JP ShawINK SPOT: do i have what it takes?
Believe anything is possible and everything else seems infinitely trite.
That is the question. Well--the question that reels through my mind each and every day I sit down to write. Do I have it? Have what it takes to be a romance novelist? It's plagued me from the first moment I began this journey nearly ten years ago.
I've had a passion for writing since grade four when my teacher gave me to KILL A MOCKINGBIRD and asked me to write a report on it. I fell in love with the characters and the process of uncovering the motivation for why they do what they do, act the way they do and what pushes them forward in the story. I loved how easy it was for me to relate to Boo, and watch and empathize with each of the characters in the story as it unfolded. So needless to
say it's no wonder why I'm character driven when I write.
But again--am I good enough?
To write a story the reader has to be grabbed from the moment they begin the first page. I know for myself when I'm reading a story I look for several key factors, background never being one of them. I don't care if you write about Italy in-depth as I don't need a reminder of all the places I'm not going to ever be able to visit.
No, I look for whether or not I can relate to the characters, feel what they feel, understand them, wish for them to obtain their goals and dreams as they travel down the mystic adventure they are about to embark on.
Elements of relationship (strong relationships) are very important to me, whether it be father and daughter, mother and son, good friends, or two people in love. Relationships motivate us in our life. So watching from the sidelines, being a part of someone growing, learning and understanding more about themselves appeals to me.
I also love to laugh. Laughter in a story is essential for me. I don't mind crying, but I much prefer the banter between two protagonists, fun and games, flirting, as well as being serious as their romantic relationship unfolds.
Now whether I am funny or not has yet to be determined in my writing. I try hard to give myself and the readers something to want, something to look forward to, and something to hang on to as the story grows.
So what am I afraid of?
I'm not really sure. I know it's not failing. I've failed a lot in my life. I think I'm afraid of my own success. Lately my writing has taken a turn in the more positive direction. I recently published a story in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Love Stories. I had a newspaper interview me and do an article on me about the book which released this past February. This is not the first time I've published anything, or had an interview done on me. But not of this magnitude.
Now here I am, head spinning, enjoying my success. I just sent in my synopsis and query letter to Harlequin for my book Buttercup's Cowboy with the hopes of getting it published. Through this process I've had tons of feedback from fellow writers, novelists published in the romance field, each telling me how great the story is and giving me that supportive push forward in my career.
So why is it so damn hard for me to believe I can do this?
Today this was what I found in my email box, after a fellow author at Helium read my chapters posted there.
Dear Ms. Shaw,
I must admit that when I first noticed that my long standing position of #3 in the listings for romantic stories was pushed down I was quite upset, but then I read your story. And you just can't stay mad after reading a story that good. I commend you on such great storytelling, and I hope to see Buttercup's Cowboy on Barnes & Noble shelves soon!
I must admit that when I first noticed that my long standing position of #3 in the listings for romantic stories was pushed down I was quite upset, but then I read your story. And you just can't stay mad after reading a story that good. I commend you on such great storytelling, and I hope to see Buttercup's Cowboy on Barnes & Noble shelves soon!
WOW! That's all I can say. WOW! I mean I know she's talking about me. I've heard compliments before, telling me how good the story is, that it deserves to be publishes, and yet my insides still flutter with nervousness that it will end up in the slush pile and I'm wasting my time. Though I will never quit writing. I just can't.
It's not because of People like the woman above who commented on my writing. It's because I love to do it. I love to create stories. When I write, I am the reader. I never know what's going to happen, where the story is going to go, what road the characters will travel. I'm just as surprised as everyone else to find out the Heroine is pregnant or had an affair with her fiance's brother only to discover she's been madly in love with him all along. I mean often I'm the last person she tells... lol.
Still I wonder as each day goes by and I continue editing my novel.
Do I have what it takes?
I guess having what it takes depends on how you look at it. I suppose the question I should be asking myself is -- why do I write?
The answer to that is easy. To entertain others, share a story with the hopes they enjoy it and feel the story is uplifting, good enough to move forward and keep them wanting more. So if that is all there is in my life from now until I die. Then I guess I have what it takes after all.
Only time will tell.
Read Chapter One Here
