Thursday, January 19, 2012

Guest Post by Jen: The Journey

I used to think I’d have one of those J.K. Rowling experiences. You know, the girl who lived (since the boy had already lived) … add a little romance, call it YA, and ship it off to agent land where they’d weep at my wordage and offer me book and movie contracts simultaneously. Not to mention the words would continue to flow after I sold the books, showing the world Writer’s Block was merely a myth. 

Well, that was two years ago and I’ve had more than 13 rejections (take that J.K. Rowling), so the path I envisioned hasn’t exactly fallen into place. I guess you could say it was slightly different (and by that, I mean DRASTICALLY different). 

I wrote a book. I thought it rocked. It didn’t. I was told my character would be hated … turns out, they were right. I wrote three more books, improved slightly. Read Stephen King’s On Writing, became inspired. Wrote two additional books.

Queried one, received feedback that said it was way too unique for marketing. That was the first time they didn’t mention the suckage. I considered that a success. I found a publisher interested in my work despite its uniqueness. Thought I was on my way up, until the relationship didn’t end up the way I’d dreamed about.
I moved on … broken, defeated, and feeling worthless. It was then a light shined down and I found Still Moments Publishing. They were asking for anthologies and gave you certain requirements to follow. A spark lit in my heart and the words flew onto the blank page. I had the passion I’d missed for months, the chance to be something, and to share something special with others.

Guess what? Still Moments Publishing felt the same way about me. They took a chance on me. The publisher is a gem and the editors are kind (even when telling you something isn’t working). The team is full of rock stars and I’m overjoyed to be included. 

It is with confetti, sparkles, and theme music that my first published works is released, "Snowbanked." A part of the Snowbound Hearts Anthology! 

I’ve learned that success is measured by accomplishments, not by your ultimate goal. This ebook that’s releasing is just another fabulous milestone I, as a writer, get to enjoy along with others. I’m a success because I choose to be. I’d love for you to grab a copy of Snowbound Hearts and send me your thoughts! 

What’s your latest success?

**
I have "Snowbanked" at the top of my TBR pile. A big thank you to Jen Daiker for sharing the details of her journey. Jen, I wish you every success!

15 comments:

  1. Thank you so much for allowing me to stop in!!! What a journey it's been and I adore hearing others so please feel free to share in the comments!

    PS, thanks for adding Snowbanked to the top of your TBR list! You're a doll!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for sharing the journey, Jen. This is precisely why I celebrate all the little things -- writing the story, putting it in the mail, the good rejection, eventual acceptance.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks, Jen, I enjoy your blog and it's great to find out more about your writing journey. Yes, I've racked up a few more rejections than J.K. Rowling or Stephenie Meyer at this point, but not as many as Kathryn Stockett, so I still take heart. Look what happened when the right agent found her book! So glad yours is moving along and all the best to you!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I feel like I've taken this journey with you, Jen (in a way)! Seeing you in person at author events and chatting online when things are exciting or sucky, LOL. This is such a great step for you! Squee!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Nope. I'm still a failure.
    Sincerely,
    Anonymous Guy

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great post, Jen! Any author can attest to the trials and tribulations of getting published, and then the subsequent getting noticed by readers. I'm so happy you are a part of the Still Moments family. We were all blessed the day you joined our team. Big hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  7. You are all the reason I continue to write! Your support and care is appreciated more than you'll ever know!

    Vijaya - All is worth celebrating. I received my first bad review today... I took it as 'hey, I'm officially in the buisness!'

    Heather - SO glad you enjoy Unedited. That's right! Meg Cabot had over 300 rejections. Counts worth something!

    Kelley - Thanks for stopping in!

    Kristin Rae - You girl, are a rockstar! I LOVE every time we get together!

    TPAIB - No one is a failure <-- unless it's viewed as a positive. Then I'll allow it.

    AJ - YOU are an amazing editor! I'm blessed to be with Still Moments and love what family dynamics they bring to the table. You guys are true rockstars.

    Faith - You're just as inspiring!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm a success because I choose to be.

    WONDERFUL!!

    And, only thirteen rejections? :) That's not bad.

    Happy writing!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love hearing Jen's journey!! And wish her MUCH success!!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Congrats Jen! I completely agree about celebrating the little things. Every request. Every nice comment. Every finished piece. It all counts as success in my book! :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Congrats Jen! What a great story and journey. It's amazing what we go through to get what we want, but so worth it in the long run.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Yay Jen! So excited for you!!!
    14 rejections - that's it? Methinks you need to submit more. Go for it.

    ReplyDelete

Summer Recap

Summer!! has been a crazy whirlwind.  Are we actually starting school again in a few weeks? UNBELIEVEABLE. In the middle of June I finished...