I’ve had a few surprises lately.
1.) By some odd and random twist of fate, while surfing today I discovered the name of a romance novel I remember from my childhood. Yes, my childhood. I started reading romances at the tender age of 12, which is when I decided that writing romances was the career I wanted. This particular story stayed with me to the point where I can tell you scenes from the book, at least a dozen of them, and it’s been almost 20 years since I read it. I’ve been anxious to get my hands on it again. I thought about writing to RT’s Book Sleuth column, but I couldn’t remember how old the book was. Turns out it was released in 1982. I found a “very good” copy of it on Amazon and ordered it.
The author of the book, Diane Dunaway, wrote this book, Desert Hostage (and let me tell you, the title of that website had me ROFL!), and one other. I often wonder at authors who write one or two or a few great books and then disappear from the world of publishing. Was one or two books all they had in them?
In the last 12 months I’ve begun thirteen ms and completed 8 of them, but to be honest, in the last 3 months of editing hell, I’ve had one new idea. One. 
Which leaves me wondering… do authors have a set number of books in them?
2.) The 2nd place historical winner of the Golden Opportunity contacted me by e-mail sometime ago, which was a lovely surprise. Even lovelier was her wonderfully generous comments about my entry. We’ve managed to keep in touch and today she sent me the first chapter of her GO entry. I have to tell you, it didn’t take more than the first page or two of her medieval to blow me away.
Which left me wondering some more… (And I really have to stop doing that. 
) Did my ms win because of the formula of it? Dashing, secret-agent rake meets determined-to-never-marry-again widow who is in danger. I can say it’s not a Regency, it’s a Georgian, but other than that… *shrug* Sounds familiar doesn’t it? Is the publishing world really focused on buying more of the same? And did that tip the scales in my favor? Her story is so good, I’m scratching my head as to how it didn’t win. 
3.) An old friend from high school tracked me down today through Classmates.com. That was definitely a surprise. 
As writers its’ so easy to forget that writing is a business. I don’t wonder if that’s what happens to some writers–they can’t hack the business end. Something I’ve been thinking a lot about.
I agree with Jordan.
While I never used to stress about IF I would ever get pubbed ( I was very lucky to sell my short stories right away) , having them pubbed, and a couple of editors that I know like my work, doesn’t keep me from wondering if I’m good enough to make it all into the career I want. You, Sylvia know this, you here me whine occasionally.
And once I have that career, I’m sure there will be more to stress about. It’s the nature of the beast for any creative types, to wonder and worry and be full of self doubt at times, while at others, we fly high, full of confidence and determination.
Sasha, stepping off her soapbox.:oops:
The sad thing is it NEVER stops. It doesn’t matter if tomorrow your phone is ringing off the hook with publishers begging you for your next book. I actually ‘feel’ MORE insecure now that I have books getting read to be released than I did prior to receiving the call.
I never understood those NYT Bestseller authors who said they stressed over every book, until now. Even if the pressure is self-imposed, it’s still there. I used to worry about being good enough to sell to one of the major publishers. Now, I worry about if I’ll be good enough to stay and build a career. I think that’s why so many authors only write a few books and then leave (Although many are discarded after their initial book deal and can’t seem to get another one.). They can’t handle the pressure of the business. Goodness knows my rose-colored glasses have been ripped from my head and I’m wandering around like one of the Three Blind Mice trying to find my way home.:sad:
Sylvia, I’ve had those wondering moments too. But mine tend to be, Am I good enough to be published? Will I ever be good enough? And when I read something that blows my mind, I wonder even more.
Oh, The Writer’s Journey . . . I think I need to reread that.
Hey, as the writer of that 2nd placing GO entry, I have to insist you won because your writing is terrific! I always know when I quickly get lost in the story and forget to do that horrible mental edit I usually can’t seem to stop, that the writing is outstanding. Your excepts do that for me. All I think about after reading your stuff is ‘definitely gotta buy that book when it comes out’.
All stories are formulaic to some degree, if you believe the Writer’s Journey. It’s how you write it that matters; it’s how the story draws you in and makes you care about the characters. But don’t take my word for it - I think the readers of the Lori Foster contest told you best.
How many times have we all said/heard it. Contests…and publishing isn’t all about who is best. Or even what story is best. Luck, and timeing, have something to do with it all. Now, That said, don’t be so hard on your own ms, or writing talent. I’m sure the other ms is great…(why am I sure? because you said it is, and I know you well enough to trust your opinion) but, yours is great too!! I know this, I’ve read it!.