Transitions
May 23, 2011 
Almost exactly one year ago, I got on a plane to fly to Australia. I had about 20,000 words of a new book, a lot of emotional baggage, and a metric ton of doubts. Not much to go on, really, but I knew I had to get moving on my dream of being a writer or I’d be waiting for something to happen to me forever.
I had quit my job the year before in order to attend an amazing six-week writing workshop. I worked part time after that, while struggling to shove my inner editor into a closet long enough for me to get words on a page. I started hating everything I’d ever written. I spent months sitting in my room, telling everyone I was working, while I stared at blank documents and fell asleep every night crying because I couldn’t make myself work. I was putting so much pressure on myself that nothing came out when I tried to write, covering up what was happening so that nobody would realize what a failure I was. Each day I felt more and more like I’d lost the spark that drove me to write when I was younger, like I had no more to offer, that there was nothing left but to give up.
But then in March of 2010 something changed. I got an idea, which wasn’t different in and of itself, except for the fact that this idea lit a fire underneath me like I hadn’t felt since I was a kid. Part of me wanted to shout, “Hang on, slow down, you’re not good enough to write this yet.” The rest of me said, “HELL WITH THAT!” I thank my lucky stars I listened to voice number two.
That idea, of course, was for THE IRON WOOD. I showed the first few chapters to my amazing and long-suffering critique partner, Amie, just praying the reaction would be better than a tactful “Well, at least you’re writing.” Instead, she blew me away by inviting me to Australia to live with her and her husband for a year in order to finish the book because she believed in it that much.
I only allowed myself to take up her offer after promising myself that I would write every day–EVERY DAY–until I finished the book. I even woke up to write on the flight as I crossed the international date line, just to be sure. I finished the book at the beginning of July, about three and a half months after starting it. I revised. I gave it to friends to critique. I revised again. I tentatively started entering query contests. Suddenly agents wanted to see my manuscript, and I scrambled to get queries out.
In December I got my first offer of representation. By the end of the year, I signed with my wonderful agent, Josh. I revised some more. I went through a period that was difficult for reasons both creative and personal. I dragged myself out of it by rewriting the book yet again. Then Josh went out with THE IRON WOOD, and before I really knew what was going on, publishers in multiple countries wanted to buy my book.
And two weeks ago, I finally got to share with you all that I’d done what I set out to do–that I’d written, revised, queried, and sold my book.
I’m not really used to being proud of myself. But it’s been a very strange year. A wonderful year. A difficult year, too.
And tomorrow I get on the plane to go back to America. I’m going to miss Australia intensely. But I’m also really looking forward to whatever is next.
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500 words a day, agent, daily goal, inspiration, publishing, thankful, the call, tiw, travel, update, writing
See you soon!
Woo! Tea time!
What a wonderful story about your writing journey this past year 🙂 You certainly deserve to be very proud of yourself! I’m so happy that we’re going to be able to see THE IRON WOOD in print!!
Aww, thanks, Kat! <3
Man. I'm still not over that. IN PRINT. What. XD
2012 is pretty much going to be the year of epic debuts. 😀
I KNOW, right? I am in such crazy good company. So intimidating and humbling!
Wow, what a story. Congrats!!!! 😀
Thank you!!
Congratulations again! What an inspirational story. Good on you (a little Australianism) for not letting your idea go. Best of luck on your next adventure.
Hee, thanks. Go Australia 😀
wow, what an amazing journey. Congratulations!
Thank you!
Great story! I can’t wait to buy your book and see the final culmination of all of your hard work.
Aww… thanks, that’s so sweet. <3
I’m so excited for you and THE IRON WOOD, Meagan!!!
This post has definitely given me the push I needed to carry on and keep working on my WIP. (Am SO down in the self-doubting doldrums right now, gahhh…) You will probably never know how much you’ve inspired and motivated me, a stranger across the Pacific 🙂
Congrats again!!
You don’t know how happy that makes me, Di. Seriously. Inspiration is one of those things that doesn’t deplete when you give it away, cheesy though that sounds. Knowing you feel inspired inspires ME. Good luck with your WIP, and I hope you’ll keep me posted!!
[…] This inspiring post from Meg about her trip to Australia, and reaching for your vision. Click and read if you’re in the mood for a boost. It’s beautiful. […]
Your post hit home big time. I quit teaching and made the decision to take writing on full-time. Stories come to me and I get everything started, but somehow I struggle to see things through. You’re blessed to have someone like Amie to believe in you. Congrats on the selling your book! I hope to hear more about your experiences and writing in the future.
Man, do I ever know that risk/decision. It’s so hard!
I can also seriously sympathize with the struggle to stick to things. I used to always stop somewhere before 20,000 words or so, never finishing anything. I hope you figure out what you need to do to see them through–it can be a difficult process, but ultimately rewarding.
Thank you for stopping by!
This was a most honest and amazing post. Kudos to Amie for believing in you and to you for finally believing in yourself. What a trip!
I wihs you evey success with your novel and will look out for it.
Denise<3
Denise–thanks so much. You’re so sweet, and I’m so glad that my post ended up meaning something to you!
See you soon– maybe even in NYC? If not, see you when I move back down to VA. I’m so excited for you and to buy your book (several times over) when it’s printed.
Still debating NYC, argh. I want to go, but it’s just SO HOT to be visiting a city where I’m going to have to get everywhere on foot. >_>
I’m definitely having weather-shock. In Australia it’s winter right now. I wish I could import some of their cold!
Congratulations to you! What a wonderful and inspiring post! Glad you hung in there – can’t wait to hear more about your book.