Good morning! Our friend Sally Bayless is back with another installment of her series on the new writer’s journey. I think we’ll all be able to identify with this post.
Welcome, Sally!
Thanks so much to everyone at RU for having me back to talk about my writing journey.
Lately, I’ve been having a lot of conversations like this:
“So, how’s your book coming? Weren’t you almost done?”
“Well, um, I started a new book. The first one … It’s kind of a long story.”
And it’s one I’m pretty sure my non-writer friends don’t get. They smile and politely nod as I try to explain, but I think deep down they believe I’m nuts. You see, I’m spending more time than ever with my writing and, in a lot of ways I’m right back where I was two years ago.
In January 2009, I started drafting my first manuscript. Sure, there had been a few attempts before, but nothing that got beyond Chapter Four. This time, I was going to write a whole book. And I did. On March 11, 2009, I finished my first draft.
On March 1, 2011, I finished the first draft of my second manuscript. But in between those two dates … Well, I think my friends here in town imagined me talking about agents and editors and getting rejection letters. And possibly letting them read it.
Instead, they heard about me sending chapters through critique groups and entering contests to get feedback and reading craft books and “no, really, it’s not ready.”
That first manuscript was like some of my projects when I was learning to sew as a teenager. Way too scary for the public view. I spent a year and a half revamping that first book, trying to improve it. Finally I decided that, like some of my early sewing, it was easier to start over. After a long study of plot in the fall, I understand my first manuscript has some big problems. Problems on the same magnitude as if you’d cut all the pieces out for a dress with the stripes going the wrong way. Taking out stitches is not going to fix it.
Then, when I realized (or convinced myself) that my first manuscript was actually the second book chronologically in the series I envisioned, it was a no-brainer to let the first one sit and fester. Even if I could fix it, how could I sell the second book of a series? Besides, I’ve heard there are lots of first novels out there, hidden in drawers or buried in folders on hard drives—novels authors would rather burn than let see the light of day.
So I started my second manuscript. And here I am, right back where I began.
But—cue happy music and picture me skipping through a field of daisies—with one big difference. This manuscript, I think, has a chance. Just a few days ago I got feedback on my synopsis from a multi-published author who agrees. She did not (repeat NOT) tell me to quit writing and consider taking up crochet. Truly, that possible response crossed my mind. Instead, she gave suggestions and actually said she liked it! (For you cynics out there, I’ll add that no cash changed hands. She read it out of the goodness of her heart.)
Anyway, after an entire morning spent skipping through that meadow, I plunged back in. I am so excited! And this time I have a plan that goes beyond finishing the draft. March will be my merry month of research to fill in some holes. Then I’ll spend a few months doing a big rewrite. Then polishing, sending to my critique partners, etc., and then, finally, (I hope, I hope) I will have something of decent quality that I can try to send out before the end of 2011.
To all you folks out there who’ve received rejection letters, keep in mind that just having something decent enough to think I could send it off to get rejected would be a step forward. See how far you’ve come?
I haven’t totally given up on that first manuscript. I still think, with a lot of patience, I can fix it. But writing the second manuscript was certainly less painful. I guess it’s always easier to do something the right way (or at least closer to the right way) than to fix something done the wrong way.
But the bottom line is, with this second manuscript, query letters will be sent. PRO status will be achieved. And maybe, just maybe, someone will ask for a partial. And then (happy music fades back in) maybe they’ll want the second book in the series, too. That would be major motivation to rework that thing in the drawer.
So, RU readers, I’m curious about your work. How many manuscripts did you write before you created something that (even if the market didn’t agree) you thought was publishable quality? And what made the difference between that work and your earlier writing? Was there one step you took that was key to getting there?
* * *
Thanks, Sally!!
Join us on Wednesday when CJ Lyons tells us how to become a bestseller while preserving our sanity.
Sally’s Bio:
Sally Bayless is learning to write inspirational romantic suspense and cozy mysteries. Before realizing that ordinary people were allowed to write fiction, she edited corporate publications and technical reports. In January 2010, she was a finalist in the first contest she entered, SVRWA’s Gotcha. A member of ACFW, RWA, MWA, and several online groups, Sally lives in rural Ohio with her husband and two children.
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- Sally Bayless and the Great Balancing Act
- Confessions of a New Writer
- Sally Bayless vs. Technology
- CYC: How a PERT Chart Helped Me Refocus on Writing by Sally Bayless
- Sara Megibow Sells Romance – Like A Good Melon
Sally, thanks for sharing your journey. It’s great to hear that you’re enjoying the process and aren’t rushing things. Learning a new skill takes time. Yes, many can write, but there’s a big difference between writing and crafting a marketable story, as you said so well.
