I don’t claim to be a wise old crone, but nothing makes me feel a million years old faster than speaking at a writers’ conference. This weekend I made the trek north to Ottawa to speak to an RWA chapter about putting together a miniseries. It’s a fun topic, and they were an attentive, awesome audience.
The real fun, however, begins after the formal topic is done and Q & A time starts. Writers begin firing questions of all kinds. We talk about the writing process, the drive to maintain creativity, the tricks behind writing synopses, but most importantly, we talk about persistence.
When the day is over, I hope this is what I have given workshop attendees above and beyond anything else. I hope that through my own tale of persistence (six full manuscripts, a partial and at least five synopses for other stories completed before I ever sold a single word I wrote) will provide some inspiration for writers who are drowning in rejections.
And yes, I do feel every inch the wise old hag when I hear writers who are struggling with the rejection deluge. I’ve been there, fending off complete demoralization with nothing but blind faith and a good dose of stubbornness. And I seem to remember that what helped keep my feet on the path were the occasional tales from the trenches from other authors who took many years and many manuscripts to make that first sale.
I hope that I’m passing along some of that courage in the face of rejection. I hope that I’m inspiring a certain level of persistence. If I succeed at this, I know it is as valuable a gift as the bits of wisdom I shared on writing a miniseries. Because truly, finding the courage to believe in your dreams is hard to come by, yet it’s as necessary to writing success as a pen and paper.
*** From a girlfriend pep talk to a heart-to-heart with a nervous child, we all take on the role of mentor and cheerleader sometimes in or lives. When was the last time you exercised your power to encourage someone in their goals? A random poster will receive a copy of Joanne’s latest Blaze, Just One Look.
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Joanne,
It is always inspiring to hear writer’s talk about their path to publishing. It does give us aspiring writer’s hope and the drive to continue even when the rejections keep coming in.
In my own life, my biggest push of encouragement was supporting and pushing my husband to leave his well paying stable job to start his own business (I must have been crazy at the time with a small child)! I knew he was unhappy in his work life and that his dream was to own his own company and make it into a thriving business. So he quit his job and never looked back. It’s been almost six years and a lot of struggle, but we’ve built up the business and my husband is a much happier person. I’m glad we stepped out of our comfort zone and took a chance. It was well worth it.
by Sandra M
on May 9th, 2007 at 7:10 am
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I like what you wrote. I’m not a writer but I’m a struggling student with only 2 1/2 months to. I wanted to give up a few times. With 2 kids and going to school it’s hard.
If it werent for a few good friends and my parents I would have just given up. I’m almost out of school and I’m excited and nervous about starting a new career.
Although I don’t know if I could do what you writeres do. Since I’ve been reading your blogs you get a sense that there’s more to it than just writing. So I say good luck to all you writers.
by Kimberly L
on May 9th, 2007 at 7:34 am
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I think as a parent, I’m hopefully a mentor to my chidren each day. It is one of the most important roles of being a parent, to encourage, listen, and support our children’s dreams in my opinion. Aside from that I try to be a mentor to the teens that I know, particularly troubled teens. I had such a hard time during my teen years, that I feel a great deal of empathy for them. I hope that having been able to overcome the pain of my adolescence to become a productive, fulfilled adult that I might give some hope and encouragement. 
by Zara
on May 9th, 2007 at 9:20 am
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Hi Joanne,
I go to area hospitals and the rehab center when someone who has suffered a spinal cord injury is having a hard time dealing with it. I became a quadriplegic when I was 16 and involved in a car accident. I’m not sure who gets more out of the talks we share, me or the person I’m talking with! My parents and sister also make themselves available to the families.
by Susan
on May 9th, 2007 at 10:35 am
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The last time was when my girlfriend wanted to move from B. C. to Alberta to be closer to her daughter. It is taking a long time to get a suite in the Senior’s home and she gets discouraged with the packing. She has fibromyalgia and migraine headaches and I trust I have encouraged her to ‘keep on’ when we talk on the phone.
by RobynL
on May 9th, 2007 at 12:44 pm
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My daughter is graduating high school this year and we spend a lot of time discussing what she wants to do, what she’s interested in and what kind of work would interest her during her working life.
by Maureen
on May 9th, 2007 at 1:31 pm
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I now work in grievance and appeals for an insurance company after spending many years as a customer service supervisor. Each time a new customer service class starts, we send someone from our department to speak about the appeals process. I was recently promoted and one of my new duties is to give that talk.
I did my first class last month and the trainer introduced me by saying “Remember the person I described as someone who made me feel safe when I was confused , the person who made by transition from training to the work floor so easy? The person I said was the best mentor I ever had at this company? Well, this is her!” :shock:
I was speechless. I think I actually blushed. :oops:
I had no idea I had affected her in that way, but apparently she tells all her classes about me.
It is true, you never know when you make a lasting impression on someone!
by Angie T
on May 9th, 2007 at 7:28 pm
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As an aspiring writer, it always encourages me to read about the road that it took for my fave authors to get to where they are. I love writing and I know that whether I sell a story or if it is only for my enjoyment, I will never regret setting pen to paper. Thank you for your inspiring story and may your lucky star continue to shine on you. Hopefully mine will break through the clouds and I will get some attention soon.
by Patty L.
on May 9th, 2007 at 10:29 pm
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I definitely act as a mentor to my children. One of my sons just finished his first year of college and is still struggling to choose a degree direction. My youngest son is going to be a senoir in HS and he too is struggling with college and career choices….. Raising kids definitely has it’s ups & downs…so I’m hopeful that my insights and guidance have assisted them.
We always stress the importance of perserverance.
Perserverance: if you don’t try you’ve already failed.
by Laurie G
on May 10th, 2007 at 5:34 am
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let my siblings know to go to school and get an education
by kim h
on May 10th, 2007 at 11:15 am
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*** Prize Winner*** Congratulations to Patty L, winner of the prize package. Patty, I’ve sent you a private email with more details.
Thank you to everyone for visiting!
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wtg patty
by kim h
on May 16th, 2007 at 2:07 pm
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Thank you! I am so excited.
by Patty L.
on May 17th, 2007 at 8:38 am
