Author: Elizabeth Spann Craig

My path to publication was fairly typical, which is to say that it was littered with near-misses and heart-wrenching rejections. So how does a writer fight through it all? Unfortunately, there is no easy answer. But I can tell you what’s worked for me.

One. Toss the rejections the moment you receive them. Note them in your submissions log, then rip them to shreds. They serve no useful purpose.

Two. Each time you receive a rejection, make another submission. Tweak your query letter, revise your manuscript, whatever you think it takes. But get your story out there again.

Three. Keep writing. Never sit around, waiting for a “yes.” Always be working on your next project. Because chances are, your next project is going to be better than your last.

Four. Treat writing as a business. The simple fact of the matter is that you have a product to sell. Whether it was made in Taiwan or created with your own blood, sweat, and tears, it’s still simply a product. If your product’s not selling, improve it or manufacture another product.

Five. Never take rejections personally. They’re going to feel personal, at least initially. But you need to develop a thick skin, especially if you do plan on being published. Because that’s when the reviews start trickling in.

Six. Never set time limits. It’s fine to have goals, but you cannot control the speed of the publishing industry, and the fact is, the publishing industry moves at glacial speed. By giving yourself two or three years to get published, you’ll be doing yourself a disservice.

Seven. Be career-oriented. Always see the big picture. Your goal shouldn’t be to publish one book but to build a career. After all, that’s what agents and publishers are looking for. With this in mind, rejection becomes somewhat useful. You don’t want to debut with anything but your best work, because bad reviews and low sales figures can kill an author’s career. And you don’t want to have to start the entire process all over again, under a different name.

Eight. Never take yourself too seriously. This advice goes for both aspiring writers as well as established writers.

Nine. Patience, persistence, resilience. These may sound trite, but they really are the keys to getting published.

Ten. Improve your writing. You should never stop learning, never quit honing your craft, whether you’re a debut novelist published by a small, independent press, or a New York Times Bestseller. Don’t be embarrassed to pick up books on writing – none of us know everything. And as for what we do know, we can always use a refresher.

If none of the above work, grab a drink and kick back with a good mystery. Might I recommend my debut novel ONE MAN’S PARADISE, or my latest release NIGHT ON FIRE. Until next time, happy writing.

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Thanks so much for posting today, Douglas! Douglas writes the Kevin Corvelli mysteries for St. Martin’s Minotaur. His 2nd novel in the series, Night on Fire, released April 26. He’s on Twitter: @douglascorleone.

A trailer for NIGHT ON FIRE can be found on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gs9K1tlPFGw

I’ve mentioned before that I have a tough time keeping my teenage son in books. He reads quickly, he’s always reading, and he’s a picky reader. It’s tough.

One of his favorite series is the Ranger’s Apprentice series. He reads all the books in John Flanagan’s series over and over again.

Finally, on April 19th, there was a new release in the series. I’d pre-ordered the book and got it as soon as it was available. Unfortunately, as I was ordering it, I saw that the book (book 10 in the series) marked the end of the series. The author was embarking on a new series, which is to launch in the fall.

Apparently, I shouldn’t have told my son that he was reading the final book in the series. He kept saying, “Mom, all I keep thinking about is that this is the last book! Why would he do that? Aren’t the books selling?” (He’s pretty aware of the importance of sales, with a mom in the biz.)

The series is a New York Times bestselling series…poor sales isn’t the reason. I’m sure that Penguin/Philomel would probably be delighted to publish as many books in the series as John Flanagan wanted to write.

I tried to locate an online interview with Flanagan to hear his reason for ending the series, but couldn’t find one. I decided to placate my son by telling him the reasons that I could imagine that an author would want to end a popular series (most times the publisher wants to end a series, not the writer). To my son, it was like he’d lost his fictional friends.

I don’t know why John Flanagan ended his series, but I can imagine reasons that authors decide to call it quits:

The characters have all been completely explored and there’s not much more room for growth.

