Welcome to the Rollercoaster by Carolyn Leiloglou
There’s one brilliant, honest moment in Pixar’s movie Soul. Joe, the main character, gets what he’s always wanted. He plays piano in a club with his favorite Jazz group. And it’s amazing! But when the moment is over and he asks the lead saxophone player what’s next, her answer surprises him. This is it. This is the gig. Showing up and doing the work.
A few years into my active pursuit of writing, it seemed like everything was going my way. I had a manuscript accepted by Highlights. I was a finalist for the 2018 Katherine Paterson Prize. I received an offer of publication and an offer of representation, both of which resulted from success in Twitter pitch parties. Successes were adding up, and it felt like my career would just continue to gather momentum like a snowball rolling downhill.
And then, 2020 hit. The Texas Library Association convention—a prime market for my western, library-themed book—was cancelled. Library’s Most Wanted came out with no fanfare, no trade reviews, and very little support (not to mention the fact that practically all libraries were closed at the time). My agent and I hadn’t had any bites on the last three picture books we’ve had on submission, and half-way into 2021, we mutually decided to part ways. And my second chapter book with a small press has been delayed three times. I love that there’s a Good News form on the 12 x 12 forum, but I was wondering where to share my bad news.
Sometimes, I think, if only I’d had more marketing support or gotten a trade review or gotten a bigger advance to spend on publicity. But the more I talk to other authors, the more I realize that the target is always moving. It’s like when you’re driving on a long stretch of flat road in the Texas summer heat and you think you see water shimmering on the road far ahead. But you never get there. However long you drive, you’ll never reach that magical oasis. It doesn’t exist. What you perceive isn’t real.
You may be looking at the published and agented authors around you thinking they have it made, the way Joe in Soul thought his heroes did up on stage. But that’s the mirage. Nobody has it made. Not me, not that multi-published author you are envying. We all feel like there’s someone further along at some magical oasis where we want to be. But it doesn’t exist. All of us are either showing up and doing the work or not.
If you haven’t had a book published yet, you might think you’d be happy with the small press contract I have. Or you might think you’d be happy with my mid-sized regional publisher (even if your book came out mid-pandemic). You’re probably asking, “What’s she complaining about? She’s got two books and had an agent.” But what I’ve come to realize is that even if I get that Big-Four contract I dream of, all the marketing support in the world, sell a million copies, and win a big award, I’m always going to be asking like Joe in Soul, “What’s next?” No book is ever going to leave me feeling satisfied.
My satisfaction in writing, and yours, can’t be contingent on success, because that success is elusive. Just like that mirage, it’s not what it looked like from a distance, and even if it were, it wouldn’t be enough.
So what can help us find satisfaction?
- Continuing to learn
- Gathering small successes (e.g. in magazines and blogs)
- Sharing stories with people (even when it’s just my kids)
- Building community with other writers
- Celebrating the successes of others (yes, this can be super hard sometimes)
- The process of creation
I believe that God made me to do this work of writing for children, and the work itself is good and worthwhile even if I’m never published again. I can find contentment here. But contentment isn’t passivity. I still want to share my stories with the world. When you make something beautiful, you can’t help but want to share it, right? Don’t let how—or whether—your stories are received take away from your joy in creating them.
I’m still on the rollercoaster. It’s started to climb back up since I began this article several months ago. I have a new agent. My picture book, Library’s Most Wanted, is a 2021 WILLA Literary Award Finalist in Children’s Fiction and Nonfiction. I’ve been asked to speak a few places. But this time I know that uphill climb won’t last. There will be downs as well as ups, and that’s ok. I can enjoy the highs and remember that the lows are part of the process.
How about you? What is one thing about the writing process that you can find joy in this week?
Carolyn Leiloglou is the award-winning author of Library’s Most Wanted and the Noah Green Junior Zookeeper series. Her poems and stories have been published in magazines around the world including Highlights, Clubhouse Jr., Cricket, and more. You can find her at carolynleiloglou.com or on her blog, housefullofbookworms.com, where she reviews her favorite children’s books each month.
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175 Responses
Hi Carolyn – thank you for this important post. I appreciate how you stated that satisfaction isn’t contingent on success. This is so true! Keep on keeping on! Good luck in the next steps of your journey!
