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Hi, I'm Jenny Brigalow and as a writer approaching publication for the first time I'd like to share something of my journey.
I've been writing enthusiastically for several years. Romance, YA and literary fiction. For a long time I didn't have the confidence to submit for publication.
I always thought: 'I'm just an ordinary person. I'm not a highly qualified professional like a doctor, nor have I any kind of influence." I wondered who the heck would be interested in anything I have to say. So what turned things around for me?
I suppose things started to change in 2010, when I won a place on a residency course co-run by the Queensland Writers Centre and Allen & Unwin Publishers, with my teen novel, The Overlander. This exposure gave me the confidence which I badly needed to start submitting material for publication.
I also plucked up the courage and applied to become a member of both the Romance Writers of Australia organization and the Queensland Writers Centre. This brought into my life something I badly needed. Contact with and support from other writers. Needless to say, being accepted for membership of both these organizations benefited me in so many ways.. They gave me access to a smorgasbord of advice and information.
When Steam eReads finally offered me a contract for my rural romance, A Man For All Seasons, it was an amazing feeling. I felt like I'd won the Lotto.
Let me just say that a far as I'm concerned, it's a great time to be a writer. The E-Publishing phenomenon of e-publishing is creating a new window of opportunity for aspiring authors and publishers alike. It's been like a shot in the arm for the publishing industry.
So, I guess what I really want to say is that dreams can come true. So, if you're an aspiring author, don't give up at the first hurdle. Have a go. Don't be deterred. The biggest lesson that I've learned on my journey was the realization that while I may be ordinary, I am also unique. I'm an immigrant and an expat and that gives me a unique viewpoint, not to mention a special relationship this country. Australia, in which I've chosen to live. I belong here in this country, yet I view it with foreign eyes. Compared to England's green and pleasant land, Australia is, to me, a wild, magical, indomitable place. It touches something deep inside me. I have a passion for the land, even though it's not my place of origin. So I've put my roots down here in the bush, and here I am,
This is how far I've come. Yet in many ways, my journey as a writer is just beginning.
What about you?
There will be an eCopy giveaway of my A MAN OF ALL SEASONS to one commenter!
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So, where do you feel you fit in on the journey? I usually feel like I'm balancing on the edge of some precipice or other :)
37 comments:
Hi Jemi, Hi Jenny!! Thank you for sharing your writerly journey here, Jenny! I love that you had courage and determination to see your writing right through to publication! Sometimes writers are chained by fear of failure and it takes such a lot of writerly effort to break even one link in that chain - but you broke yours and then some and made it!! You are a true inspiration! Wishing you all the best!
Take care
x
Thanks for sharing your journey, Jenny. It's really inspirational and inspires me to persevere. Good luck with your book.
Old Kitty - you're so right - those chains of fear are very tough to break!
Natalie - perseverence is so necessary! :)
The writing community is so vital for encouragement and support, isn't it? Glad you were able to tap into that, Jenny!
Elizabeth - so true! Can't imagine doing this alone :)
I'm just an ordinary person as well! My first contract exposed me to the online world and the support we have here.
Congratulations, Jenny!
Congratulations, and thanks for sharing!
An inspiring post! And a good reminder for all us writers to never stop reaching for our dreams.
Nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
Alex - this online community is truly incredible!
Jeff - it's nice to hear of other's successes!
Nutschell - we'll keep striving! :)
That was a most inspirational post. And like Jenny said - never give up. Ever!
Wendy - not ever! :)
Wow - look at all these comments! A lovely blog Jemi and a great read Jenny. One thing I love is the enthusiasm and dedication all aspiring writers give to their work. I did it, and like Jenny, it worked. I'll follow your blog Jemi, it's great! Well done.
Hi everyone, so good of you all to find time to post. Thank you Kitty, I know we hear all the time that perseverance pays, but its great to be part of that process. Hi Natalie, Jeff0 and Wendy, thanks for the support, much appreciated. Yes, Elizabeth and Riley, you are so right, without the support of the writing community its hard to have focus or direction. And a big thanks to fellow debut writers Alex and Jennie. Glad you are all here.
Hi Jemi, Hi Jenny,
Lovely to read this post. It's so positive and upbeat. Inspiring.
Jemi, thanks for hosting Jenny.
What an interesting writerly journey. Very inspirational. It reinforces the fact that no two journeys are the same. It's also a reminder that each individual has unique ideas and life experiences, which we bring to our writing. We all have a unique story to tell.
Thanks for sharing.
Writer In Transit
Jennie - thanks so much!! :) The online writing community is incredibly strong and generous!
Jenny - this has been a lot of fun! :)
Editors - Jenny's story is very inspiring!
Michelle - exactly! Something I needed to hear just now! :)
Thanks very much for your hospitality Jemi. It certainly has been fun.
Lovely to hear from you Editors At Work. And Michelle, eloquently put, thank you.
Thanks again Jenny! :)
So encouraging. Congratulations to Jenny!
Hi Jenny-
Thanks so much for sharing your journey with us! Writing is definitely a long and winding road. What an adventure! You have great advice for all of us. Thanks so much and wishing you much happiness and success!
~Jess
Beth - it is! :)
Jess - now I'm going to have that song stuck in my head!!! :)
I enjoyed reading this journey and it's relatable. I also believe it's a great time to be a writer.
Medeia - I agree! There are so many exciting opportunities and choices right now! :)
Hi everyone and thanks for the chat. Isn't this a great way to connect? Thanks Beth! Hi DMS,lovely to hear from you, you're so right, life never ceases to suprize. Usually when we least expect it! Hello Media, I'm delighted that to you enjoyed A Man For All Seasons Media. I think e publishing is going to benefit everyone, writers and readers alike. Exciting times!
Thanks again Jenny! Exciting times indeed :)
...thanks Jenny for sharing with us your journey to publication.
Well done to you as well, Jemi ;)
El
Wow, you're right -- you have come a long way and your journey as an author is just beginning. Thanks for the inspiring words for other writers! :-)
Elliot - thanks! It's fun to see how others follow this tricky path!
Lexa - I agree! It's wonderful to hear how others achieve success! :)
Hi Jemi Hi Jenny,
I remember reading this post but I don't see my comment. So I'm leaving another one. I hear you Jenny on putting down roots in another country. Even though the place you come from is part of you, your connection to a new country can be surprisingly strong. I am from Ireland but am now settled in India. So I relate.
I loved reading about your journey, Jenny.
Thanks Jemi!
Maria - I've always lived in one place, but my parents emigrated from Scotland and they've always felt the same :)
Nas - you're welcome - it's been fun! :)
Hi Elliot, Nas and Lexa, thanks to you all for sharing my journey. It's always great to have company on the road. And Maria, Ireland to India! Wow. I'm intrigued. Thanks Jemi, for bringing us all together.
You're more than welcome Jenny! :)
Thanks for sharing your path with everyone. People need to see how individual every one's journey can be. :)
Lydia - exactly! Just because we don't follow the same path doesn't mean we won't end up in a similar place!
Hey! lovely to read about another Aussie. great story - inspired! xx
Michelle - it is! :)
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