I am what the writing world calls an Pre-agented writer. Or.. if we’re going to go all philospohical and poetic.. I am an aspiring author.
Hmm… Aspiring. Sure, it has a nice ring to it, but what it really means is that I’m at the dang-blasted bottom of the got-dang totem pole.
For now.
I have loads of writer friends, and am graced to be in with an unbelievably talented critique group. When I say talented, I mean that the chicks are getting agents and book deals right and left, while I hunker down, furiously working on my final edit.
While they soar and swoop up in the mid-to-upper echelons of the new-author world, I’m stuck down here, humpin it with the laptop.
Now– Here’s the conundrum. Here’s the dilemma all us pre- (read without) agented writers face. How do you feel when your writer friends make it? When they get that dream agent or that amazing book deal?
It’s human nature to be a little jealous, I think. I will admit that when my friends announce their good news, I have a moment…just a flicker of an instant… when the little devil that perches on my shoulder whispers, “Why not me??
However… after that nano-second of poor me.. I am thrilled for them. Flipping over the gosh-darn moon because…
A) My friends are the most wonderful, generous, loving writer-babes in the world.
B) It if can happen to them….Maybe it can happen for me.
So.. Lay it out…
How do all of you feel when your writer friends make it?
Is it all love and hugs, sunshine and roses? Or is there a tiny little demon whispering in your ear saying, “why not me?”
I say- give the demon his due. Scream into your pillow and gnash your teeth. Then..paste on a brilliant smile and tell them they are amazing. Because they are. And you are lucky to know them. And one day….ONE DAY…it WILL be you!
It is just a matter of time, your book is wonderful, just need to finish and recheck..it will be published…
Great post, Janet – and you will absolutely make it. I spent so many years hunkered down with the laptop (sometimes it seemed it would NEVER happen for me!) and I totally hear you – it’s almost a weird, out-of-body thing to be so happy for someone and simultaneously hearing the voice saying “what about ME!!! when is it my turn!!”
I’ve so been there.
That said, I get to comment here as someone who’s actually read your work. This will absolutely happen for you. Hang in there and keep the faith – and on the days when the faith gets hard to keep, the SFWG will tend the flame for you.
What Susan said!! #SFWG I love your blog make-over.
And I love you! Keep going, girl!! Your time is coming.
P.S. I’m in the teeth-gnashing, got-dan-bottom with you, humpin the totem pole to get to the top!! I’m ready to scale it like a son’o biaatch, though!
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