The author wants to finish the series while it’s still popular.

Possible storylines during brainstorming sessions don’t seem as sound or interesting as previous ones (quality control).

Lack of inspiration or new direction.

Wanting a new challenge, new setting, and new characters to explore (boredom…or just an exciting new idea that won’t let go.)

What are your thoughts on when series should end? If you’re writing a series, what would make you end a series and start a different project?
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Sign up for the free Writer’s Knowledge Base newsletter and be automatically entered in a June drawing to receive K.M. Weiland’s CD (or MP3) Conquering Writer’s Block and Summoning Inspiration CD. (Current subscribers will also be entered.) The newsletters include top writing articles, blogger spotlights, and interviews with industry insiders. Sign up here: http://hiveword.com/wkb/newsletter. (You can unsubscribe at any time, and your email address is never shared.)

Below are writing links that I’ve posted to Twitter in the last week.

The Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine designed by software engineer and writer Mike Fleming, makes all these links searchable—try it for searches on POV, writing description, making smooth transitions, and more.

Anyone signing up for the Writer’s Knowledge Base newsletter this month (and current subscribers) will be automatically entered in a June drawing to receive K.M. Weiland’s CD (or MP3) Conquering Writer’s Block and Summoning Inspiration CD

The WKB newsletter always includes top writing articles, blogger spotlights, and interviews with industry insiders? Sign up for the free WKB newsletter here: http://hiveword.com/wkb/newsletter. (You can unsubscribe at any time, and your email information is never shared.)

Don’t Call Me Ishmael—Name that Character: http://bit.ly/ikabm7

How to Edit with Efficiency: http://bit.ly/ihieo6

Need tips for plotting? http://bit.ly/fiTDIR

Putting Your Schedule on a Diet: http://bit.ly/kIFeRe

How to Become a More Self-Disciplined Writer: http://bit.ly/lMDfY7

6 Ways to Add Vibrant Partnerships to your Author Platform: http://bit.ly/lSDINw

The 5 Stages of Writing a Book: http://bit.ly/kOX51u

How to speak publisher – B is for Book: http://bit.ly/j4W6xa

The Truth About Blogging: http://bit.ly/lccK95

The Rejection Numbers of 14 Famous Writers: http://bit.ly/iuqOCk @LauraMarcella

A writer reflects on her ebook experiment & why it wasn’t as successful as she’d hoped: http://bit.ly/jAzcf1 @camillelaguire

Bruce Coville’s Eight Tips for Fantasy Writers: http://bit.ly/lhmNbp

The “Villain” Spectrum: Creating a Layered Antagonist: http://bit.ly/jQ3FrC

Published more than one book? Expectations your readers may have: http://bit.ly/jzSRju

Myst. Lov. Kitchen: An easy breezy brunch for any weather! http://bit.ly/mwJoGB @CleoCoyle

Getting to Know You: http://bit.ly/lFFv9H

The Ever-Popular I Suck Playlist: http://bit.ly/lfygQ9

Facebook groups for screenwriters: http://bit.ly/ioRcsK @galleycat

3 Tips to a Successful Audio Interview: http://bit.ly/lTuOzZ

Creativity Tweets of the Week — 4/29/11: http://bit.ly/jHunaq

3 Tips for Capturing the Teen Voice: http://bit.ly/l0y1ma

How to make your story unputdownable: http://bit.ly/kxC97x

Sign up for the monthly WKB newsletter for the web’s best writing links and interviews: http://bit.ly/gx7hg1

Visual Tools for Writers: http://bit.ly/m7Nj1z

Best Articles This Week for Writers 4/29/11: http://bit.ly/jB1lSF @4kidlit

Keep your query short: http://bit.ly/jh4MYU

Every scene needs at least 3 reasons for being there: http://bit.ly/kPVMuo

Character Development 101 for crime fiction writers: http://bit.ly/kZKme3

Write Fast: http://bit.ly/mC6sxG

Too distracted to write? The internet isn’t to blame–you are (PW): http://bit.ly/ljMMId