Thank you, Melissa! I know it’s a reminder I often need!
Good luck with your next steps
Whew!! Thank you, Carolyn, for your honesty and authenticity! Great reminder for all of us: it’s the journey!
Thanks, Patricia! I’m glad it resonated!
Carolyn, You could probably hear me waaaay down there in Texas, from up here in Michigan, shouting, “Yes, Yes!” to each paragraph as I read it 🙂
I couldn’t have said it better. As an unpublished writer ( or “pre-published” if you prefer the kinder connotation ), I have to remind myself of these very things every week.
In the end, it’s always the next great story idea that pulls me back to the process when I’m discouraged or down.
And the joy is in the writing. Usually.
When there’s no joy, it’s time to do something else for awhile, until an idea won’t let go and I’m back to the proverbial drawing board.
Thanks for giving us such an uplifting start to November. And congrats and best wishes to you on your successes!!
Thanks, Marty! I’m so glad this resonated with you. And you’re right, taking a break can be refreshing when writing isn’t bringing joy. Here’s to finishing the year strong!
Carolyn, Thank you for this wonderful post. You are so absolutely right in all that you say. Finding the joy and meaning in the process and the friends I’ve met along the way are so important! I hope you are enjoying every little win!
Thank you, Cindy! I wrote a new draft this month for the first time in a while, so I’m considering that a big win!
Wow — so many great nuggets in this post:
Satisfaction can’t be contingent on success.
Don’t let how—or whether—your stories are received take away from your joy in creating them.
Keep learning, growing, celebrating your small successes, and celebrating the success of others
Enjoy the highs and remember that lows are part of the process
The part of the process that brings me the most joy right now is a solid, inspired revision session.
Thanks so much for sharing some of your story.
Revision is where the magic happens! I hope it continues to bring you joy!
Thank you, Carolyn! I hear you! The mirage is real (haha – the pursuit of how “more” is always just out of reach…) You asked what joy we can find in our writing… I’m thankful when that surprising combination of words bring me (and others) delight and often clarity. Like you, I believe God created me to create stories, so I just do it and if something comes of it, great! In the mean time, I just follow my passion and hope it touches whoever happens to be experiencing it. Some bits of “success” and encouragement are nice along the way 😉
It can be hard to trust God when nothing much seems to come of the work you feel called to do, but I’m slowly learning to leave the results to him. Sounds like you’re way ahead of me! 🙂
i’m certainly in process, xoxo! – bit of good news… my pb was purchased, but more to b announced later 😉
“Don’t let how—or whether—your stories are received take away from your joy in creating them.” I love this statement and your perspective on the writing journey. Thank you for sharing this post and shedding some light with a very realistic point of view.
Thanks, Catherine! I’m so glad it resonated with you!
Thank you for these inspiring words about the ups and downs of writing and how to find joy through it all. Congrats the book award!
Thanks! I got the plaque in the mail last week, and I’m still pinching myself!
Thank you for this powerful post and your words of wisdom, Carolyn. Congratulations on the award! My little ones and I love LIBRARY’S MOST WANTED.
That means so much! Thank you for sharing!
This was great advice! I know one day it will be my turn to climb the ladder but I know I may fall but it’s getting back up and keep going that will make you feel satisfied with creating stories.
And the ladder keeps extending as you climb! Enjoy each rung!
Great advice, Carolyn. I think all of us have felt the same as you at one time or another. Your post is a nice reminder we are not alone in this. Congratulations on Library’s Most Wanted!
Thanks so much, Pat!
Thank you for sharing, Carolyn. I was just calling this business a roller coaster myself today! I appreciate your reminder to celebrate all the successes, big and small, and to enjoy the whole journey.
Thanks, Stephanie! I’ve never liked roller coasters, but I’m learning to try 🙂
Thank you for this. The timing is just right. For the past few weeks I’ve been riding up the roller coaster expecting to hit the highest high…just waiting to see all the things line up, and while they haven’t come crashing down, it feels much lower this week on that ride. Your words hit home right when I needed to hear them. Thank you.
Yes, our expectations can really make those lows seem so much worse than they are. But thankfully, they are temporary! You’ll be on the up again soon!
