mean, I'm sure there are more and more publishers out there who are open to different genres (like time travel!) at certain times because readers are loving that sort of stuff. :) But if you don't want to wait... I don't know, there are a lot of great self-published books out there nowadays! And you know you've got blogging buddies that would help you spread the word. :)
~Amber
Hey Michelle! I'm a huge fan of your time traveling, adventure filled books! I've been craving more spec. fiction and thought I'd drop by to see if you had any more super-tastic tomes I could jump into. Alas, I saw this post and was pretty sad. I love your books. So I'm kinda pushing for your success (a lot). I was just wondering if you've ever submitted anything to Desert Breeze Publishing or Astraea Press or any of the sort. Yea, these publishing business' are fairly new, and lots of them only do e-book right, but they also accept some awesome writing! Jennifer Hartz (great writer friend) wrote a fantasy, time traveling, it's-hard-to-explain sorta series and got in with Desert Breeze publishing! Or like the lassie said above, self publishing is always an option! I just really want to read some more of your writing. :)
God bless!
Fellow adventurer and blogger -Paige
That does it. I'm 100% positive that Writer Off the Leash has the BEST readers in the world! Thanks, buddies, for all your encouraging words. My cheeks are pink (and not just because it's January in Minnesota).
I have heard of Desert Breeze but not Astraea Press. I'll have to nose over to their website.
But as I said, I won't quit writing. I'm in the middle of a trilogy right now (no time travel, just historical, but packed full of action, snappy dialogue, and tricksy characters...think Sherlock Holmes meets Dickens). When I wrap that up, however, I am nearly done with a folllow-up to Undercurrent and have ideas for a 3rd. All that to say, there will be more Vikings in the future.
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