7 Formats for Winning Blog Posts: http://bit.ly/lZY98U

Real Life Diagnostic: Am I Showing or Telling? http://bit.ly/l8rWx8

Using Your To-Do List as a 2nd Brain: http://bit.ly/k5PCbi

Avoid 10 Common Screenwriting Mistakes: http://bit.ly/kQbgwt @galleycat

One Never Knows, Does One? http://bit.ly/jf8C3y

Poems for a wedding (Guardian): http://bit.ly/eKIh5f

Myst. Lov. Kitchen: Step Away from the Microwave! http://bit.ly/je9ZfD @CleoCoyle

Do You Have a Muse? http://bit.ly/jphalA

Writing When You Don’t Have Time: http://bit.ly/l7luqx

Beware the Adjective Trap: http://bit.ly/lOKYct

6 Common Slip-Ups that Make Your Blog Look Bad: http://bit.ly/lCWFDX

5 Ways to Tell if It’s The ONE: http://bit.ly/iv8LDU

5 Articles on the Differences Between Middle Grade and Young Adult: http://bit.ly/k07Kj6

Everyone Wants to “Help” Writers. But Whose Help Do You Really Need? http://bit.ly/jWBFyW

Query: Things you can leave out of your first paragraph: http://bit.ly/iBPk7T

The EASY Way to Do Facebook In 15 Minutes a Day: http://bit.ly/iW1KCg

Strengthening Dialogue: http://bit.ly/l8sRYq

How to Write Thousands of Words Every Single Week: http://bit.ly/iKsZFq

Pros and cons and dos and don’ts for the BEA: http://bit.ly/m9Ljdv

Cousin Its: http://bit.ly/k3UrzI

A writing thesaurus (new entries for weather): http://bit.ly/kYqv9y

The Interminable Agency Clause: http://bit.ly/iBv3Fo

How do you know if you should write a sequel? http://bit.ly/lzuepD

How Deadlines Can Help Your Writing: http://bit.ly/iP0CJ6

Magical Words, Windows, and Doors: http://bit.ly/j7zPc2

Do You Need Two Spaces After a Period? http://bit.ly/jW1jNt

Truth in Blurbing: http://bit.ly/iTt9x8 @mkinberg

Pacing tips: http://bit.ly/fsnZDM

Myst. Lov. Kitchen: SAY CHEESE, AGAIN…in one week http://bit.ly/jgcJjv @CleoCoyle

Build a platform by being a blogger booster: http://bit.ly/kX7MBj

20 Classic Novels You Can Read in One Sitting: http://bit.ly/ib6QWt

A writer I am: http://bit.ly/eR14S3

Time Period Settings: http://bit.ly/kQF0PA

Keyboard Shortcuts and Other Amazing Productivity Tips: http://bit.ly/l75dGS @jhansenwrites

Editorial chat on revision: http://bit.ly/iJR5Si

A New Way to Find Critique Partners: http://bit.ly/lb3uiO

Unless it moves the heart: http://bit.ly/lO0754 @lauradroege

8 Things To Keep In Mind When Naming Characters: http://bit.ly/lV6Mhf

Want this month’s most popular writing articles? Sign up for the monthly WKB newsletter for links & interviews: http://bit.ly/gx7hg1

How to Book a Reading: http://bit.ly/jPMPUs

5 Common Writing Problems and How to Fix Them: http://bit.ly/gsNYRy @thecreativepenn

6 keys to making your reader believe in everything you say: http://bit.ly/k4oB2v @nicolamorgan

