Guest Post: Jodi Meadows on a Lesson Learned
Once upon a time, I was querying agents and getting nowhere. Lucky for me, I came across this amazing person, who had a reputation for helping writers. I completely threw myself at her mercy, and she helped. In a big way. Jodi Meadows’ willingness to give back to the writing community and her huge heart made a difference in my life. And when you read this guest post, she will have the same impact on you. Warning: I teared up. Thanks for participating, Jodi! Don’t forget to enter my contest for a blog makeover.
Jodi’s book, ERIN INCARNATE – the first of THE NEWSOUL TRILOGY, will be published by Harper Collins/Katherine Tegen Books.
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When Cory asked me to write a guest blog about my greatest writing lesson in the last year, I panicked. I was honored, but panicked. When was I supposed to write this? I already have enough trouble writing posts for my own blog. I actually opened iCal for the first time since I got this computer (2+ years ago) and decided I’d have to schedule things from now on.
Fortunately, this post will not be about time management. Because that’s boring, and apparently what I will spend the next year learning.
No, this post is going to be about quitting, and why you should not.
A year ago, I wanted to quit. I was fed up with my lack of success, even though I was following all the standard advice: write, revise, revise, revise, query, write another novel, repeat until desired consistency of success is reached.
I even had a job as an agent’s assistant. I read slush until my eyes bled, wrote revision notes for manuscripts I thought my boss might like, and absorbed every ounce of information I could get my hands on. My job enabled me to meet lots of writers I might not have otherwise; I made a ton of new friends.
But I was unhappy.
I watched friends reach goals of finding agents and editors. I’d critiqued many of them, or read them for my job and watched agents fight over their manuscripts. It was exciting! I was happy for their success, even pleased that I’d spotted their talent before anyone else, or managed to say something that inspired an agent-nabbing revision.
I wasn’t jealous of them. More, I felt like it would never be my turn. I felt like no matter how much I learned, no matter how many times I followed the advice to “write another manuscript,” it would never happen to me. It didn’t matter how hard I worked.
You see, I’d been trying a long time. I’d queried a lot of agents. I had one for a while, but it turned out we worked better as friends, rather than agent/author. In a fit of maturity I wasn’t sure I was brave enough for, we parted ways and I began my search for new representation. How hard could it be? I’d already had one. Surely finding another wouldn’t be difficult. (Hah. I know. So much for that fit of maturity.)
Last summer was about a year and a half since I’d begun my new search. I was all out of hope. It wasn’t because people told me I was a bad writer. On the contrary! I had oodles of requests, lots of folks saying they loved my writing or stories, and a lot of them seemed to like me, too. But a no is still a no, and sometimes, the nicest no-s hurt the worst.
I also began growing this feeling of caring what other people thought. That Jodi. Writes a lot. Queries a lot. Can’t get an agent. Hey, she works for an agent and can’t even get one. She must be really bad.
So there I was. Ready to quit. If it wasn’t going to be my turn — ever — why should I bother?
Okay, that’s a little dramatic. I knew I couldn’t quit writing. It wasn’t an option, because I loved writing. But I was ready to write only for myself. Forget the whole publication thing. Who cares, anyway? (Hah. I know. Protesting too much. I totally cared.)
I managed…for a little while. Then I began working on an old idea, one I hadn’t had the guts to write three years before when I first thought of it. But hey, if I wasn’t worrying about that whole publication thing anymore, why not write it now?
So I had fun with the story. I also quit my slushy job, as much as I enjoyed it, because I just wanted to write. And I did write. I worked for hours at a time — who needs food anyway? — and chatted endlessly with friends about all the great ideas I had for my latest story. They seemed excited. I was excited. Several said things like, “Jodi, this is the one,” and I said, in my head where they couldn’t hear me, “Yeah right.” Sometimes, even encouragement is hard to take.
Of course, when I had a draft I was happy with, I queried it. (Hah. I know. I’m a big ol’ liar. I totally did not quit.) (For those of you who care about the timeline, this is around January.)
In February, an agent offered representation. Then another offered, too.
Suddenly I didn’t feel so pathetic. The “I love your book” phrases didn’t have a “but” after them.
At the end of June, my agent said something like, “Multiple editors love your book. Get ready for July 1. Your book is going to auction.”
From there– Well, I’m still here. It’s been a year since I didn’t actually quit. New manuscript. New agent. New editor. If I had quit — really quit — I wouldn’t be here.
So it’s not a writing lesson like POV or grammar. It’s a keep-going lesson. A don’t-give-up lesson. I don’t think anyone wants to be the person who could have been successful, but quit. I think we all want to be the person who continued on, even when the path was uncertain. You never know what’s right around the corner.
