blogger: Cynthia Ruchti
Who says writers don’t exercise enough? It’s not uncommon to find a writer doing knee-jerks.
Agent hasn’t responded to writer’s query. It’s been two months. Knee-jerks:
- I don’t matter enough to that agent.
- I must not matter enough to any agent.
- What’s she doing? Filing her nails and bingeing on Tom Hanks movies?
- I know. I’ll publicly snub her at the writers conference. That’ll teach her!
Agent responds but says no to representation. Writer knee-jerk pattern:
- I’m a worthless slug.
- No, she is.
- I know I hid chocolate around here somewhere.
- That’s it. There’s no point in writing ever, ever again. I wonder if WalMart is hiring.
Contest judge finds fault. Lots of fault. Knee-jerk:
- What do they know anyway?
- This isn’t fair.
- The judge doesn’t know the whole story. How can they tell if the book is interesting if they only read the first 50 pages?
Editor rejects proposal. More knee-jerk activity:
- (all of the above)
- Tire-slashing is illegal, right?
- I bet said editor didn’t even open the file.
Editor asks for full manuscript. Knee-jerk marathon:
- Call the realtor, honey. We’re movin’ on up!
- Is it appropriate if I offer the editor a kidney?
- I’m just going to sit here by the phone. It won’t take long before she calls.
Editor asks for major rewrite. Knee-jerk:
- I’m a complete failure. What did I do wrong?
- I worked on that project for six years. There is nothing wrong with it.
- Do editors have nothing better to do than criticize?
How can we turn those negative knee-jerks into positive, health-giving exercise?
Agent hasn’t responded.
- Send a short email to ensure the agent received the query.
- Wait with grace.
- Keep writing.
Agent says no.
- Thank the agent for their consideration.
- Try another agent.
- Keep writing.
Contest judge finds fault.
- Ask first, “Is there any truth in this? Any merit to the comment that galls me?”
- Thank God for a judge who cares enough to make specific comments.
- Take all contest comments with a grain of salt, allowing for personality and taste differences.
- Keep submitting.
Editor rejects proposal.
- Apply any advice given.
- Pursue an agent if you haven’t already.
Editor wants full manuscript.
- Hold your horses (builds muscles).
- Wait with grace.
- Keep writing.
Editor asks for major rewrite.
- Align fingers with keys on keyboard. Rewrite.
- Throw a gut punch to discouragement. It’ll buckle. It has a weak stomach.
Knee-jerk writer reactions can be profitable…if they’re turned into positive exercises.
What knee-jerk reactions have you found common in, oh, say, the writer who lives at your house and uses your computer and goes by your name?
(Thank you, Pixabay photographers for the great images.)
Star Ostgard
I don’t think I agree with the “healthy” response to major rewrite thing. “Align fingers with keys on keyboard. Rewrite.” suggests an almost automatic acceptance of the idea that the editor is God. I’d consider a healthy response to be “Okay, let’s look at their reasons for this and whether I objectively agree or disagree.” (emphasis on “objectively”).
Cynthia Ruchti
Star, your point is well taken. No editor is God. And yes, the first response is to evaluate whether the asked-for changes are in keeping with the intent of the book and its overarching message. Sometimes an editor will ask for a rewrite before the contract is signed, and that merits very careful consideration. Is it worth the time, even if the editor might eventually turn down the project? Is this the right publishing house for this project? After the contract is signed, it still merits careful thought, and perhaps in-depth conversation before diving in. But the danger lies in resentment and resistance, which can kill a project. Objective consideration is the best option.
Star Ostgard
“But the danger lies in resentment and resistance, which can kill a project.”
Definitely. I’ve been on both sides of that situation, getting advice I disliked so had to step back from and think about – and giving advice that was immediately attacked. Discussion is always important before putting in huge effort that may or may not prove fruitful.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
And sometimes life itself sends the rejection letter.
Frame it, and put it on the wall.
They say that i should yell at God,
and upon Him throw the blame.
They say that I am far past odd,
for ‘counting it joy’ is just insane.
They say that I should be depressed,
and take the pills that make me doze,
for it’s clear emotions are repressed,
and my cheerful smile is just a pose.
My life, in truth, cannot be theirs,
and I have seen with mine own eyes
the abandonment of myriad cares,
and in a dawn of warm surprise
that in this cancer’d End of Days,
His Love’s now clear, and I give praise.
Jenni Mills
This is beautiful. You are full of grace and power. Blessings. Jenni
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Jenni, your words mean so much, and I am so grateful that you took the time to write them here.
May I offer this haiku, written expressly for you?
In the dark depths of winter
your bright words
are the nightingale’s spring song.
Daphne Woodall
Cynthia, I love this. I’ve been to several writing conferences and have followed those in the writing market so I understand the importance of your post.
I’m a realist as well so I understand the road to publication has many potholes, detours and changing speed signs where everyone is driving a different vehicle. Thanks for helping us begin our path by pursuing professionalism and patience.
Cynthia Ruchti
Thanks, Daphne. As with any blog post, advice and ideas help form a pool of thought rather than gospel on any topic.
Shirlee Abbott
Knee jerks. Foot moves. Steps out in faith. Keeps moving forward.
Cynthia Ruchti
And enough dancing to keep our oxygen levels high!
Kathy Nickerson
So helpful! The writer at my house has performed all these exercises at some point.
Cynthia Ruchti
Ah, the physically fit writer! 🙂
Kristen Joy Wilks
Oooh, I love that last photo. Makes me miss my childhood horse! Yeah, start a new manuscript so that I have something to occupy myself between rewrites of what is currently being looked at. I try to always have two different stories (or twelve, ha ha!) in revision at once so that I can bounce back and forth between them as rewriting the same one over and over without a break can leave me discouraged and writing worse rather than better.
Cynthia Ruchti
Great plan, Kristen.
sheila d arrington
My Mantra lately, Isaiah 60:20 God is working in our waiting. “When the time is right, I the Lord, will make it happen” (NLT).
So while I wait I will:
develop and persevere
be refined and grow
preparation for my next season or journey.
learn from experiences that happen.
and keep on writing!
Cynthia Ruchti
Beautifully said, Sheila!
Jeanne Takenaka
I’ve been wanting to get over her to read this for a few days. Cynthia. I may have done each of these at some point in my career. The most impacting exercise I can do is hold my writing journey in open hands up to Jesus, and trust Him to do with me as He will.
I loved these. Especially the bits about eating chocolate. 😉
Deena Adams
Thanks so much for your post. Helpful advice I plan to heed!