Tag: Fear

When Your Next Manuscript Doesn’t ‘Land’ with Your Agent

Ron Delaney Jr1 Comment

Writers hoping to be traditionally published have several goals, not the least of which is partnering with a literary agent. That happens when they query someone who both loves the book and believes they can sell it. Whether it sells or not, typically the writer will work with that agent for their follow ups.

That brings us to this post’s topic: What happens when your next books doesn’t ‘land’ (ie: resonate, hit) with your agent? That might happen for a number of reasons. Here’s one.

How It Happened to Me

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Friday Morning FYI – 8/26/2016

Ron Delaney JrLeave a comment

Welcome to your Friday Morning FYI (hey-look-I’m-only-a-day-late edition) – my chance to share observations/wisdom/rants in short, easily consumed form.

Have you ever had one of those 48-hour periods where you keep having the same conversation with different people? In the last couple of days, I’ve talked about doing what’s right for yourself with no less than 3 people, each raising the subject themselves. I can’t ignore a sign from the universe like that, so that topic is this week’s FYI:

There are going to be times when you face the choice between doing what you believe to be right for you and what other people are saying. This could be something as simple as getting a tattoo or something as life-impacting as changing careers. While ignoring everyone else’s advice is not something you should do flat out, ultimately you succeed and fail on your own. You’re the one who knows whether or not you’ll put in the time, you’re the one who knows whether or not you have the stamina, and you’re the one who knows whether or not you’re capable of achieving your dreams. Own that, and know if things don’t go as you’d hoped at least you went for it and lived the way you wanted to. Most people can’t say that.

 

Thanks for reading,

{RDj}

Friday Morning FYI – 2/12/2016

Ron Delaney JrLeave a comment

Welcome to your Friday Morning FYI – my chance to share observations/wisdom/rants in short, easily consumed form.

This week’s FYI is about embracing change:

Cob Web in Light

I took this pic this morning, walking to the train station.

I love cobwebs. I know that sounds weird. Most people think cobwebs are dirty and mean spiders are around, but a cobweb is actually an abandoned web. Yes, they’re technically dirty since dust and crap stick to them, but there won’t be any spiders. The spider who built the web has either moved on because it was catching no food, or died.

It’s that last part I love. Not that I dislike spiders – just the opposite. Spiders eat the bad bugs, so they’re OK in my book. No, it’s the transition part. Every cobweb is a tiny reality of change.

People say change is inevitable, but most of us don’t embody that. That’s a comfort thing, I suppose. It can also be a fear thing, though. The fear of trying something new. The fear of leaving what you know, even if that’s not working for you anymore.

If you’re in a place of comfort, great. Stick around. Hang on. If you’re not, be like the spider who isn’t catching any food and move on to a new spot and build an even better web. DON’T be the spider who hangs around until it starves.

 

Thanks for reading,

{RDj}

Friday Morning FYI – 2/5/2016

Ron Delaney JrLeave a comment

Welcome to your Friday Morning FYI – my chance to share observations/wisdom/rants in short, easily consumed form.

This week’s FYI is about doing things that scare you (not, like, wrestling a bear or something though; that sh!t’s nuts):

The book on which I’m currently working scares the hell out of me. Not because it’s monster/ghost/vampire scary, but because it’s the first thing I’m writing I feel might be beyond me. The MC is so deep and so damaged, and the themes are so relevant and poignant, I’m terrified I can’t do any of it justice.

And that’s kind of awesome, because only doing things at which you’re already good is boring. Except Snowboarding. And bowling. Either snowboarding or bowling when you’re not proficient mostly sucks. I know.

Anyway, yeah. Do things that scare you. Do things you think you can’t do. At worst, you were right. At best, you’ll surprise yourself.


Thanks for reading,

{RDj}

Friday Morning FYI – 1/29/2016

Ron Delaney JrLeave a comment

Welcome to your Friday Morning FYI – my chance to share observations/wisdom/rants in short, easily consumed form.

This week’s FYI is a personal reminder as much as it is an FYI. I’ve written this kind of thing before, but it sometimes bears rehashing:


People who are not at peace cannot help you find peace, just like someone who doesn’t know how to cook can’t prepare you a meal. Surround yourself with people who can provide what you need, understanding your needs change as you grow. Yes, this means it’s sometimes necessary to move on from people you once thought (and maybe still believe are) important if they’re no longer on your frequency.

 

Thanks for reading,

{RDj}