As you know, I have just finished my fourth novel and started the querying process. Now this is usually a scary time of a writer's life. Lots of doubts, lots of questions, such as, am I good enough? Will they like it? What will I do if they don't like it? etc.
Right now I'm going through those questions right now, but I have something of an answer to those questions. WHO CARES.
Now don't get me wrong, I want to get an agent, I want to get it published and get to hold my book in my hands, but I write for myself first.
I write stories that interest me, and that I enjoy writing and reading. I have to, otherwise, how in the world could I spend 5-6 months with the project without getting bored or want to rip it to shreds. I live my characters, I think that gets across in the book, which in the end is all that you can truly ask. I thrive on the conflict, always looking for ways to make it harder on my characters. I like watching them suffer. (I'm a bit sadistic that way.)
For all of you fellow writers that are suffering from the blues, and doubts, think back to why you started writing in the first place. If you aren't doing it for the love of it then why? Big money? Fame? If you do it because you love then those things might come, but more importantly, you won't care when it's all said and done. You will be satisfied with results regardless. So go out there and just enjoy the craft, don't worry about the end result.
Very good advice! If you don't enjoy writing at some level, there's no point in doing it, and it will show in your work.
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