Have you been writing your novel for a long while? Are you hanging in there?
When writing one of my (completed) novels, I had the luxury to take my time. Write, rewrite, revise. I knew I'd keep going with it and that I would give myself time. After all, it was a genre change, and I wanted to get it right. My efforts could be attributed to sheer stubbornness combined with a small flicker of hope—but I knew I would persevere. I believe it’s a good story. I think the (internal) journey my character takes will speak to someone who has the same doubts and questions. My novels revolve around family. I believe in the beauty of family and the value of a loving unit. I love writing about families united and strengthened.
I made a determination to silence the internal critics that shout, “No one will want to read this! You’re wasting your time!” I recommend you do that too. And once you do silence them, you’ll be able to hear that still, small voice telling you, “Push forward, my child. Keep writing.” Trust me, it’s true. Trust that still, small voice that is clinging to the tattered raft floating in your sea of doubt. Hang on!
"True success is overcoming the fear of being unsuccessful." ~Paul Sweeny
Believe me, more than one successful author has taken years to write a novel. Check out this list. I’m sure you’ve heard of these writers.
So, I’ll keep on revising my novel. This, I believe will be my final pass before I declare it ready to be shopped around. I’ve been writing and pondering this novel for years. First, I gave myself plenty of time to play around with learning a new genre. Then I wrote and rewrote. Now I’m revising and refining.
If I could hang in there, so can you. Write on!
I don't know how my story will end, but nowhere in my text it will read, “I gave up.” ~Unknown
