How do you write like you're running out of time? Write day and night like you're running out of time. How do you write like tomorrow won't arrive? How do you write like you need it to survive? How do you write every second you're alive?
Like the vast majority of the Internet, I have been drawn into the incredible musical HAMILTON. I'm not normally one for hip hop and rap, but I love it. The above passage comes from the song "Non-Stop", where the ensemble remarks on how Hamilton can't stop himself from writing and writing.
For obvious reasons, it really struck me. Especially "How do you write like you need it to survive". Because that's why I do this. I need my writing to stay alive. (Another fun Hamilton reference!) I've seen a lot of writers reference this line, most notably Kameron Hurley. I really admire how much she has done in her writing. Lately I find myself looking to her blog for some reassurance that anything is possible in publishing.
Because I once again am setting high goals of myself. I'm seizing every opportunity that comes my way. While I'm still working on the balance between wild submissions and my sanity, I don't want to miss out on anything again. I really feel both my books are at their best right now. I'm proud of them and proud of myself. So I'm spending the first half of 2016 on agent submissions while building up the supporting books, shorts, and novellas.
But I'm no stranger to rejection. If I can't get any further, I'm going to try and switch gears. Not abandon the novels. Never! Simply start a new one and then push that on agents. I'll still send out the Victoriana when I can after that, but it won't be as wild as it is right now.
I just need a way to get my foot in the door. I know where I want to be at the end of this year. It's a feasible goal, but requires non-stop work. I'm ready for it. Honestly, I can almost taste it.
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