Thank you for sharing your story. Your post is wonderful with terrific advice. There are certainly many ups and downs in this writing life and celebrating all is important in the grand scheme of life.
Thanks, Karin! I’m glad it resonated!
Carolyn,
Thank you for being honest. Writing is hard. And even when it’s not, all the other parts are hard: marketing; scheduling those school visits; making all the changes asked for by agent/editor…which may or may not result in a book sale… You just have to be happy doing what you’re doing and celebrate the little wins as you go. Congrats on the award and on getting a new agent. I see big things in your future!
Ann
Thanks, Ann! I’ve been told there’s an offer coming (shh!), so certainly more up (and downs) are on their way!
Thanks for the encouragement.
I agree we can’t base our self worth on external variables. The drive to write is powerful and it comes from within. Glad to have the terrific 12 x 12 community with whom to ride the roller coaster!
Yes! I wouldn’t want to be on this ride solo!
Thank you for sharing your struggles, Carolyn. I find your honesty refreshing!
Thank you Carolyn for your honest, encouraging post! This is indeed a rollercoaster journey – but I believe too that it is important to focus on the joy and beauty of the creation process. Congratulations to you on your determination, perspective, and each success you have earned!
Thank you, Laura! I’m so glad we can have joy in the journey, whatever the destination.
Thank you, Carolyn, for your heart felt article. I found my joy in your words and in God’s way of showing me a new story to pursue. I may never please the world in my stories but watching my grandchildren’s faces as I read their stories more than fulfills my desire to publish a story for the world.
My kids are certainly my most encouraging readers!
Just read your post Carolyn. And it’s spot on. The goal post IS ALWAYS moving. And the underlying lesson for all of us is to realize that there is no singular prize to win. It’s just to keep creating art and putting it out there to be found and appreciated. We can’t measure our success by looking at someone else’s success, because this is such a subjective space. Keep persisting and best wishes on your authorship journey!
Thank you so much, Nadia!
This is a post I needed right now. Seeing all the good news of others is great, but, as you say, not always easy when you feel that the only thing happening to yourself is that you are moving backwards! But your story and encouragement to keep going and finding joy in my writing this week is something I’m going to try and do. Creating something new is a powerful and positive activity … Just got to remember that when feeling that big rollercoaster dip!
I hope you find joy in creating this week!
This was a great post, Carolyn, because it reminds us why we write. The joy comes from many things but personal satisfaction is always the sweetest prize. Thank you
Thanks, Dee! I’m so glad it resonated!
Thank you for such an honest moment. Given the phase I’m in, it was exactly what I needed to read. Wishing you continued success, more ups than downs, and joy in writing.
Thanks, Jennifer! Wishing the same for you!
Thank you for sharing your experience, Carolyn. Definitely the inspirational words many of us need to hear — a great reminder to celebrate every small success. Best wishes to you and your stories!
Thanks, Mary!
Thanks so much for sharing your story. It’s always so reassuring to see that others are going through the same struggles. Keeping our eye on the why and making sure we find joy in creating is so important. Good luck as you continue your journey in this roller coaster industry.
It is easy to feel alone when it seems like everyone else is having success. I’m glad my article resonated with you!
The journey is always full of hills and valleys. That shimmer is always up ahead. Thank you for letting us know that most publishing journeys have these similarities. It’s reassuring.
I think they all do, even if they look like they don’t from the outside. I’m glad it resonated!
Carolyn, thanks for being so transparent about the ups and downs of the writing life! It really IS hard at times.
Thanks, Susan!
I think this is one of the most essential truths for creators. Thank you for being so honest and sharing your journey with everyone.
Thanks, Jilanne! I’m glad it resonated!
Thank you so much for sharing both the ups and the downs of your journey. The joy of crafting a story is so wonderful, but I do forget it when “real” life is calling and telling me that writing just can’t be a priority or that it’s too hard to do. Thanks for the encouragement to look for that joy and to celebrate it.
It’s an interesting paradox that it can be both difficult and joyful, important and not urgent. Keep making time for it!
Carolyn, Thank you for the honest & realisitc post. There always is that next mountain. Congrats on the 2021 WILLA Literary Award Finalist in Children’s Fiction and Nonfiction! I enjoyed Library’s Most Wanted and look forward to seeing what comes in the future.
