Comments on: When Do You Give Up?

By: Georgia McBride

Georgia McBride — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 22:00:58 +0000

I wasn’t going to comment but then someone named Georgia commented and pretty much said what I would have said anyway! So, what the other Georgia said.

By: callie

callie — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 23:59:05 +0000

Well…this was very interesting. I think this proves that it takes a certain kind of person to write a book. The kind that has serious perseverance. lol.

I think that if you asked this question in a different venue, you might get some different answers. But most people who have taken their desire for publication far enough to find a site like this are committed. People on this site have been on others. They are researching. Looking for ways to improve their work. Looking for what an agent likes and doesn't like. Chances are, if someone has come this far, they don't take their writing lightly.

I'm assuming most of the people on here write for two reasons. One, because they have to. Writing is a calling. Something that, if it's in you, you can't give up. Two, the desire for publication. For me it's a strong desire, but it's still secondary to the need to write.

However, if I'm going to keep writing…why not keep trying my best to get published? Eventually I'll get there. It's impossible to keep working at something and not improve at it. At least that's what I keep telling myself.:)

So for me, the answer is I'll never stop trying. It just isn't an option.

By: Jolea

Jolea — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 23:28:12 +0000

When writing is what you love, when it's your deepest passion, how can you give up? I tried just recently. I quit. There were too many rejections. The pity party lasted a little over a week and then I got a new idea to rework a problem spot in the book. I really didn't want to go back to it, but I couldn't help it. My uncle used to say growing old ain't for sissies. Neither is writing.

By: Paul

Paul — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:11:13 +0000

On my first manuscript I had mnay requests that all turned into rejections. Yes, I had a great query letter, but the book didn't live up to the letter.

My second book, I didn't query but was told the writing was good but the story unmarketable.

My third book, I queried, got requests which turned into rejections. I revised and queried again, got requests that turned into rejections. I revised, queried again and got five offers of representation. I'd say, don't give up if you don't want to. You never know. For me, the story that I thought was twice finished turned into a really different story with the subsequent revisions.

By: Shannon

Shannon — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:56:57 +0000

I gave up on my YA. I love it, but I need to develop the story some more. I only sent it out to 8 agents and got one partial request. But, I'm a pretty ruthless self-critic. I know the beginning needs to be as well developed as the ending. It is finished, but I'm not finished with it. Does that make sense?

With the YA shelved, I am going back to a women's novel. I think it has better potential. It's fun and sassy and I laugh while I write – always a good sign. It seems to almost write itself (except, I have the carple-tunnel (sp?) to prove I'm writing it) – another good sign.

As far as giving up – not an option. I just started an office job that fell in my lap. Otherwise, I'd be home pounding the keyboard … and still do late into the evening.

By: Lisa Gibson

Lisa Gibson — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 09:11:37 +0000

Maybe when I reach the point where I want to give up, I'll feel differently. For now though, I believe if you don't have hope, you're in a bad spot. I can also say, it's important that you love to write and NOT do it for the sole reason of getting published. I love the time I spend writing and will continue doing it, don't get me wrong, being published is a goal but I write whether I get published or not.

By: Stina

Stina — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 09:07:31 +0000

Hey Katie, at least we don't have to watch when the judges (agents) roll their eyes at us. And we don't have to listen to their snarky comments (not that agents make those) when they wonder who told us we could write.

By: Katie

Katie — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:54:36 +0000

I'm not sure I will be able to give up either. But I will agree with Abby about the American Idol syndrome. What if I think I'm talented, love what I do and my friends say I'm good but the judges roll their eyes and ask 'is this a joke?' But at least, unlike AI there is neither an age limit for try outs nor is there only one opportunity a year.

By: Tere Kirkland

Tere Kirkland — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:40:20 +0000

It does sound pretty depressing when you put it like that. But I don't think of it as giving up–I think of it as changing projects. I've always got something stewing and getting going on a new story idea is the best remedy for the rejection blues in my opinion.

And with each new manuscript, I know I'm getting better. So really, if you love writing, it's never really "giving up".

Great discussion, and now that I'm reading the other comments, it's good to know that so many others stay optimistic in the face of rejection!

By: Rowenna

Rowenna — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 07:16:10 +0000

For awhile I was in the mode of, to borrow antiquated military terms, "advance, never retreat." I've since realized that it's not necessarily a question of advancing or retreating, but sometimes rethinking strategy. I'm in a period of strategic retreat on my current project–after a couple rejections I want to take a hard look at it and reevaluate. I might put it out on the front lines again, as is, I might retool it, or I might decide I need reinforcements in the form of a new, different manuscript. But just because I stop pushing one project doesn't mean I'm giving up the fight entirely. No one says you fail as an author just because your first or tenth book doesn't get published–if you love it, keep doing it.

Wow, sorry for the ridiculous extended metaphor. Sheesh.