How to Regain Control of Your Schedule: http://bit.ly/dN6kZn

3 Rude Thoughts For Aspiring Writers Of Speculative Fiction: http://bit.ly/hS00IS

5 Book Interior Page Layout Mistakes to Avoid: http://bit.ly/gqz6R4

Art for art’s sake? http://bit.ly/jVqwhA @agent139

The ellipsis: http://bit.ly/gEq7rA

Flirtation, mean jokes, and some observations on humor: http://bit.ly/eHwB8L

One, Two Three, Notice Me: The Rule of Three: http://bit.ly/gseJUd

What were this month’s most popular writing articles? Sign up for the monthly WKB newsletter for links & interviews: http://bit.ly/gx7hg1

Marketing 101: Loving & Taking Care of Our Readers: http://bit.ly/heATre

Spring cleaning from page 1: http://bit.ly/eNj3HH

Fiction vs. Nonfiction E-Book Pricing in the Kindle Store: http://bit.ly/gC1PDV

Move through the creative gap: http://bit.ly/hmcmNM

Choosing Our Path–Genre Matters: http://bit.ly/eQGlph

I’m Not an Expert, But I Play One On the Internet: http://bit.ly/hPp8BT

Myst. Lov. Kitchen: Got Leftover Ham? Ham Casserole! http://bit.ly/i9oeXK @CleoCoyle

How Twitter Can Make You A Better Copywriter: http://bit.ly/hFYzoo

“To Be,” or Not “To Be” Verbs? http://bit.ly/e2kszP

Coping with False Starts: http://bit.ly/ikhPKx

Suspense. Where does it start? http://bit.ly/fOAfqo

Cut words? Or add words? http://bit.ly/hwS0I2

The Department of Redundancy Department: http://tinyurl.com/6fftjza via @DWDavisRSL

Softening a main character: http://bit.ly/fvBvNp

On Agency Agreements: http://bit.ly/hBtJfx

Avoid The Obvious In a Query: http://bit.ly/ecan5h

Back to Basics: Submitting Our Work: http://bit.ly/ess67t

The query quandary: http://bit.ly/fl61Ze

Is your book’s setting ho-hum? http://bit.ly/gByyLa

Put Your Flabby Writing On A Diet: http://bit.ly/ha4QVf

The 3 Basic Aspects of Showing-Not-Telling: http://bit.ly/hqjUgv @victoriamixon

Why You Got Rejected: http://bit.ly/euHGf0

Writing from Your Character’s Point of View: 5 Guidelines: http://bit.ly/fVESvI

Publishing myths that both writers and publishers cling to: http://bit.ly/e2lup2 @agent139

Use Archetypes to Create Literary Characters: http://bit.ly/dJLZdJ

Design Characters using Mind Maps: http://bit.ly/dNNGHG

“10 Reasons I Can’t Write Right Now:” http://bit.ly/eD1Rki @elspethwrites

Author Blogs – Use Categories to Organize Your Posts: http://bit.ly/fVg5TD

On apostrophes: http://bit.ly/eT08is

Strategies for Adapting Your Novel to a Screenplay: http://bit.ly/f4blzj

Writers do more than write: http://bit.ly/dGVItH

On women, writing, and time: http://bit.ly/dT2dt8

Myst. Lov. Kitchen: Easter Egg Salad and More Tasty Ideas for Your Holiday Leftovers from Cleo Coyle http://bit.ly/dJ2rvS @CleoCoyle

Don’t let this happen to you! 1)Procrastination, 2) writing binge, 3) axe murder: http://bit.ly/efraVM

5 Ways to Publish a Book for iPad, iPhone, and iPod: http://bit.ly/dXpv0A

Why writers must embrace social media, no matter their genre (Guardian-Edinburgh) http://bit.ly/hYPR7U

Marketing for Writers: 8 Weeks to Social Marketing Domination: http://bit.ly/e1frFL

The craft essay on why you shouldn’t trust craft essays: http://bit.ly/i9Vqkf

Head-hopping headaches: http://bit.ly/el50pK

Best Tweets for Writers (week ending 4/22/11): http://bit.ly/fDaqJ3

What Bloggers Need to Know About Trademark Law: http://bit.ly/gtAb1y

Writer’s Block—Real or Imaginary? http://bit.ly/eqyOf9

Why Joanna @thecreativepenn supports the 99 cent price point for e-books: http://bit.ly/hhjn0B

