Resiliency

I have known for a few years in order to make it in the business of publishing the initial step one must undergo is resiliency also referred to as gaining a  'tough skin.' Things change, which may occur at various stages of the writer's journey. I reassure myself often by stating its okay

I have always been the type of person that let things affect me by over thinking  why things happen and blame myself, few years ago I decided I had to work on this, I achieved this by simply telling myself to focus on the things I can change which include:

• Reading often variety of books that teaches various skills of writing a great book, a few years ago I purchased Writing the Breakout Novel workbook by Donald Maas this is a fantastic guide for me as I revise my novel(s) in addition, I have a few more books  specifically for writing YA books, since I write as well for teens.
• Not rushing things, publishing is slow, therefore it would be a shame to send a manuscript that has so many flaws, although the publishing world seems huge its actually quite small and garnering feedback for a manuscript with flaws is not the way I want to go.
• Reading an array of books
• Remembering why I chose to write
• Identifying numerous resources and seeking the help of writers/authors within the community
• In addition, learning the business also include asking questions, such as identify the credentials of an editor.

I could list many more, but these are the main points I tell myself often, and also tell my peers that are also writers, aspiring to be published like me, human beings I think if giving the choice would always want things to work out their own way, to gain perks however that euphoria is a dream, reality is hard sometimes but it teachers humans to be resilient and grow. If I faltered the first time I got a rejection (I so deserved it, I had no clue few years ago what it takes to hone the craft and sent out a batch of horrible writing samples and queries) then I should not be writing, I write because it's what I love and it's what I will fight for by learning and growing and not backing down when the going gets tough.


Happy resiliency to you.






Keisha Martin