Agony aunt for writers

[Marc Joan]

See here Ask June: In the Doghouse • Cleaver Magazine for answers to the below:

Dear June,

To be honest, I feel stuck. I realized that I’ve been writing, studying, and publishing fiction for a decade, but I can’t seem to take the next step.

My short stories show up in the pretty-good literary magazines. I’ve had some near misses but haven’t cracked into the first tier yet. Even though I’ve got several completed manuscripts, I can’t seem to find an agent and I despair of ever seeing my name on a published novel. It’s discouraging, and I wonder if I’m doing something wrong?

I am not in general an angsty person, except when it comes to my writing. Should I just throw in the towel and self publish? Am I actually really untalented, but nobody will tell me?

Is there anything I can do to break this streak? Please advise.

Sincerely,

—Down in the Doldrums

 

[J. Rook]

See here Ask June: In the Doghouse • Cleaver Magazine for answers to the below:
—Down in the Doldrums

I'd say you got one of the best replies from an AA that I have read; sensible, understanding and essentially practical.
How often do writers get into a similar intellectual mess? Very often. How do writers get out of the mess? By writing. Giving up? Not an option. Self-publish - if you're a fiend for really hard, irritating, picky work. Self-publishing isn't the same as the old "vanity" publishing.

 

[Marc Joan]

It wasn't me that wrote the letter, but I'm sure the sentiments expressed resonate with many.

 

[Alistair Roberts]

An interesting article. I figure self publishing is better than no publishing, even if it only generates a half dozen sales. One of those just might reach the right person. So sometime this year I'll put out another one

 

[James Marinero]

Yes, interesting indeed. I've read so much about the angst writers have, spending years finding an agent - if ever - and then the onward struggle. Then, when the
agent finally finds a publisher, the author finds that he/she has to do all the marketing that he/she could have started years before - if they'd taken a different path. For me, life is too short for all that capering around but I know it works for some.

 

[Katie-Ellen]

That mother in that first letter needs to grow up.

 

[Marc Joan]

That mother in that first letter needs to grow up.

Tbh, I think it's all intended to be tongue in cheek - I suspect the letters are either made up or else sent in in a spirit of irony. But I could be over-estimating human beings.

 

[KG Christopher]

I probably in the last month have gone through a 'what's the point' spell. Up until mid April when I was working on my manuscript, I was so enthusiastic. But now, I have had moments of despair, feelings of self loathing, everything related to my ability to 'write'. But then... last Friday, I met a young girl, probably about 20 in a bar (I was with my wife). She was sitting alone and writing on an iPad. 'what are you writing?' I asked. She told me the story and how she was desperate to get her story down, and I had to tell her not to give up, keep going, and probably I was speaking to my own self also.

 

[Marc Joan]

I probably in the last month have gone through a 'what's the point' spell. Up until mid April when I was working on my manuscript, I was so enthusiastic. But now, I have had moments of despair, feelings of self loathing, everything related to my ability to 'write'. .

I suspect we all know what you're talking about. I try to deal with it by not taking things, including myself, too seriously. In cosmic terms, everything on the human scale is irrelevant. Writing is just a temporary crust on the scabby shell of a temporary existence. Enjoy it for its own sake; if anybody else enjoys it too, that's a bonus. (c) Marc Joan's Cod Philosophy (Vol. 1 of 673).

 

[Robinne Weiss]

In my bitter moments, I liken writing to masturbation--it's nice, but doesn't really accomplish anything.

I was at a dinner party the other night (playing the good faculty wife)--first time I've agreed to go out since I quit the 'day job'--and because one of the families there had a son who was in the middle of reading one of my books, I couldn't bypass all the questions about what I 'do'. I had to tell people I was a writer. I hate to say it, but it felt awful. Not just because I'd really rather be still pursuing the career I had for the past 25 years, but also because I feel like a really unsuccessful writer...

 

[Marc Joan]

In my bitter moments, I liken writing to masturbation--it's nice, but doesn't really accomplish anything.