How to make your most ordinary scene interesting: http://bit.ly/gUGV0j

Researching for Your Novel: http://bit.ly/gakpy4

Search my tweets– http://dld.bz/KPgS

“I’m a Poet. Yes, That’s a Real Job.” (Wall St. Journal): http://on.wsj.com/heDzVt

5 Crippling Beliefs That Keep Writers Penniless and Mired in Mediocrity: http://bit.ly/etZljn

Key Story Elements – Inciting Incident: http://bit.ly/gyWOE9

Reasons for writers to carry business cards (especially at conferences): http://bit.ly/gl8QXw

What Is a 50-Page Edit… and Why Will It Rock Your Story? http://bit.ly/hfrZjg

How to be a good editor: http://bit.ly/gwTKpR

Spring cleaning (and organization) for your social networks: http://bit.ly/g3EFXl

The Tricky Territory of Publishing Blogs: http://bit.ly/hCUoRf

Resources for writers–Literary Marketplace: http://bit.ly/efGhHJ @spunkonastick

How hard is it to sell a short spec script? http://bit.ly/fWNnyW

Time management tips: http://bit.ly/h46anr @authorterryo

3 Reasons Why Failure is the Key to Success: http://bit.ly/gzV35d

6 Signs You’re Not Ready To Make A Living As A Professional Writer: http://bit.ly/i8BIhL

10 Parody Novels That Get the Last Laugh: http://bit.ly/gzoucg

Myst. Lov. Kitchen: Gambas al Ajillo with Pasta http://bit.ly/f4OOG7 @CleoCoyle

9 Reasons Successful Freelancers Abroad Get a Real Job First: http://bit.ly/gpDG3L

Building believable relationships in romantic fiction: http://bit.ly/dYhgTv @gone_writing

How Your RSS Feed Can Save Your Blog: http://bit.ly/gRGW9n

3 Ways to Market Your Book to iPhone Users: http://bit.ly/exXqBi

Revising a Series: http://bit.ly/eHs8Yc

Can Twitter Really Help You Sell Books? http://bit.ly/h7sMeR

How to format your comic book script: http://bit.ly/eji9UP

Time Management for Writers–Getting More Done in Less Time: http://bit.ly/eJNVqy

The varying degrees of theme: http://bit.ly/dJM1v4

51 Reasons Why You Are A Creative: http://bit.ly/i4lPRL

10 Ways Authors Sabotage Themselves: http://bit.ly/dUYdWO

Top 20 Facebook Apps for Book Lovers: http://bit.ly/gueH9Z

Top 10 Ways to Get Your Creative Juices Flowing: http://lifehac.kr/f0XyZF

Writers–in your contract, you promise you’re not lying or plagiarizing: http://bit.ly/gQ7PqK #amrwiting @literaticat

What were this month’s most popular writing articles? Sign up for the monthly WKB newsletter for links & interviews: http://bit.ly/gx7hg1

Seeking Representation through Roundabout Routes: http://bit.ly/g5aAGQ

The Comfort of Bad Reviews (That Aren’t Yours): http://bit.ly/hz4twi

Research — Looking at Other Art Forms: http://bit.ly/dJbSg5

A well-rounded manuscript–characters and plot: http://bit.ly/g3hEmM

Why writing is like baseball: http://bit.ly/hqIDNu

5 fundamental practices that keep you from writer’s block while you’re writing a book: http://bit.ly/hujMLL

5 Essentials For a Story Starter: http://bit.ly/eU1JcV

Living in deep head space: http://bit.ly/ifgDqr

6 Tips to Writing a Killer Author Bio: http://bit.ly/g6wCSD

3 Ways to Add Meaningful Structure to Your Writing Life: http://bit.ly/h0Dg4j

How brevity can crush your copy: http://bit.ly/fNtpWq

Best Articles This Week for Writers 4/22/11: http://bit.ly/hR7gF6 @4kidlit

Why Ask Why? Because Your Readers Will: http://bit.ly/eZPnKt

Creativity Tweets of the Week — 4/22/11: http://bit.ly/fsWkOO @on_creativity

5 things 1 writer has learned from recent writing conferences: http://bit.ly/i6KhHK

There are times when I get a sense from writers of huge progress being made on manuscripts. NaNoWriMo (in November) is one of those times.

