Inspired by a real-life murder that threatened to topple the powerful Hapsburg dynasty in the 17th century, The Bloodletter's Daughter imagines how one young woman holds more power than she thought possible. Join From Left to Write on September 25 as we discuss the The Bloodletter's Daughter. As a member of www.fromlefttowrite.com , I received a copy of the book for review purposes.
Linda Lafferty’s first two sentences captured my attention—in
the Acknowledgments!
“First and foremost, my profound gratitude to my husband,
writer and editor, Andy Stone. For twenty-seven years, he suffered the
heartache of publishers’ rejections along with me.”
Twenty-seven years?
Oh, my, this is a good writer and yet she had to continue to
write for twenty-seven years before the industry recognized her. AND, the industry
has changed and is changing so much that twenty-seven years could be longer in
today’s world.
These two sentences tell me two things: My editor and
writing mentor is so on target when she keeps pounding it in to my head—keep writing,
it’s the process. And, second, I need to be open to the various layers of
publishing available today that were not available 27 years ago.
My kudos to Linda Lafferty for persevering when she knew her
heart belonged to writing. Congrats!
Keep it up Brenda! I'm looking forward to reading your memoir when it's ready!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kim, I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
DeleteHi there, Brenda!
ReplyDeleteI thought I had published a comment on your blog, but I must have done something wacky that made it not register.
What I said was that it's important to honor your editor, especially if he or she really like your writing. If you are blessed to have an editor or reader who can communicate where problems lie, it's like taking a hood off your face and you can see for the first time.
If you do the work--the rewrite--and see that it's not working, you can always go back to the original. But you may have learned valuable lessons along the way.
Writing is rewriting. I learned to settle down and enjoy the craft of writing over the 27 years (otherwise I would have given up in desperation, believe me.)
It also helps to have another project if you think you are spending too much energy on one. Some people can do this, some people wouldn't dream of it.
I am actually working on three projects right now. When I feel like I am too bogged down in one, I open another file.
Good luck with your memoir!
Thank you so much, Linda, for stopping by my blog. You are an inspiration to all writers with this attitude that you bring to the task. Good luck and I look forward to reading more of your work.
DeleteSo true! It must be tough having to face rejection though. I get a little put out when I write a post I think is great and no ones leaves any comments...lol. Not sure I could handle a publishers rejections.
ReplyDeleteYes, Alicia, blogging is the start of having your writing rejected by others. One has to develop a really thick skin to succeed in any of the arts.
DeleteIt always seems as though the best writers have those that continue to support them. Doubt I could get my husband to realize I need time to write more than a blog post. Bren I would love to read some of what you have written.
ReplyDeleteRebecca, you are so on target that writers need those around them to be supportive. I must admit, my husband has been fabulous and encouraging about my memoir.
DeleteI'm counting on www.fromlefttowrite.com using my memoir for book club day when it gets finished. For now, Rebecca, take a look at some of my longer blog posts.
And thanks for stopping by.
I read the same thing and thought of it often while reading the book. I thought the writing was terrific and couldn't believe it took so long for a publishing company to recognize it!
ReplyDeleteI agree, Lisa. And when you hear stories about the number of rejection letters now famous writers had, it makes one really question the publishing industry!
DeleteI'm stopping by your blog again, Brenda, because it intrigued me.
ReplyDeleteYes, the publishing industry is changing so quickly, no one can define it!
I have hundreds of rejections--yes, hundreds. But it took only one special editor who saw my work at Penguin (couldn't get it approved in editorial meetings)to fall in love with it. She never forgot the book and when she went to Amazon, she contacted my agent and asked if the book was still available.
And...my agent, being the spectacular representative of my work that she is, said, "yes, in fact she has three books available!"
Amazon swooped in and bought them, saving my writing from Oblivion.
I wish you the best with your writing and publishing. Don't forget to enjoy the journey of writing day by day.
Thank you so much for stopping by again, Linda! I can't imagine dealing with HUNDREDS of rejections. I know there are many successful authors who have experienced the same. I hope I'm as courageous.
DeleteMy editor/mentor says the same thing about "enjoying the process." I will remind myself of this daily.
Best of luck and I can't wait to read your other books!
A writer without perseverance won't be a writer for long.
ReplyDeleteYou are so so right, Peggy!
Delete