Thank you so much for your encouragement, Maria!
Carolyn, your analogy to Joe in the Pixar movie is perfect. Thank you for your frank and thoughtful sharing of your journey. I’m glad that your roller coaster car has started to climb again!
Thanks, Jane! My husband and I had very different takes on that movie, but that moment was so honest it just stuck with me.
This post was sobering and woke me up to the fact I will always be striving and working to get published and to entertain children with a story. Having an agent and the first book is just the beginning. I looked at all the time and money I have spent writing and learning and though I enjoy it anything could happen good or bad. There are no guarantees of success and lots of impediments to climb over.
Sheri, it’s true that anything could happen, good or bad (and likely will)! It’s easy to project ourselves into possible futures, but the only thing we can control is what we do with and how we respond to our now. I’m hoping your rollercoaster will have more ups than downs!
Carolyn, I’ve been writing for a long time in multiple genres. Some of my happiest moments were contest wins or just entering the contests with friends. The chances of achieving success have slowly disappeared over the last 30 years with publishing houses being bought and sold. You have achieved a lot and should be proud of that. Hope you can find a home for those mss.
Thanks, Chelle! I guess it all depends on how we define success. That’s the mirage that keeps moving.
CAROLYN,
You are so right. It’s not the destination but the journey of writing that counts. I may never get published but the joy of being a part of the kidlit community is something; Knowing you all is something and perhaps if I’m lucky if this pandemic ever ends, I just might get published but that is out of my control so I”ll enjoy what I have right now.
sue
Thanks, Sue! I’m so glad it resonated with you! Hoping you do find some version of success!
Thank you so much for your honest authentic voice. Your message is encouraging and uplifting as it is realistic. It seems that the process of writing is in and of itself worth doing if it is what you are suppose to do. Time to get back on the rollercoaster!
Thanks, Karen! Yes, I think creating is as much for us as for others, so there will always be some benefit if we are open to see it.
Beautiful post, Carolyn. Thank you for the great reminder and encouragement. Congratulations on your successes, both large and small. 🙂
Thanks, Elizabeth!
Well ain’t this the TRUTH! The roller-coaster is quite a ride! lol. Thanks so much for this great post and for keeping it real! 🙂
Thanks, Rebecca! I’m glad it resonated! Enjoy your ride 🙂
Thank you so much for your post, Carolyn! You are right–it’s a roller coaster for sure! Thank you for the reminder to find joy in the journey–no matter the outcome. Congratulations on LIBRARY’S MOST WANTED. I can’t wait to read it!
Thanks, Abby!
It is indeed a rollercoaster. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us all, Carolyn, and I will look for your books. 🙂
Thanks, Elayne, I appreciate that!
Well said!
Such a great reminder about not just equating satisfaction with just one thing (like book sales). That’s the main thing people ask me. I need to focus on all the mini successes, as well as the creation and reaction of my readers.
Thank you for sharing, Carolyn!
Thanks, Terri! If you’ve ever done Julie’s 12 Days of Christmas, she has a day where you write your successes for the year, big and small. I haven’t done it every year, but I think that’s such a helpful practice to gain perspective. Good luck on your journey!
Thank you for sharing your journey. Best wishes.
Yes! I agree 100%! Your theme reminded me a bit of what Anne Lamott talks about in her book, Bird by Bird. It feels like publication is the goal, but once a book is published, it’s no longer yours or your art – it’s a commodity. Not that that’s such a bad thing! ; ) I just like to remind myself when I sit down to write that “this is you, right now, living the dream.”
Krysta, I love that idea of reminding yourself when you sit down to write that THAT is the dream. Great perspective!
Great post! Thank you for reminding us that keeping our perspective matters more than achieving any specific “goal.”
Thank you for this post. It’s a good reminder of the up and down flow of it all.
I really appreciate your perspective. It’s a long road indeed. “All of us are either showing up and doing the work or not.” Well said!
Thank-you for your post. It puts our journey in the right perspective.
Thank you for all this inspiration! It seems getting an agent and book deal will make the world go round, but I know that will not be the end of my dream—I’ll always want more and need more and fail forward until I get more!
Hi Carolyn. Thank you for your post. I appreciate the insights you’ve learned as you’ve been on your journey. You gave me a lot to ponder as I travel on mine.
