It's hard to put yourself out there. I leave a lot of myself on the page and who wants to find out that their ms doesn't suit needs, doesn't connect, or the worst, there's no room for your brand of storytelling in the market right now.
A person needs a serious anchor to stay steady in the storms. I like ancient paths. It's just hardwired in me. This week I'm turning to the wisdom of Solomon to face the road ahead.
I like the book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible. (I'm no scholar and many feel that Solomon didn't write this book, but the folk way is he did and I'm a folk.) Anyway, ever since I heard "Turn! Turn! Turn!" by Pete Seeger back in my munchkin days, it's stayed with me and kept me on task. So this week I'm sharing the writerly version of "to everything there is a season, and time to every purpose under heaven. "
There is a time to write, and a time stop writing; a time to start a new manuscript, a time to send it out and snag an agent, an editor and an audience. There is a time to throw a manuscript in the circular file; there is time to pull out a manuscript and finally, finally fix it; there is a time to delete whole chapters from your WIP; there is a time to add a stack of new chapters.
There is a time to weep when you think you won't succeed. There is a time to laugh when a new idea comes. There is a time when you get really close to succeeding but it doesn't work out. There is a time when you finally succeed and, yes, you put on some disco and dance.
There is a time to start sending out a new manuscript. There is a time to start writing a new manuscript. There is a time keep working hard even though you feel you are not making progress. There is a time to put a WIP up on a shelf for a while. There is a time to get an agent and a publishing contract. There is a time to lose both.
There is a time to rip up a book and donate it to other stories; there is a time to let a good story idea percolate. There is a time to plan what you will write; there is a time to say the things you've never been brave enough to say. There is a time to love what you have written and fight for it. There is time to really hate your book.
There is time when you must fight to find time write. There is a time when it all comes together.
I hope you understand the times and the seasons this week and that this golden advice stays with you.
This week's doodle is called "Happy Blue Blobby."
And a quote for your pocket. I know I keep this one in my pocket.
Every great and commanding movement in the annals of the world is due to the triumph of enthusiasm. Nothing great was ever achieved without it. Ralph Waldo Emerson
14 comments:
Oh, YAY, for you, Molly! I'm heading into that path, myself. FIngers crossed for us both-Keep me posted on your successes and travails-shelley from Seattle:)
I hope this is the book I'm thinking of! So excited for you. Email me, girl.
And there's a time to applaud you too. Well done.
I love this Ecc. passage too ... poetry. And so true. Good luck as your ms makes its way into the world.
Thanks, Shelley! Would love to see us breakout at the same time!!!
Caroline! Thanks for the encouragement!
Mirka, thanks for the applauding! I really appreciate it. :)
Hi, Vijaya, thanks. We will see. :)
Such good words, Molly. It's so easy to get ratcheted up about life and ambitions, forgetting that we need to love the season we're in. Thank you, thank you, and best wishes!
I love that passage. There is a time for everything. Interesting tidbit, so Friday, I sent a short list of new project ideas to my agent. One of the four was my time travel YA novel I wrote two years ago. It was a last second decision to add it to the list. It's sat in a dusty file for so long. Okay, here's the interesting part, the beginning of my first draft has the same passage in the beginning. I didn't add it in as a biblical / religious thing, but more to symbolize time. I loved reading your post today. Maybe it was "time" to pull that ms out and work on it.
To you, I wish you all the best, Molly. You've worked so hard and come so far. You deserve this!! Will be sending you good vibes and all my positive wishes you find a home for your beloved ms. Hugs!
Hi Faith, I total know the struggle with ambition. When the four Js were little my time was basically theirs.
Oh, Candy, I just have chills when I read your note. I feel all these harmonics in the universe and that really felt like one. Thanks for the wish, I will keep you updated with the journey. :) Molly
Love the quote but even better love your thoughts on "time." It's like you knew what I needed to read this morning. How do you do that? Missing you up in WA :)
Hi, Stasia! So good to hear from you. Great minds are always on the same page. I miss you too. Hot soup, hot tea, excellent conversation...
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