Everyone talks about writing the book of your heart. That when you're frustrated or not feeling like your career is moving forward, that maybe the thing to do is stop and let yourself write the book you really want to write. The story and characters that call to you while you're writing what you 'should' write.I have that book. Its the one I've been tinkering with for years. The one that has always been special to me, but that I always felt was a little too out there. It needed work, which is part of the reason it was rejected in the past, but it also didn't fit into any of those neat marketing boxes that the publishers like so much. Yes, it is a special snowflake book. But I love it. Everyone who reads it loves it, including my agent, who signed me after just reading the first few chapters. I don't think there's anything quite like it on the market right now.
Which is why I'm holding my breath. After years of polishing, multiple revisions and incarnations, the book of my heart is being shopped. Today. I'm so nervous. This book has definitely grown up and gone to college since most people saw it. So I'm hopeful. I'm not expecting news to come any time soon. It takes time. While I'd love to have a couple of my top publishers fighting over me in an auction that lands me a "nice" deal, right now, I'll be happy to have any publisher take a chance. Self-publishing, if nothing else, has shown publishers that a book can be commercially successful without fitting neatly in a box.
So, we'll see. I'm going to be a wreck for weeks. Have you written the book of your heart yet? Any luck getting it out into the world? As a reader, can you tell when an author is really and truly in love with their stories and their characters?
SP
6 comments:
Your book sounds fab Andrea, crossing my fingers for you. Would love to write something totally different but just don't hav nough hours in the day right now!
Keeping my fingers crossed for you!
I don't even know what my heart is anymore and right now there's not a book in it. But I still have hope the muse will return. I'm doing a little writing these days -- maybe a page a day -- but that's better than nothing.
I will keep my fingers crossed as well. I think it is great that you are brave enough to let the book of your heart be shopped. I am sure it feels very risky!
Keeping everything crossed! This book is awesome and deserves a spot on the shelves!
Insti
Many good wishes coming your way, as I hope your book has some promising results. I myself do not write and to be honest I have no desire to. But, I can read and enjoy books with the best of them. I can't say that I can tell when an author has her heart and soul in a publication.
Wishing everyone a safe and wonderful Memorial Day weekend.
Totally, totally understand! Both the nerves and the book. I actually have 2 books "of my heart" - each in a different genre. One has been sent out, revised, sent again, revised-and despite positive critiques and contest finals it is still waiting. I'm beginning to think my patience is running out. Self-pubbing is looking better all the time!
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