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Terri Tiffany | When Does a Writer Call it Quits?
February 6, 2015
By the time I’d written my fifth novel, I’d garnered more rejections than I
wanted to count. My notebook was filled with dates and agents’ names with only a
partial request here and there. But my biggest writing problem challenged me to
rethink my plan to write fiction. My beta readers liked my antagonists more than
they liked my protagonists. They found it difficult to empathize with my main
character. Not a good place to be. A definite no-no in fiction. Writers need our readers to
connect with the main character from page one. Obviously, I hadn’t presented my character the way I’d hoped. The person I
pictured in my brain appeared much differently on paper. I might have improved
my technical skills but my MC was unlovable. I’d had moderate success with non-fiction in the past but I worried that fiction
wasn’t for me. Maybe I’d never be a novelist. Maybe I’d never sell a book. How
many times could I tell my friends and family I’ve started another manuscript
without them asking “What about the other ones you wrote? When will they be
published?” So when does a writer decide writing novels isn’t for them? When do they decide
they will never get it—that they should quit wasting their time, money and
efforts on something they will never understand? Is there a magic number of
rejected books? Is there a moment when the effort is too huge? That same day I pulled out a short story I’d written six years ago. I was
embarrassed at my level of writing. How could I have made so many obvious
mistakes? How did that piece ever get published? At the same time, I was also
thrilled I’d learned how to improve all those errors. I studied more books on craft until I discovered how to make my main character
likeable. I dug into GMC until I found myself reciting character goals during
movies. I attended more writers’ conferences and passed my work to critique
partners. Writers grow every time we put words on paper. We grow every time we risk our
pride and show a critique partner our next story. We grow every time we read
another author’s work. Writers don’t quit. We grow until we realize our dreams. About THE MULLIGANTwenty-year-old Bobbi Snow is more at home behind an easel than on the golf
green. After all, being a pro golfer was her twin brother’s goal and her
father’s obsession. But when Bobbi’s careless accident causes a fire that leaves
her brother crippled, she’s determined to dust off her clubs and follow his dream. Playing the hero might be the only way to save her splintering family. Maybe
then her father will forgive her. But can she ever forgive herself? GiveawayReaders, what dream are you chasing? Leave a comment below to be entered to win
your own copy of THE MULLIGAN and a set of golf balls. About Terri TiffanyTerri Tiffany counseled adults, owned a Christian bookstore and now resides in
Florida with her husband where she writes full-time. Her work has appeared in
magazines, Sunday school take-home papers, and anthologies such as Chicken
Soup for the Soul and Blue Mountain Arts.
Comments
26 comments posted.
Re: Terri Tiffany | When Does a Writer Call it Quits?
Thank you for the chance. I have not had the chance to read
any of your books. I would love to read this book. I like to
try out new authors writing and get to know them. My big
dream is to get out of debt. I am retired so I really don't
have a big dreams. Maybe to be able to travel some day.
Peace on earth and we can all love one another.
(Joanne Altieri 12:41pm February 6, 2015)
The book sounds great and I'm glad you stuck with it. Congrats.
(Pam Howell 8:21am February 6, 2015)
I use to dream of traveling , going places I'd never been before , now that my husband and I are able to do all that I'm afraid the ship will sink , are the plane will crash are disappear . LOL So I enjoy reading now and it takes me so many places .I would love to read this book . Never give up on your writing, that is a talent few have . God Bless You
(Joan Thrasher 10:35am February 6, 2015)
My dream is to have the chance to enjoy travel since an
illness has intruded. To read at leisure and enjoy peace. Your
talent is a great and creative ability. best wishes.
(Sharon Berger 11:09am February 6, 2015)
There are so many things I want to do still. I want to oil
paint, I want to write a book, I want to take a cruise to
Alaska. Thanks so much for the chance to win.
(Val Pearson 11:23am February 6, 2015)
At this stage of my life, I don't feel as if I have a lot of
dream in me, but there are a couple of things that I'd like
to do. One would be to design a few things with my
knitting, since I've been doing it for so long. The other
would be to write a book, since a few of my friends have
been after me to do so. How does the saying go? "A chance,
perhaps, to dream." In the meantime, I'd enjoy reading your
book. I love the cover!! Congratulations!!
(Peggy Roberson 12:33pm February 6, 2015)
Terri, thanks so much for a chance to win
one of your delightful books.
(Donna Graham 2:14pm February 6, 2015)
My dream is to win a big lottery jackpot :-)
(Joanne Schultz 3:17pm February 6, 2015)
I have been dreaming about a winter getaway for years. I am hoping that next year I can make it come true.
(Lin Berda 12:58pm February 7, 2015)
Winning money to make life easier when it comes to paying bills.
(Linda Shaffer 5:54pm February 7, 2015)
I am trying to read add many Classics as I can. I missed reading them when i was
in school.
(Joy Isley 6:19pm February 7, 2015)
This one sounds interesting.
Thanks for the giveaway. =)
(Ashley B. 7:26pm February 7, 2015)
I'm currently chasing my retirement so I can leave my job and do something else that I really enjoy.
(Kai Wong 11:21pm February 7, 2015)
I'm still waiting to go on my Dream Vacation.... Cruising to Hawaii
(Deborah Close 6:22am February 8, 2015)
I just retired and am trying to decide what to pursue next.
(Debra Guyette 9:41am February 8, 2015)
I have never had the opportunity to read one of your books. The Mulligan
sounds like a perfect book to sit down and read with a hot cup of tea on a
wintry afternoon. Thank you for the opportunity!
(Deborah Poston 9:43am February 8, 2015)
Looking forward to reading your new book.
(Sally Lincoln 10:01am February 8, 2015)
I LOVE TO FIND NEW AUTHORS AND PASS THE NEWS OF HOW GOOD THEIR
BOOKS ARE TO MY FRIENDS.
(Paulette Welch 1:37pm February 8, 2015)
I also, have never had the opportunity to read one of your books, Terri. I love
contests like this so I find authors I've missed so far. Thank you so much! The
Mulligan looks like a great read!
(Shelly Ash 5:43pm February 8, 2015)
The dream I am chasing is to go back to Europe & take my sibs with me. I would love to see & to show them the places where I use to live. And to visit some of the places I never had the chance to see while I was there. But it is just a dream!
(S W 7:25pm February 8, 2015)
Awesome would love to read your book !! Hope to retire in the near future and travel !!
(Sharron Freelen 7:37pm February 8, 2015)
The Dream I'm chasing is my History degree. I'm in my second
semester in college.
(Diana Thomas 11:26pm February 8, 2015)
Thank you for the giveaway!
(Katherine Hubbard 9:44am February 9, 2015)
I am so glad you didn't call it quits.
(Denise Austin 1:35pm February 9, 2015)
Returning to dance ;)
(Fedora Chen 3:11pm February 9, 2015)
I would love to travel and see different places.
(Maureen Emmons 5:32pm February 9, 2015)
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