“How Embracing a Missed Opportunity Unlocked Unexpected Creative Freedom”
What if I told you that the inner dialogue of “What if?” could either lead you to your wildest dreams or blanket you in anxiety? That nagging voice, an ever-persistent shadow lurking in the corners of our minds, can drive anyone—especially writers—up the wall. Trust me, I’ve been there. Just this morning, as I sat down to withdraw every query letter I’d sent to literary agents over the past ten months, the whirlpool of thoughts began to stir. Would I make the right choice? Was I giving up too soon? Would my long-awaited pause from relentless anticipation bring me peace, or was it just another step towards the dreaded unknown?
With every withdrawal, I felt a bittersweet cocktail of relief and lingering doubt. After years of battling through literary trenches, I had finally secured an agent who believed in my work. Yet, shouldn’t there always be room for second-guessing—especially when faced with heart-drop moments like unexpected messages from dream agents? Join me as I untangle the mess of mental mayhem and explore how I learned to silence the “what ifs” before they spiraled into insanity. If you’ve ever faced a similar struggle, stick around; you might find your own path to clarity. LEARN MORE.
Here’s how I stopped the “what ifs” before they drove me insane
This morning, I sat down to withdraw every query letter I’d submitted to literary agents over the past 10 months.
In the publishing world, it’s etiquette to do so after you’ve accepted an offer of representation. That way, agents don’t waste their time considering your book when it’s already off the table. As I worked my way down the (admittedly very long) list, I felt gratitude and relief.
I’d finally done it. After 15 years, three manuscripts, and hundreds of queries, I’d found someone who believed enough in my writing to champion it.
Then I saw something that made my heart drop.
It was a message from one of my top-choice agents. She worked at the second-biggest literary agency in the world for memoirs. I had nudged her before accepting my offer, but I didn’t hear back — or so I thought.
“Dear Maria,
Thank you for reaching out regarding your memoir and for letting me know about your offer of representation.
I would be happy to consider your submission. Please click on the link below to upload a double-spaced…
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