Then there are times when I hear writers are struggling (holidays, summer travel time.)

Honestly, there’s just never a good time to write a book. Life is busy, writing involves quiet reflection…it can be hard to fit that time in.

But since there is no good time to write a book, you might as well write yours now. :)

Jane Friedman had a great post last week on Writer Unboxed on adding structure to your writing life.

I especially like Jane’s advice about making a weekly and daily goal. She has a link for a free download for a goal sheet. One thing I like about the goal sheet is that it acknowledges that there are impediments to reaching that goal and makes you list them so you recognize them in advance.

I also completely agree with Jane’s advice on naming specific tasks to accomplish. For me, the more specific I can be, the quicker I can make my goal. Instead of listing “finish next scene,” I’ll say: “have sleuth question witness, write setting description for the local park, make sure motivation for sleuth’s actions is clear,” etc.

The only thing that I might change a little is that instead of 30-60 weekly, dedicated minutes (which admittedly might work for many), I’d say 5-10 minutes a day, whenever they can be snagged, for those who just can’t find that 30-60 free minutes in their weeks currently. To write only 5 minutes a day, you do need to be slightly more organized and know what you’re planning on knocking out that day (don’t spend your five minutes rereading what you wrote the day before.) At least you’re making daily progress.

How do you stay on task during busy times?

Right now I’m using two tools to keep my calendar organized. I really had to do something new because I suddenly had a ton of stuff going on—book club meetings, a library talk, guests on my blog, my guest posts on others’ blogs…plus the usual dental appointments, the children’s events, family/friend birthdays, etc. I was waking up at night worrying that something was going to fall through the cracks.

What’s really working for me right now is using 2 different methods—the old-fashioned wall calendar method plus Google Calendar.

The reason Google Calendar is working so well for me is because I have a smart phone that syncs to that calendar. So I have the calendar with me at all times. I have to admit that it’s really nice. When someone asks me if I’m free to do something on a particular day, I don’t have to say, “Can I check my calendar and call you back?” It’s just so nice to open the calendar on my phone and check the date and save myself a phone call (I’m no fan of talking on the phone anyway.)

Another really, really nice thing about using Google Calendar (particularly if you can sync it to your phone) is that I can copy/paste from different emails right into the calendar.

For example, say I’ve got an email for an event of some kind (writing-related or personal). The email might list things that to bring with me to the event, might give directions to the venue, might have the time the event starts and stops. I just select all, copy, and paste it to the corresponding date on the Google Calendar. Then I’ve got it right there, easily accessible on both my laptop and my phone.

Or it might be an interview request. Lately I had a couple of different blog interviews. The questions were in the body of the email. I pasted the email into the date on my calendar that I needed to turn it in…and set reminders for earlier. Several times when I was out and I had dead time waiting for something, I took out my phone, read the questions, and jotted down answers to email later on my always-handy notebook.

You can also share your calendar out with someone else. Not that that other person might read the calendar like intended. :) But it is nice to know that, if somehow I went missing (I’m a murder mystery writer, so these thoughts are always in the back of my head), that my calendar could be accessed to see where I was supposed to be.

My wall calendar is really needed, too—it’s best for spotting potential conflicts on the calendar. Sometimes I just have to see it all laid out on paper. My wall calendar is posted on my garage door where I have to see it when I go in and out of the house.

What are you using to stay organized? Do you use Google Calendar or something else?