It may be everything you hoped for.
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48 Responses to "Guest Post: Jodi Meadows on a Lesson Learned"
on July 28, 2010 | to this post
One of the things writers have to remember is not to quit. Thanks for the reminder. You deserve your success!
on July 28, 2010 | to this post
Jodi, amazing post and story. Knowing that someone like you–so talented and in the mix of the publishing world–struggled, helps me. *Sorry, mean that in a nice way.* Your fortitude and perseverance is honorable and a great example to someone like me. I especially like when you mention that you decided to write for yourself. I need to get back to that. I live in a small town and the pressure to become the next ‘Whoo-hah in Whoville is crazy. I’ve started to let it get to me and it’s zapped my desire and creative juices. Thanks for sharing your experience. It’s really helped.
on July 28, 2010 | to this post
Thank you for sharing. It helps to know that writers I respect struggle as much as everyone else, and I think prepares me more for when it’s “my” time… should I ever get there.
on July 28, 2010 | to this post
Very inspiring, Jodi. I wish every writer I know could read this.
on July 28, 2010 | to this post
Thanks, Nancy, Sheri, Kali, and Terri-Lynn.
Sheri: It *is* difficult when everyone knows you write and they’re waiting for your success. A lot of writers just refuse to tell anyone until something happens. Even well-intentioned questions like, “Have you heard back from that agent on your manuscript yet?” can get wearying.
Kali: I suspect most writers go through something like this, but don’t talk about it in public because it’s unprofessional. We’re pursuing careers that revolve around strangers falling in love with our stories; one person could make or break everything. It’s pretty intimidating, and for most people, there are more no-s than yes-es. (Some people get more yes-es. I have nothing to say about that.
on July 28, 2010 | to this post
Honestly, this is probably the best advice ever, and I think you gave it to me when you were in the midst of “quitting”. Last month when I sold to a couple of e-publishers, some people in my writing group said (paraphrased), “Of course you were going to make it. You’re too stubborn not to.”
The writers who make it are the ones who don’t give up. I’m insanely happy that you didn’t quit on all of your friends who were cheering for you the whole time
*hugs*
on July 28, 2010 | to this post
Such an awesome story. Thank you for sharing it
on July 28, 2010 | to this post
Thank you soooo much for sharing your story….and when I say that, I mean, thanks for sharing the good, the bad, and the very ugly of your story, lol. I’ve noticed lately that some authors who make it sometimes decide to creatively edit their hard roads to publication. Maybe they feel it demeans their writing if they don’t tell all the bad with the good.This is so disheartening to me. I think 90% of writers struggle, and their stories of struggle are so beneficial to other writers. I know they have been myself, and I find myself almost cheering them on more than others.
Congrats to you, and I can’t wait to read your book! And Congrats for keeping with it even when it was hard.
on July 28, 2010 | to this post
Thanks for this, Corrine and Jodi. I needed this today.
on July 28, 2010 | to this post
I love reading stories like this . . . Don’t we all feel like it will happen to everyone but me? If we don’t write for ourselves and enjoy it, I think we definitely lose something.
Good luck, Jodi!
on July 28, 2010 | to this post
It’s so funny how someone else can see what we can’t see about ourselves. I never had the least doubt you would be published. And the person who told me to look up your stuff on the OWW told me, “Check out Jodi Meadows. She’s going to be published one day.”
Seriously, you are made of awesome. I think other authors should consider following your example in more ways than one. Not just, don’t give up on yourself, but don’t give up on others. You really help and care about other people.
on July 28, 2010 | to this post
Thanks for the inspiration!
on July 28, 2010 | to this post
This post makes me feel so much better.
on July 28, 2010 | to this post
Echoing everyone else– the immediate success stories get a lot of attention, and it’s nice to see the ones that took awhile but still ended up doing just as well. Congrats, Jodi, and thanks for sharing!
on July 28, 2010 | to this post
Fantastic post, Jodi! Thanks for the pep talk!!
And thanks for hosting her, Corrine!
on July 28, 2010 | to this post
Wow, Jodie I had never really heard your story before. I loved hearing it now. BIG TIME! What a push to all of us in the trenches. Thank you!
on July 28, 2010 | to this post
Thanks Seleste, Amanda, Krista, Krista V, Janet, Tara, Emma, Christina, and Kate!
There are few true overnight success stories. I suspect people don’t want to talk about the hard times. They’re not fun to remember. Getting the book deal of your dreams doesn’t magically make everything better, but it’s certainly good for moral!
on July 28, 2010 | to this post
Thanks, write-brained!
on July 28, 2010 | to this post
Great post, Jodi! Hard work+ perseverance+ patience= success!
on July 29, 2010 | to this post
Oh, thank you! Nothing is more encouraging than hearing of others discouragement and how they overcame it!
