Thursday, November 25, 2010

Thankful

This time last year, I hadn't signed with my agent, and I wasn't sure if any book I ever wrote would ever be published.

This time two years ago, Across the Universe was just an idea I'd not started writing.

This time three years ago, I was just realizing that the project I'd been working on...wasn't working. It was the tenth novel I'd written, without one single sale.

Recently, people have been asking me, "How did you know Across the Universe was the One?"

I didn't.

I always thought whatever I was working on at the time would be the One.

In the past, whenever I looked at those ten unpublished novels, I'd feel ashamed.

I'd feel like a failure.

Now?

I feel thankful.

I couldn't have written the eleventh novel without writing the first ten. I couldn't be here, without being there.

I'm thankful for Across the Universe and all the dreams that have come true with it.

But I'm also thankful for the toil and rejection that came before it.

21 comments:

DJ D. said...

And I am thankful that you were blessed with the opportunity to share your beautiful story with the world. :-) I have yet to finish AtU, but so far it's enthralling, exciting, and absolutely stunning. I wish you nothing but the best of luck as you continue on with your journey. Happy Thanksgiving!

~DJ

Ara Grigorian said...

This post just brought a smile to my face. Thanks for sharing. It gives those of us who are chasing that goal, the inspiration and the renewed drive that if we keep at it and remain true, then we can also get there. Happy Thanksgiving!

Ara @araTHEwriter

Michelle D. Argyle said...

Very powerful, Beth, thank you. :)

Jenn VonD said...

Such a great post! I like reading about a writer's journey. I just signed with my agent. I have many unpublished books in my past! Your story reminds me that I just need to keep writing. :) Happy Thanksgiving!

Golden Eagle said...

Wonderful post. :) Life really is a journey of ups and downs.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Kayla Olson said...

Ahhhhh! What a refreshing, inspiring post! Thank you for that, Beth! Happy Thanksgiving! :)

Susan Kaye Quinn said...

Thank you for that! And for being such an inspiration! Happy Thanksgiving!

IanBontems said...

Thanks for sharing the good message. I'm sure your story isn't finished yet, and I look forward to grabbing a copy of AtU when it's out in the UK.

Onwards and Upwards Beth!

And I hope you enjoy your holidays.

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Oh boy, that's an amazing, honest post. This gives me hope, to know that if not this one, maybe the next. Treat each as a learning experience, another step forward. Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Across the Universe rocks, in case anyone is wondering!

Alix said...

Happy Thanksgiving Beth.

I love how honest you are here, glad you're dreams are coming true :)

KA said...

Thanks for inspiring those of us who are still working on publication. A lot can happen in a year!

Tracy Loewer said...

Wonderful post! I don't think one can truly appreciate success without a certain amount of struggle or failure. Umm, but if they can, I don't want to hear about it. ;)

Anonymous said...

Same here. I have 10-12 awful or mediocre novels that came before my to-be-pubbed one. They were my steppingstones.

Have a great holiday weekend.

Len Lambert said...

This post is really inspirational, Beth. Thank you for this. :)

Abby Minard said...

This is wonderful. It gives all of us aspiring writers hope. It puts things in perspective too.

Liz said...

This is truly inspirational, Beth. It encourages me to keep writing, but also as someone who is applying to graduate school, remind me that I can do whatever I wan tin life. I cannot wait to read Across the Universe when it comes out in January!

Rosaria Williams said...

This gives writers so much hope! Thanks for sharing.

Jamie Grey said...

Thank you for sharing this, Beth. What an inspiration to keep going, no matter how hard it may get.

I cannot WAIT for AtU to come out! I'm so happy your dreams are finally coming true!

dellgirl said...

Thank you for sharing this post it is very inspiring, Beth.

I came by to say hello and wish you a great Week.

Kelly H-Y said...

This was just what I needed to hear at this very moment in time ... thank you for this honest and powerful post! I am SOOOO excited for you .... positively thrilled.

Payneubjy said...

This gives writers so much hope! Thanks for sharing.