Reality checks don't bounce!

I've been thinking about my last post a lot lately. Especially after my agent did a mini-freakout. So let me clarify: I am not crazy. Really, I'm not. And I'm not delusional about this whole writing/publishing process. What I was at the time was bored. And when I get bored, I have my Oprah delusions/fantasies. Only this time, I said them out loud (or wrote them in a blog) for the whole world to see.

But really, what writer hasn't had that fantasy of sitting on Oprah's couch and having her put her stamp of approval on your book and have millions of people running out and purchasing your book?

Truthfully, I still believe this will happen one day. But I am realistic enough to know it's not going to happen tomorrow. Or the next day. Or the one after that. (And I got a terrific reality check after visiting Blogging in Black.com. Thanks for the tip, MJ.)

I've also read enough about the publishing industry to understand that just getting an agent to take on your work is a long shot to begin with. So I know that I'm blessed. (Impatient, but blessed.) And traditional/mainstream publishing is a long process. First, said agent has to get an editor at a publishing house to agree to read the manuscript. And if the editor loves it, s/he has to convince those in charge that it's a book that will sell. And they have to consider when it can come out in their larger publishing schedule. If all those doors open, you are miraculously offered a contract. Then there's the back and forth that happens with rewrites, marketing, etc. Assuming all goes well, you get a date that the book will be published and you get to market the book to your family, friends, email buddies, complete strangers, etc.

Of course, this is a very watered down version of the publishing process. As published writers and/or anyone who reads industry-related magazines or books knows, the process of getting finished manuscript to published book is very complicated and subjective and takes time - lots of it. Of course, it doesn't help when people keep asking, "When is your book coming out?" (I ususally smile and say, "We're waiting on a contract.")

Why didn't I opt for self-publishing? Because I really don't have a head for business. And I don't have time (right now) or resources ($$$) to take it on. And I'd much rather leave the business aspect of it in the hands of my wonderful agent and attorney who know what they're doing. They work on my behalf to handle the business end right now and allow me the joy of focusing on what I love to do - writing. I'd drive myself nuts crafting query letters, making copies of the manuscript, waiting for responses, etc. I'd rather let my agent go nuts for me. :) She is able to soften the blow of rejection and be the first to pop the cork on a champagne bottle when a deal is made.

So, I've started back working on manuscript #2. (More on that another time.) I'm trying to write a little every day. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. But I keep trying.

I know I have to keep my day job. I'm not going to get rich tomorrow and I still have bills to pay. But I don't have to give up my dreams. I just have to temper them with a dash of reality.

In Him,

Donna