The journey of a reluctant author by Dru Ann Love
So, what happens when you collaborate with your friend and your short story is published?
You become a first-time published author and you enjoy the accolades from readers, friends, and fans.
Then our short story is nominated not once, not twice, but three times for a variety of upcoming awards.
- First, our short story won the Agatha Award at Malice Domestic convention.
- Then it won the Anthony Award at Bouchercon convention.
- Lastly, it won the Macavity Award given by Mystery Readers International.
Now I am a first-time-published award-winning author.
So, what is supposed to happen? I get queries as to when will I write the next short story? Again, reluctant author here.
But I did write a flash fiction (short story under 1,000 words) and submitted it to three places and all three rejected the story, nicely and one even gave me critique on how to improve it.
Now what do I do? I really don’t have it in me to write a short story that is at least 5,000 words all by myself. I really didn’t have it in me to write the 500 words I wrote for my flash fiction. But I did. One never knows.
I’ll just bask in the glow of winning three awards on my first time out. And wish my co-author, Kristopher Zgorski, congratulations on on writing two new short stories for two different anthologies—one available now, and one publishing next March—and his next goal of writing a full-length novel. Yay Kristopher!!
Have you felt reluctant?
Congrats. What a thrill- and well deserved group of wins.
Oh Dru – I feel that every time I sit down to write a new manuscript! I start to panic, question my sanity, know I’ll be dragged into hours of the black hole of time (it takes me 1000 hours for a novel) You are definitely one of us! What I love about writing short stories is, you can do it when you want to. You don’t have a contract deadline staring you in the face. I sure hope you do keep writing – if you’re winning awards, you’re doing something special.
Dru, I have no doubt that at some point in the future when you least expect it, you’ll have a story pop into your head, and you’ll sit down to write it. Then you’ll send it off, and someone will love it enough to publish it.
I just wanted to express my gratitude for the valuable insights you provide through your blog. Your expertise shines through in every word, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from you.
Dru, inspiration ebbs and flows. When the stars align, you’ll get an idea that inspires you, and you’ll have an itch to start working on it. In the meantime, keep going.
I’m always a reluctant author. Am I doing it right? Do I need to know more to write? If I just take one more class, or maybe get an MFA…
You’re published. You’re award winning. You’ve collaborated. You’ve had the sting of rejection. I think you’re well on your way. Welcome to the author world, Dru.
Dru,
I’m not at all reluctant to congratulate you! Just a warning: the writing bug is a hard one to shake:-)
Sometimes the things we are dragged into, kicking and screaming, are the ones that mean the most in our lives. Congratulations on your debut story and all the awards it’s receiving, which are, no doubt, well-deserved. I’m looking forward to whatever you do next!
Dru, you’re amazing. You have two loves. Reading and writing, and a generous spirit besides. I was going to say what Lois said. Some have one book in them, some want to make it a career. Don’t be surprised if an idea hits you out of the blue. Here’s a suggestion. Carry a notebook. Hank Phillippi Ryan got an idea in a restaurant and had to jot her idea on a napkin! Whatever you do, be very proud that your short story received such well-deserved accolades.
Dru Ann, I feel you.
As a teenager, I fell in love with horses and show jumping. At my very first horseshow, I won FIRST PLACE! I was an unbeatable rockstar, right? Not so much for the next few years. Honestly, it’s hard to do so magnificently on your first time out. I still remind myself that I DID deserve that first place ribbon that day but that there were also many factors I’d not been aware of involved–mostly that I was the kind of confident that comes with not knowing how hard the challenge really is–you know, beginner mind–just do it the way you’ve always done it when nobody but your coach was watching.
Unfortunately, once I wanted to win, it became much more difficult. I’d stepped out of myself; the critic appeared on my shoulder and hasn’t really left since. I suppose it may just be what happens when we grow up.
But after all this, I can say I figured something out down into my bones: write (or ride, in my teenage case) if you love it. Push yourself outside of your comfort zone if you feel yourself growing. And bask in the moments when the pure love of what you’re doing gives you joy. Prizes and other successes…? Those are the cherries on top ( ;
thank you everyone for your kind and inspiring words.