Yay! for you, Jodi!
on July 29, 2010 | to this post
The struggles and disappointments are the universe’s way of making us really work if we really want it.
I really want it.
Thank you for sharing your journey, Jodi; it is inspiring.
on July 29, 2010 | to this post
Thank you for reading, Amanda, folksinmt, Michelle, and KM!
on July 29, 2010 | to this post
I so feel this right now, especially about the nicest no’s hurting the most. Thank you for sharing your story.
Now back to my revision.
on July 29, 2010 | to this post
Thank you. Someone in my crit. group just sent us all a link to this. I’ve watched friends get agents or book deals this past year, and felt the same way, happy for them, but also, “It’ll never be my turn.” It’s inspiring that you didn’t lose your joy and found yourself writing a book you loved in spite of past rejections. So cool that this was the book that broke through.
on July 29, 2010 | to this post
Such a great post. Congrats on all your success and I am sure it is more than well deserved. You’re honesty is touching and you’re an inspiration (plus you made me tear up!). Thanks! ALLI
on July 29, 2010 | to this post
Love your post, Jodi. I’ll print it out and file under ‘inspiring’ in my NEVER GIVE UP folder. Congratulations on your success.
best wishes from across the Pacific
Sheryl
on July 29, 2010 | to this post
Occasionally a writer who landed an agent on the first query and a book contract one week later will say, in a well-meaning way, “My advice is not to give up!” This, I must admit, drives me crazy. But “don’t give up” really means something coming from a writer who has fought the good fight, as you have.
Thank you very much for offering encouragement to us all.
on July 29, 2010 | to this post
So tremendous and inspiring. Thank you!
(PS: Someone sent me the logline of your book, from Pub Weekly, and it sounds AMAZING!!!!)
on July 29, 2010 | to this post
What a great story! I’m so happy for you. Thanks for the inspiring post!
on July 29, 2010 | to this post
Oh my god. It’s like you’re telling my story! Well, without the being an agent intern part. But I am totally in that boat right now. Always the bridesmaid, never the bride. In any case, thanks for sharing your story. It’s inspiring! And many congrats on your successes!
on July 29, 2010 | to this post
I’m tired.
No, I’m exhausted. I’m at that place. That place of not exactly quitting, but totally out of juice. I’m at the query stage, and I’m trying to get the query to be a good one, but as much of a blast as I had writing the book, I can’t get the query letter to agree with me. And as we all know, you’re pretty much screwed without a good query.
All I need is one…good…query…
on July 29, 2010 | to this post
Thanks, Vicki, Lori, Alli, Sheryl, Jamie, Kristan, bleebonn!
I’m so pleased this post is reaching so many people, and amazed!
<3 <3 <3
on July 29, 2010 | to this post
And there are more while I hit the submit comment button.
Thank you, Karly and Nicole!
Hey, Nicole, I’m doing a blog post for WriteOnCon about queries. It should be up August 10, so be ready to look for it! Hopefully it will give you some ideas.
on July 30, 2010 | to this post
What an inspirational post. Thank you so much, Jodi, for sharing.
The “I love your book” phrases didn’t have a “but” after them.
I can’t wait till I don’t have a “but” anymore.
on July 30, 2010 | to this post
Boy, did I need that. Thanks for the pep talk. Always helps to hear that others have persevered, even when thinking those dreaded “I’m gonna quit” thoughts, as I have lately, while in the very lonely finishing stages of my NIP.
on July 31, 2010 | to this post
Thanks Jodi, I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for it. I’m at the end of my rope with this thing, and I appreciate any help I can get!
on August 1, 2010 | to this post
What a fantastically inspiring story
I totally know where you’re coming from, I have been there a few times myself. Still going though, and nearly finished that new manuscript. This time! haha!!
Kurt.
on August 1, 2010 | to this post
Thank you for reading, Dorothy, Fragrant Liar, Nicole, and Authortruthteller!
on August 3, 2010 | to this post
Wow. Great post!
on August 3, 2010 | to this post
I’m going to bookmark this post and re-read it on “bad days”. Thank you for it.
on August 3, 2010 | to this post
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on August 3, 2010 | to this post
I always knew you’d make it one day. You’re one of the most determined and hardworking writers I know and I’m so happy for you.
on August 6, 2010 | to this post
thanks.
on August 6, 2010 | to this post
Thank you, Jen, Zoeiona, and Rabia!!!
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