Okay, enough with NYC for a while. (Yes, I've got more stunning observations). I am now home and working on the final revisions of my second novel. I learned A LOT from writing the first one. It was definitely a beginner's effort. I believe this one is more well-written and hopefully more interesting. This book started almost two years ago while sitting on my deck one day in the summer. I had no intentions of putting myself through the torture of writing another novel - but it started writing itself. Three characters began talking through my pen and have continued to talk at me ever since then. So - no I don't know any of these people and no, it is not about my life - at all! I do not know where this book belongs - but I have to believe it's for a reason. I've had three other generous and talented writers support and critique it along the way. I've been rereading it the past few days to refresh my memory after a long break - and , well - I like it! A couple parts make me cry even though I obviously already know they're coming.
Getting a novel published these days is about as likely as winning the lottery - but it's something that some of us are driven to do - so I do pray that it has a place and purpose in this world. However, I don't have any real expectations - there is no daydreaming about being on Oprah this time.
Here's a quote I read recently by Nikki Giovanni:
" I resent people who say writers write from experience. Writers don't write from experience, though many are hesitant to admit that they don't. I want to be clear about this. If you wrote from experience you'd get maybe one book, maybe three poems. Writers write from empathy."
I'll keep you posted on my progress. I'm sending out query letters already even though I'm still putting the finishing touches on it. I'm going directly to publishers and by-passing the agent route. Writing a good query is crucial. You have one page to capture someone's interest in your book and tell them about yourself as well. It's almost as tough as writing the book itself. So -wish me luck - say a prayer!
11 comments:
Oh, Diane! Good luck hon!! I can't wait to hear about the process as I'm hoping to publish my next book as well. (If you could even email me to share more in depth what you are doing, I'd love that!) You are definitely in my prayers and I can't wait to read it!
Oh Diane that is exciting. Where do you find the time to write novels?
I remember an author on Oprah saying she sent a copy of her book to all of Oprah's producers and when Oprah saw it sitting on everyone's desk she became interested in it.
that's amazing... best of luck to you in the process of getting your book to the shelves.. let us know when we can buy one ! i can't wait-
have a good night-
Every time I get a Daedalus catalog or walk past the bargain shelves at Borders or try to find a new release among the tables of new releases, I remember that we write because we write because our hearts tell us to write. That is all and that is everything.
God bless!
I hope all goes well for you and you get your second book published soon.
Good luck. I know first-hand how hard the experience is. I hope it works out for you.
Best of luck Diane. God,please watch over Diane give her strength and encouraging people when she needs them.
jim
Good luck Diane.
I know you can do it!
I hate query letters. Why did you decide to bypass the agents?
Oh, I'm saying a prayer and wishing you luck and eagerly awaiting your results. I have always wanted to be a published writer myself but the closest I have gotten is writing for a hometown newpaper and a college literary and art journal. I'm glad you are being so open and honest about the writing process and the business of writing. It certainly is daunting to get your stuff out there. Did you go the agent route the first time?
Your writing is wonderful and just seems to flow. I don't know what the next step is, but I wish you all the luck in getting your book published.
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