I wrote 5 historicals and 2/3 of a contemporary romance during my first three years of writing, rewrote one of the historicals three times before I received an offer of representation, and rewrote it one more time before my agent sold it this past December. My one key would be a willingness to revise. Runners-up would be study craft, read lots of books in your genre, and don’t submit too soon.
Posted by Keli Gwyn | March 14, 2011, 12:23 amHi Keli,
First, a huge congratulations on your sale!
And thanks so much for your response. As a new writer, it’s really reassuring to hear that other people didn’t get the hang of writing all at once. I just need to stick with it and follow your good advice. I’m making a new post-it for the side of my computer monitor today with all the advice I get. So far I’ve got: be willing to revise, read, study the craft, and don’t submit too soon.
Thanks!
Sally
Posted by Sally Bayless | March 14, 2011, 8:01 amHi Sally,
Good for you! I’m glad you were able to take a step away from MSS 1 and look at it critically. That’s really hard to do.
Here’s my story:
–Finished MSS 1, let it sit, wrote and sold a short story, polished and subbed MSS 1, polished and subbed, polished and subbed, tucked away
–Started and finished MSS 2 (diff series), polished and subbed, tucked away
–Polished and subbed MSS 1, tucked away
–Started MSS 3 (diff series), tucked away
–Polished and subbed MSS 1, received excellent feedback from two agents, polished and subbed, received contract offers from agent and editor, SOLD
As you can see, something in MSS 1 kept calling to me. I couldn’t let that story go. I’m currently polishing it again for my editor and agent.
Hang in there. Listen to your gut. Never give up.
Hugs,
Tracey
Posted by TraceyDevlyn | March 14, 2011, 4:35 amHi Tracey,
There must be something wonderful in that first manuscript that appeals to more than you! I’m so excited for your sale.
I really appreciate your advice. (I’ve added “listen to your gut” and “never give up” to my list.)
With spending so much time on that story and changing it so much, did you ever get confused? Or is it so different from where you began that that’s not possible?
Sally
Posted by Sally Bayless | March 14, 2011, 8:09 amConfused? Oh, yes. LOL That’s when I shipped it off to my fabulous critique partners to make sure everything flowed.
The premise and heroine’s journey has remained the same through all the polishing. A lot of the revisions were a result of my own ignorance when it comes to story structure and what makes a page turner.
What changed a great deal was the beginning. From the first day I conceived this story I imagined the heroine strapped to a table while being interrogated. For a historical (4.5 yrs ago), the scene, and a few other elements of the story) would break many rules. I fought writing that opening for a long time. Once I did, folks took notice. So it was a good change.
Posted by TraceyDevlyn | March 14, 2011, 12:15 pmOK, now I’ve got to read it. Please polish faster!
Sally
Posted by Sally Bayless | March 14, 2011, 1:59 pmHi Sally. Welcome back! The great thing about writing books is you get better at it with each try. LOL. I recently went back to my first book and rewrote it based on feedback from my editor. Carina had bought my second and third books, but were still on the fence with book one. Rewrites aren’t easy, but I loved digging into one of my early books and applying all the techniques I’ve learned since first writing the story.
I had convinced myself it would be okay if I didn’t sell the book, but when my editor emailed me with the offer, I bawled. And it was the ugly bawling too!
So, don’t stress about that first book. It’ll come around again when the time is right.
Posted by Adrienne Giordano | March 14, 2011, 5:58 amHi Adrienne,
Now that is an encouraging tale! Tears totally justified. When I grow up, I want to be you!
Sally
Posted by Sally Bayless | March 14, 2011, 8:13 amHi Sally,
I finished my first manuscript eight years ago. It has been rewritten so much, it feels brand new. I submitted to an editor and is being revised again. I don’t know if it will be published, but it has taught me not to give up.
Mary Jo Burke
Posted by Mary Jo Burke | March 14, 2011, 6:42 amHi Mary Jo,
That’s another vote for “never give up.” And boy, are there days I need to hear it! Thank you.
Fingers crossed for your submission.
Sally
Posted by Sally Bayless | March 14, 2011, 8:15 amMary Jo -
That’s incredibly important lesson that I seem to need to learn over and over and over again…
Kels
Posted by Kelsey Browning | March 14, 2011, 6:18 pmMorning Sally!
