My writing is driven by two compelling forces: a deep-seated love for the craft of writing (which is evidenced by the fact that this is the only thing I’ve stuck to longer than teaching) and a desire to be traditionally published.
Yes, you can self-publish. But I don’t want to do that. That was never my intention when I started writing this book.
Don’t get me wrong. If self-publishing is what you want to do as a writer – I support you 100%.
It’s just not the path I want to take.
And last week, after listening to Nic Didomizio, in my Deep Dive 2024 workshop, I have to say I know this is the right path for me.
Nic shared that writing and getting published is a bit like playing blackjack. You could learn some of the basic rules (in this case, about writing and writing well), but there was a whole bunch of stuff that was beyond your control. Nic said there is no meritocracy in writing and publishing. Even if you are a fantastic writer – you may never get traditionally published. A lot of it comes down to luck.
So why do it?
Because that chance is there.
You might be the one.
And I’ve got to say, I want to see if I can be the one.
I’m willing to take the gamble.
In fact, I’m more than willing. I’m excited about it.
Every submission, every query letter, is a roll of the dice—a mix of hope, strategy, and chance. This uncertainty, rather than deterring me, thrills me. It’s a challenge that adds zest to the writing process, transforming it from a solitary pursuit into a dynamic adventure.
Yes, rejections are common, but they are not the end. Instead, they are part of the learning curve, offering valuable feedback and fueling determination. The process is a test of resilience, patience, and perseverance. Each step forward, no matter how small, is a victory in the grand scheme of things.
I can’t wait to start the query process, to step into the arena and truly test myself. Yes, the dream is to eventually win a round of publishing blackjack—to find that perfect match with an agent who believes in my work as much as I do, to secure a publishing deal that brings my book to readers everywhere. But even beyond that, the journey itself is immensely valuable. It’s about proving to myself that I have what it takes, that I can face rejection and come back stronger, that I can navigate the complexities of the publishing industry, and that I can continue to grow and evolve as a writer.
And so, I continue writing, waiting for the day I can send out my first query letter. The journey is long, and the odds may seem daunting, but the possibility of hitting 21, of achieving my dream, fuels my determination to press on, to learn, to improve, and to one day see my book on a shelf, knowing I navigated the path to get there with resilience, learning, and an unwavering passion for storytelling.