Just Keep Swimming…

don't quitThe time I almost quit writing was while multiple editors were falling in love with my latest draft. I just didn’t know it.

I’d sent the revision to my agent before boarding a plane. The subject read: I LIKED MY LIFE, take 1,683. An exaggeration? Yes. It was the writer’s version of a “feels like” forecast.

En route to my ski trip, I considered the possibility that landing kick ass representation was as close to being published as I LIKED MY LIFE would get. And maybe it was enough, I reasoned. It’s further down the path than many. That it wouldn’t sit on a shelf didn’t minimize the fact that I wrote it. Well, a little bit it did, but I spent the five-hour flight convincing myself otherwise.

What I knew with certainty was that I’d taken the novel as far as I could. If the revision didn’t garner interest it was time to call it. Start another book. Work at a bookstore. Something.

doryWithin the week I got the call. The timing still amazes me. It wasn’t until I truly believed I was delivering I LIKED MY LIFE in its absolute best form that the universe took an interest. There are two truths to weed out from that story:

  1. Hone your craft. There are a lot of writers on Facebook and Twitter strategizing how to land on bestseller lists, often before they even have a book contract. Daydreaming is fun. I get that. I do. But it can turn toxic. Focus on what you can control– your output. I suspect the best way to have a bestseller is to sit down and write one.
  2. Don’t quit. I was a week away from my dream coming true and it never felt less likely. You can’t know how close you are, so you have to follow Dory’s advice and just keep swimming.

Author: Abby Fabiaschi

Abby Fabiaschi is the author of I LIKED MY LIFE (St. Martin's Press, February 2017). She and her family divide their time between Tampa, Florida and Park City, Utah. When not writing or watching the comedy show that is her children, she enjoys reading across genres, skiing, hiking, and yoga. Oh, and travel. Who doesn’t love vacation? Learn more at abbyfabiaschi.com.

2 Replies to “Just Keep Swimming…”

  1. Sometimes I think I’m swimming in circles, but I do keep swimming.

    (I also love that quote with the ice cream. I’m starting something new, starting over in a way, and it fits better than you’d think.)

  2. I am always amazed at the determination and fortitude of authors to swim through all the disappointments, rejections, and hard work to try again – your successes are so well deserved.

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