Congratulations on your book (and other writing successes :).
“Don’t let how—or whether—your stories are received take away from your joy in creating them.” This is so true. Thank you, Carolyn, for sharing your journey and your inspiration. Congratulations!
Congratulations, Carolyn! Thanks for putting it all out there. I love the analogy of a moving target. That is exactly what it feels like! Best wishes as you chase that target!
I absolutely love this post! It’s honest and true, and gives strategies for coping. That rollercoaster is a true aspect of a creative life. As Tom Waits says, “You’re riding high in April and seriously shot down in May.” Thanks for this!
Great post, Carolyn!! Thank you for giving us a glimpse of your writing journey and for sharing your insights on the ups and downs one encounters along the way. Good luck with your continued elevator ride… am looking forward to reading LIBRARY’S MOST WANTED and NOAH GREEN: JUNIOR ZOOKEEPER and the GARAGE SALE PET
It’s very true, Carolyn.So many ups and downs in this business. But there are still many ways to find satisfaction and reasons to keep on creating. I especially love all the people I’ve met in the kidlit community. I love how we all support each other through the ups and downs>
Thank you for this reminder that the journey is the reward, Carolyn!
There always seems to be so many ups and downs in pursuing the dream of being validated as a PB writer. Acquiring an agent or having our work published can provide that validation. Success, however, is dependent on the ability to write and create. Without that ability, success would allude us.
Carolyn,
What you write is so true: ups & downs, with success as a mirage. But there is joy in the creation & in this wonderful community of kidlit creators. To your continuing success – however you choose to define it!
Thank you for the encouraging post, Carolyn. I love your prompt to find joy in something this week.
Carolyn,
This was such an awesome well-written post. I love your attitude and making your own joy. You clearly have had amazing successes in terms of recognition and they’ll come again. But that you’re taking pleasure and redefining success is just lovely. I’ve written a lot this year, spurred on by being in 12 x 12, but I haven’t created the hand-bound books that I used to when I wasn’t being so “serious” about trying to publish a second book (after 20 years). I think getting back to that – projects just for me is where my joy will come from — soon. Thanks for asking us.
Pat
Thanks, Carolyn, for putting this long process into a positive, grounded perspective! There. will always be lows to counter some of the highs. Otherwise the journey would be very flat, indeed.
Thank you, Carolyn, for this timely post. There is so much truth in your words and I am grateful to you and all in this writing community for sharing the dream of having our stories reaching children. I love your example from Soul: “This is it. This is the gig. Showing up and doing the work.” I’m going to post this above my computer.
Carolyn! I loved your post so much! It really resonated with me, and it is helpful to hear from someone further along on her writing journey. Thank you for sharing and encouraging all of us to keep writing!
Thank you, Carolyn, for reminding us that the rollercoaster is real and only we get to define our successes.
Wow – thank you for sharing your journey – very helpful!
Wow, Carolyn. Thank you for this beautifully written piece reminding us of the valleys that surely follow the mountain tops, even in writing! Following our calling, although sometimes messy and full of disappointments, also leads to that pot of “gold” called JOY.
Dear Carolyn,
Thank you for your honesty and sharing.
Thank you for your great advice.
Comforting to know that you still feel like this
Thank you, Carolyn, for the inspiration and the reality check reminder that “the target is always moving” no matter where we are on the journey!
Thanks for keeping it real! Here’s to the highs…and the lows! The journey is the destination. Best of luck!
Carolyn, thank you for this very important reminder that the act of creating and mining the stories buried in our souls is where the true joy lies.
Thank you for the honest and inspiring post, Carolyn. Continued success to you!
When a story idea tugs at our hearts and wakes us in the night, scribbling and unscrambling words to polish our drafts that is where joy lives. Thank you for sharing your journey!
Thanks for sharing your journey! So inspiring, and reminds us we all are going somewhere as long as we don’t give up! And in the meantime, we can enjoy the joy in the journey! Your book looks awesome, I can’t wait to read it. Now living in Colorado I definitely am a wannabe cowgirl!
Thank you, Carolyn! The joy is in the journey!
Great advice to keep me moving. Thank you, Carolyn.
