Writing Failures Happen, Learn From Them

During this time of self-isolation in the pandemic, we have more time than usual. For writers, that sounds good, doesn't it? It definitely is good if you put the extra time to good use to help you move along your writing journey at a bit faster pace than usual.

But, if you use the extra time to brood over past rejections or writing projects that didn't turn out as you had hoped, then you're going to dig a hole in your writing path. The more you think about the problems in your writing life, the deeper that hole is going to get. 

Suppose you have spent the better part of a year writing a short novel. Then you set about finding publishers you think would be a good fit for your book. You make a list, then send query letters to each one. The responses are few, and those who do answer your query answer with a No. 

Next, you try to self-publish the book. It's not merely a snap of the fingers to do so. Time and money are involved. Finally, it's done and on Amazon, but you sell only a handful of books at first, then none. The whole project can be filed under Failure. 

Do you feel bad? Of course, you do. Do you get so discouraged you swear to never write another word? Some writers will. Is it wise to do that? Not if you love writing. Not if you have a passion to publish a novel someday. Not if you are hard-headed enough to want to prove that you can write a book that will sell. 

One failure does not mean you are tossed out of the writing world forever. It's not a sin to write a book that doesn't sell. Those pity parties are not attended by anyone but you, and they aren't much fun. Remember that old adage If you fall off a horse, get right back on. That works for writers, too.

Before you start writing again, try to do some self-assessment. Be as objective as possible. Ask a friend who will be honest to read the book and give you feedback. Listen and learn from what he/she says. Maybe ask a few friends to read your book and give a critique. If several point out the same problem areas, zero in on them and resolve to work on whatever it was.

I cannot remember who said it, but a successful writer said that every first novel should be put in a drawer and left there. Writing a book for the first time is a learning process in itself. 

One of the reasons I push writers into joining critique groups is so that you can learn as you go. Submit a chapter, listen carefully to the critiques and don't repeat the same mistakes in the next chapter. And, of course, fix whatever was wrong with that first one. 

Keep the idea of what you want out of your writing life in mind. Don't let fear or a failure take over your thoughts. Give yourself a short grieving period, then move on.