A letter writer longs to see his novels published, but recognizes that it’s probably never going to happen.

Don’t give up, says our elder.

Dear EWC

I write novels as a hobby, and after a decade of hoping, I’ve finally accepted that none will ever be commercially published. I self-publish, but I always wanted to see them go commercial so they could reach more people, and blogs on the Internet don’t cut it. I wanted commercially published novels. However, ten years of rejection and recently researched statistics make me realize how unrealistic it was ever to have believed in this possibility. Okay. We all want things we can’t have. Most days, I don’t even think about it, but every now and then, there’s a day when I miss having the belief that my turn would finally come someday, and knowing it was never meant to be is like an anvil in my soul, a crushing weight that brings tears from my soul to my eyes. I have to stop. I’m an adult. We all have disappointments and dreams that cannot be. We have to grow spines and deal with an unfair world. But if I knew how to stop wanting commercial publication altogether, I’d feel ever so much better. Do you have any advice for losing this desire?

Hedwig replies

Many published authors faced years and years of rejections — follow this link and read about 17 Famous Authors and Their Rejections.

I am going to start by advising that you do not give up hope. I do not know what road you have taken, but have you ever enrolled in writing classes — either in college or in an adult education program. Have you ever attended a writer’s conference or had your work critiqued by an expert? Have you read books and articles with suggestions for authors? Have you any idea of why your works have not been accepted? Have you ever re-written anything where suggestions for rewrites have been given?

Try to improve your work! That is the road I suggest that you take. Get some expert advice and try, try again…

Best of luck!

Letter #: 427534
Category: Self-Improvement