Thanks for this inspiring post, Carolyn. I especially love your list of what can help us find satisfaction 🙂
Thank you Melissa for an uplifting share.
Thank you for sharing this honest look at industry. We need to find happiness within ourselves, not in the numbers. Happy holidays, everyone!
Carolyn, How realistic your description of the writing journey and such a healthy attitude toward the ups and down in the journey. Like you, I’ll keep on writing no matter where the journey leads, because I love doing it and believe someone will benefit from what I’ve created. Best Wishes, Carolyn, for a great year ahead.
This post is so true. It’s all in the writing and the enjoyment of it. If others finally get to enjoy it fabulous. Sometimes I write something that I know only I will get to read and laugh at and that’s okay. As long as I can keep creating.
Thanks for sharing your experiences so that we can know we’re not alone in our struggles. I can’t wait to read your books. And I wish you continued success!
Carolyn, thank you for the inspirational post. Things keep changing, and success means different things to different people. You are right that success is based on the journey, not the destination, even if the journey is a wild rollercoaster ride!
Your transparency in the blog was helpful in an encouraging way. Thank you for sharing
Thanks for your message! I found your thoughts inspiring!
Thanks, Carolyn. Great message. This business has lots of ups and downs, so I think you’re right—celebrate the highs, then get back to work because you never know what’s around the corner.
Ann
Thanks so much for being real and not sugar coating it. There are so many measures of success out there, especially the simple ones. Oodles of gratitude.
Everything you said was spot on. I also believe that writing books for kids and adults are not only a passion but a God-given purpose. You just feel it deep down. This type of work isn’t for the faint of heart, and while the accolades/success/money is great (why shouldn’t people get paid for doing what they love?), it’s more than that. It comes from the heart and soul, as with many creative professions. There will be ups and downs in any career path, that’s the reality. What really matters is making a difference through your writing, and celebrating everything on our journeys the good, the bad, and the ugly. Well done. Cheers!
It’s so important to hear the downs with the ups. It keeps us grounded. Many thanks, Carolyn, for sharing your journey.
Thank you for sharing the “bad news.” When I see so many others’ “good news” reports that don’t reflect where I am in my process, I start to compare. As much as I’m happy for fellow writers, especially ones I know and truly believe in, it’s hard not to feel envy. It’s a great reminder that we’re all somewhere on our path, and the only thing we can really focus on is the work we’re doing and the satisfaction we get from it. Love of stories is what got us all here. It’s important not to overlook that!
Yes, a tinge of ‘oooh, I’m really trying, when will I reach my/this/thatthat goal? This/that writer is sooo lucky 🤔’ can run through one’s head, so though don’t want our friends/fellow writers to have struggles, ups/downs, your post lets us know that we all have them.
Thank you, Carolyn, for your insights!
Thanks Carolyn for sharing the “bad news” along with the good. I’ve had lots of bad news along with “almost” good. My good new for this week is that my critique partners helped me with a revamp of an almost good news manuscript from years back. I ‘m ready to ship it out again hoping to step over the bad news threshold into the good! Great post.
Carolyn –
Thank you for your post! I have a book coming out but it would be nice to have another one published – your post helped me realize it’s OK if this doesn’t happen…..Good luck to you!
Excellent read! Such an important message for all of us to hear. Thank you.
It’s all about the journey, not the destination. I’m enjoying where I”m at- writing stories and poems and sometimes getting published.
sue
Absolutely! Keep the joy in creating. Constantly cultivate joy in creating. It’s what keeps us going.
Thank you for reminding us to live in the moment! Your words are so encouraging. We can’t plan for tomorrow if we don’t do the work today. This week, I revised a manuscript based on feedback from my critique group of talented authors and illustrators, and that gave me the extra push I needed to submit to one of the 12×12 November agents!
Spot-on! Thank you for sharing, Carolyn.
Very honest and accurate post, Carolyn. I agree with you 100%. What is giving me joy this week is the upcoming PitMad and looking at stories I wrote a year ago that I still believe are viable. This business seems kind of cyclical, so I’ll pitch them again with a few revisions to both pitch and story. Thanks for the post.
Thanks for sharing your story, Caroline! You give me hope! Blessings!