I was at a dinner party the other night (playing the good faculty wife)--first time I've agreed to go out since I quit the 'day job'--and because one of the families there had a son who was in the middle of reading one of my books, I couldn't bypass all the questions about what I 'do'. I had to tell people I was a writer. I hate to say it, but it felt awful. Not just because I'd really rather be still pursuing the career I had for the past 25 years, but also because I feel like a really unsuccessful writer...

I just don't tell anybody. Only my wife knows, and she is sworn to secrecy. Because, frankly, most people seem to look on writing as a cop-out from a proper job; and even if you have a proper job, it still seems to be seen as self-indulgent (because getting up at 4:30 am to go through rejection emails is so self-indulgent). Unless you have a best-seller or a book made into a film, people tend to snigger, no matter how hard you've worked at your other career, no matter what your other accomplishments. So for my own sanity, I keep it hush-hush. And I know exactly what it would have been like for you at the faculty party, and you have my very great sympathy.

 

[Robinne Weiss]

Well, I'm glad I'm not alone. Here, Marc, have a drink. We'll have our own party. To hell with everyone else.

 

[Paul Whybrow]

People tend to snigger at those who are doing what they're afraid to attempt—a bit like crabs in a bucket dragging an escapee back to their gang. Being a writer means developing a thick hide and ignoring the naysayers while seeking the approval and acceptance of influential publishing industry executives who we rather despise for being so tasteless!

I sometimes wonder if the armour I've clad myself with is so thick that I wouldn't believe a literary agent who liked my query. You actually like my submission and want to see more chapters—whatever's the matter with you?!

There's a danger of becoming a masochist in persevering as a writer, or perhaps it's an essential trait....

 

[Marc Joan]

Well, I'm glad I'm not alone. Here, Marc, have a drink. We'll have our own party. To hell with everyone else.
View attachment 1329

I'll drink to that. Cheers!

 

[Peggy Lou]

No Robinne, you are definitely not alone. I'm trying to be a writer but even if I manage to get an agent and sell my manuscript, I will not tell anyone other than the two people who already know. For many people writing seems a hobby, something you do to kill time. A fun job, so not real work. Unless as Marc said you are wildly successful.

 

[Robinne Weiss]

Well, then join our party, @Peggy Lou!

 

[echo.]

The dream is putting it on the census, but somehow 'teaching assistant' is a job taken slightly more seriously than 'struggling writer.'

Being a teaching assistant is so much easier. I don't even like writing half the time, it's just a sort of hideous necessity, like drinking. Except wine. And tea. I like drinking them.

I wish I was the man on the last census whose job was 'carving stone lions.' Put his job description as 'taking a block of stone and carving away all the bits that aren't lion.'

Now that's a calling.

 

[Nicole Wilson]

I actually enjoy telling people I'm an author. It gives me motivation to keep going--others hold me accountable. I am determined (read: far too stubborn) to make this writing thing work, so I need all of the strength I can get.

 

[Peggy Lou]

Well, then join our party, @Peggy Lou!

Thank you. I'm in.

 

[Marc Joan]

Thank you. I'm in.

I hope you brought a bottle -- Robinne is getting through the booze at a fierce rate

 

[Robinne Weiss]

Um...I think there's a problem with my glass. It seems to have a hole in it...

 

[Peggy Lou]

Would a cask do? Or something larger?

 

[Paul Whybrow]

The dream is putting it on the census, but somehow 'teaching assistant' is a job taken slightly more seriously than 'struggling writer.'

Being a teaching assistant is so much easier. I don't even like writing half the time, it's just a sort of hideous necessity, like drinking. Except wine. And tea. I like drinking them.

I wish I was the man on the last census whose job was 'carving stone lions.' Put his job description as 'taking a block of stone and carving away all the bits that aren't lion.'

Now that's a calling.

So, it was his mane profession?

 

[Alistair Roberts]

Even the barrel has a whole, I mean hole, in it!

 

[Robinne Weiss]

Would a cask do? Or something larger?

Truth be told, I'm no good at drinking my troubles away...too much of a control freak to like being drunk.

 

[Peggy Lou]

I haven't done so either, so far; but given the rate of rejections (literary) I can see it happening, by and by.

 

[Alistair Roberts]

Ah well I ne'r know ifs I'zz a coming ner a goin!!