My first ms, such as is was only about 2-3 chapters long. And then I took my first writing class and went ohhhhh. My 2nd ms did get finished, but I was unhappy with the plot, so it’s in re-plotting mode. My 3rd ms is finished and is in revisions. I haven’t submitted a full one as of yet, but that’s on the agenda for this year! Best of luck with yours!
carrie
Posted by Carrie Spencer | March 14, 2011, 7:51 amHi Carrie,
Maybe we can go Pro together in 2011! That would call for happy dancing. Hope your revisions go smoothly.
Sally
Posted by Sally Bayless | March 14, 2011, 8:18 amI’m laughing about the conversation with your friends – it’s always a long story to those who don’t understand how this business works! I too have the ugly first child manuscript under the bed and it took me a loooooong time to put it away. I’m still going to sell that thing one day…
Once I quit obsessing over child #1, I wrote my second manuscript and I got a request for the full the first place I subbed it – the key? Genre change.
And just to make myself totally insane, for my third manuscript, I went back to my original genre which is my first love. It may end up in the drawer too, but we’ll see. I’m still in revisions and it’s slow going.
Good luck with your writing Sally!
Posted by Kat Cantrell | March 14, 2011, 8:03 amHi Kat,
Wow–a request for a full with your first submission of that second MS. Talk about a champagne moment! Whoo!
Hmm, genre change. I’d never considered that, tho I do have the beginnings of a contemporary romance I played with once. It’s a nice idea to think that if I don’t find success in RS, it might just not be right for my voice and I could change to contemporary and possibly sell. As always, RU is so great for keeping me motivated. Thank you!!
Best of luck with all your stories,
Sally
Posted by Sally Bayless | March 14, 2011, 8:26 amWith two mss collecting dust, I can relate. One was nonfiction — basically a thesis on a topic near and dear to my heart. The next was an attempt to figure out how to write fiction — without a single concept of craft. I was smart enough not to harbor notions it was saleable. The third? I finally found my voice. Plus I joined crit groups, studied the craft, attended a conference, and landed an agent!
And that awful thesis I wrote way back when? Well, being so near and dear, it sneaked its way in … but with a whole new look!
Behind you all the way, Sally!!!! This is going to be a good year.
-Emily
Posted by Emily | March 14, 2011, 9:15 amHi Emily,
So glad I was around when you started looking for CPs! Can’t wait to see where your book ends up!
Sally
Posted by Sally Bayless | March 14, 2011, 9:57 amGood morning, Sally!
We’re so happy to have you back at RU.
I’m starting my fifth manuscript this spring, and I’m hopeful this could be the one
– with a lot of hard work in front of me. My first, second and fourth MSs are all contemporaries – hard to plot and a hard sell. My third is a paranormal that I think still has hope.
I’m one of those fortunate writers who found her voice from the get-go, but I’m still working to craft marketable stories!
I’m so glad you’re forging ahead. And try not to worry about how many “regular people” don’t understand this writing process. That’s what you have us for
.
Kels
Posted by Kelsey Browning | March 14, 2011, 11:12 amHi Kelsey,
“Marketable” is so hard to learn. I’m just guessing that you didn’t start writing contemporaries thinking “I’ll try this. It’s hard to plot and hard to sell.” My first manuscript started as an inspirational cozy mystery. A very small market, as people who read inspirationals are usually quite happy reading mainstream cozy mysteries. The genre doesn’t lean toward sex or violence. Then I tried to make it an RS and then it just got ugly.
I am so grateful for RU, ACFW and all the other writing groups I have found. It is wonderful to connect!
Sally
Posted by Sally Bayless | March 14, 2011, 2:10 pmHi Sally,
I can identify with the conversation with non-writing friends. Mine try to be supportive but say things like, “Wow, it’s been a long time.” And I think to myself, why yes, yes it has. It takes a long time to pour your soul into something!
I started overloading with writing workshops 1/2 way into my first draft of my first and only (so far) MS. So, I think I corrected any major problems along the way. But I guess only time will tell of it’s publishable quality
Count me in for going PRO in 2011!!!
Posted by Savannah Foxx | March 14, 2011, 12:06 pmHi Savannah!
Thanks for stopping by.
I feel your pain with the overload on classes. There is so much to learn! Fingers crossed for us both in 2011!
Sally
Posted by Sally Bayless | March 14, 2011, 2:13 pmHey Sally!
I know what you mean about letting a first book sit in a drawer (or in my case on a CD-ROM) and never letting it see the light of day! The first book I ever finished I sent out and it was promptly rejected. Once the disappointment wore off I was glad it was rejected. It had any number of problems with it. But what a learning experience! I discovered weakness and strengths, what I liked about writing what I hated (summarizing concisely ‘shudder’) etc. I pray things continue to go well with you!
