A Long and Winding Road: Feb. Post Jen Cervantes
I didn’t set out to write a novel, (I’d never written a word of
fiction). And then my youngest daughter, Juliana asked me to write her a story.
I picked up a pen and something magical happened! Call it a coincidence, call
it a God wink, call it destiny. After, joining a critique group and editing
over and over, I sent out queries to agents and signed with my first agent. Within
a year she’d sold the ms. Tortilla Sun won awards, made school lists, and was met with wonderful reviews. It has gone into several printings, including a paperback edition. After five years, it is STILL selling strong.
Since my first novel I’ve signed with another agent and have been out on sub three times. Each time has been met with CLOSE calls. I’ve had projects go to sales and acquisitions only to be rejected.
I have no idea why the timeframe seems to be longer for this next project. I’ve stopped worrying about it. My focus is on the work at hand and writing what I love.
I received a letter a couple of weeks ago from a fourth grader. she wrote, "Please please please keep writing and make sure the next book is as good as the first.” I smiled, thinking I couldn’t agree more.
"I’ve stopped worrying about it. My focus is on the work at hand and writing what I love."
ReplyDeleteSoooo hard to do. I'm glad you are -- and now you have to teach the rest of us...;-)
Isn't funny how we writers obsess over what is not under our control. Knowing we're "all in this together" makes the road seem less perilous. Thanks Jen.
ReplyDeleteThanks, ladies! We do need to offer support to one another. This writing business is too hard without it. Laurie, I subscribe to this MOST days, but then there are the days that I find it a challenge. That's when I focus only on what I can control! :)
ReplyDeleteBeen there, Jen.
ReplyDelete"I’ve stopped worrying about it. My focus is on the work at hand and writing what I love." This should be a poster, Jen. Great reminder for all of us!
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