Thanks Carolyn! We all need to think about our “why” and you are so right about the roller coaster of writing. Appreciate your honesty- this was so helpful! My joy this week has come from new non-fiction ideas that have me all excited.
It’s so true that we must ‘enjoy the journey’. Even if the stories don’t make it to publication, I still love sharing what I’m working on and final products with family and friends. Just learning new things about myself and the world are what make this totally worth it. Thanks, Carolyn!
Congratulations on getting a new agent. My writing joy this week is from deciding I needed to tell the story from the chick’s perspective (of course!–because that is the youngster in the PB). I had no idea how to go about this. But now the story is actually becoming more well rounded as well as more fun to read!
Carolyn,
Great sentiments about writing and publishing. A writer needs to truly love writing to stick with the good & bad of it. Sounds like you are doing quite well, despite a few set-backs. Best wishes for continued success!
Thanks for reminding us what’s important, Carolyn. It’s so easy to lose focus.
Looking forward to reading Library’s Most Wanted.
Thank you for this honest and relatable article! For me, the process and the joy of creation keeps me going. Let’s keep showing up and doing the work!
Alison
Incredibly wise words that I will be returning to time and time again. The satisfaction of finding just the right words to convey my idea is a place I consistently find joy!
Thank you for your vulnerability and reminding us to find joy in our writing journey.
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Carolyn! I love your point about finding satisfaction in the process of creation. Congratulations on your new agent and Library’s Most Wanted!
Thank you for this beautiful post. I love the reminder, not just that the greener grass may not be all that we think it is, but also that we should enjoy the process and where we are right now. Thank you!
Thank you Carolyn. This post was uplifting and full of inspiration. The journey is long but well worth it.
Carolyn, What lovely insights into how to cope in this business, in life . I love my new idea and then revising! Getting a story start to finish is the most difficult. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
Carolyn – I loved your post! Such important points about writing, about life. Here’s to being on the roller coaster together! Thanks for the inspiration.
This was a really great post! I am finding joy in the fact I still have new ideas that excite me. Am hopeful we all will be able to dip into the cool water that eludes us. Thank you.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Loved this blog post! You asked ‘What is one thing about the writing process that you can find joy in this week?’ For me, it’s always the thrill of the new story idea. I do dig in to revisions too but there is nothing like that lightbulb moment followed by the story chase!
Thank you for sharing your journey! Absolutely the words I needed to hear at this moment.
This was a fantastic piece, Carolyn, and I needed to hear it. Thank you.
I love the idea that the work will never be finished no matter how much success one may or may not have in the publishing industry. Thanks for sharing that sentiment.
My writing joy this week? An aha! moment on a story I’ve been trying to figure out how to tell. All of a sudden the structure came to me and I am excited again!
Thank you for sharing your journey with us, a journey that is not a straight line but goes up and down.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us, a journey that is not straight, but goes up and down.
So needing your perspective at the end of this very hard year! Looking forward to 2022. Glad your writing journey is back on track!
You have helped me to remember that this is more about the journey than the destination. Thank you for sharing your journey and congratulations on your successes! No small feat given the pandemic. My writing joy this week was finishing edits after a developmental review by an editor.
You have reminded me that it’s more about the journey than the destination. Thank you for sharing your journey and congratulations on your success. Quite a feat during the pandemic. My writing joy this week was finishing edits from a developmental review by an editor.
Thank you for the reality check. Great Post ! It is important to hear this. I need to keep remembering this throughout the process.
I get great joy and support from new ideas, my critique group and region SCBWI group.
Congratulations and thank you for sharing.
Such a great post. You are so positive and encouraging. Thanks so much for sharing with us.
It’s wonderful to read someone speaking so frankly about obtaining some success but how even considerable success may still leave someone seeking “what’s next.” I haven’t rushed my journey to publication (am pre-published), and I feel content with thinking I’ll know when I’m ready to take my next step and enjoy the step I’m on.
I too had a strange publishing issue in all that. The book I illustrated just didn’t come out. All the work was done. I even got paid. It just wasn’t ever released. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing.
Hi Carolyn_ Thank you for being honest about the highs and lows of the writing journey. I have a few magazine articles under my belt and keep showing up to the work of writing. This is a tough gig.
This was a very encouraging post for me. Thank you for being honest and sharing your heart with us. I wish you all the best!