- Jen
Posted by Jen Cvelbar | March 14, 2011, 12:15 pmHi Jen,
Learning experience is definitely accurate. If I learn as much working on this second manuscript as I did on the first one, I’ll be ready to be on the bestseller list, I think.
Thanks for stopping by!
Sally
Posted by Sally Bayless | March 14, 2011, 2:20 pmOooooh, does this sound familiar! I’ve “finished” several manuscripts and have several others stalled at that scary third or fourth chapter, but I’m not happy with any of my so-called “completed” stories. I pitched one last year and got some good feedback, but some very helpful editors pointed out the flaws and gave me suggestions how to fix it. Now I just have to go back and do it.
In the meantime, like you, I got to work on a second book – only in my case, it’s totally unrelated to last year’s story. Also like you, I’ve done the rounds with critique partners, workshops and doing everything I can do learn the craft. I feel like I’m in a better place than I was a year ago, but I won’t feel sure of that until my current WIP is completed and ready to pitch. Right now it feels very scary, as if I’m in limbo until I write “The End.” And even then, I know it’s not really the end but the beginning of revisions. *sigh*
Doesn’t it drive you nuts when people say, “What’s happening with your book?” Sometimes I think those are my most dreaded words in the English language (well, and a form rejection letter…).
Good luck on your writer’s journey – I look forward to reading your books one day!
Posted by Becke Martin/Davis | March 14, 2011, 12:27 pmHi Becke,
I think you’re smart to have your second book not connected to your first MS. That seems to be the common wisdom. Too bad I didn’t learn that wisdom until after I’d written half of book 2! I guess I could always disconnect them if asked.
Best of luck with your WIP,
Sally
Posted by Sally Bayless | March 14, 2011, 2:27 pmGreat post, Sally! I’m so glad you got the positive feedback on MSS #2. I think you have a good voice and style.
I’m on the 8th draft of my 3rd MSS. The first couple edits were to fix the common things: show vs tell, too many “had” “was” -ly” or “-ing”, etc. But I had a sub-plot thread that needed to be removed. I fought it, eventually giving in and rewriting. It flows better now, if I do say so myself
This latest round of rewrites will hopefully be the last (until edits for a publisher!). In the 5 years I’ve worked on this, I’ve gotten to know my characters quite well. That helps HUGELY. I can write a scenario and know how each will react – that makes rewrites so much easier.
I have the beginnings of the next novel but I’m making myself know all about each of the key players before I really get rolling on writing. I think that will lend itself to stronger writing, as well.
Blessings always – and looking forward to the critique cycle!
Posted by Tammy Doherty | March 14, 2011, 1:49 pmHi Tammy,
Thank you so much for your kind words! And I really like your advice. I think, especially as I work on more books, I’m going to really know my characters before I write or all the heroines will think and talk alike–just like me!
Can’t wait to read your rewritten MS. I love your story, Musketeer!
Sally
Posted by Sally Bayless | March 14, 2011, 2:31 pmHello Sally!
I’ve decided my first ms isn’t an ms, rather more of a workbook. I’ve revised it twice and now that it’s finished, I ask myself if I’m “mentally” ready to submit because it feels like things are moving almost too quickly for me.
Good luck with your second ms and thanks for being with us again!
Jen
Posted by jennifer tanner | March 14, 2011, 6:34 pmHi Jen,
I often refer to my first MS as “the training exercise.” I wish it was good enough to even consider submitting. LOL!
Hope your writing goes great!
Sally
Posted by Sally Bayless | March 14, 2011, 6:58 pmThanks to everyone who stopped by and to the folks at RU for having me back. The one piece of advice I got more than once today is definitely the most important, I think. “Never give up.” Good for writing and life in general.
All the best,
Sally
Posted by Sally Bayless | March 14, 2011, 7:01 pmHi Sally! Thanks for sharing. I totally relate to your journey, except mine has been much longer and we’re pretty much in the same place. I’ve lost count of how many stories I started. I know I finished two, and I haven’t given up on them yet although I’m not actively working them either.
Right now, my focus is extricating myself from the book reviewing business so I can spend less time reading and more time writing. I plan to be querying by this time next year.
Posted by PatriciaW | March 15, 2011, 11:32 amSorry to be late in replying, Patricia. Thanks for stopping by. Best of luck with your writing. Hope we both can go Pro soon!
Sally
Posted by Sally Bayless | March 17, 2011, 10:41 am