I have been there. I’m still there! I think every writer who strives to improve endures that inner doubt, and that nagging fear remains no matter how much outer success you achieve. Sometimes I think that doubt is a sign of humility, of receptivity — all good indications that you are open to improving your work over time, in the face of both failure and success.

I always say, what’s the worst thing that will happen? Somebody will say no. Maybe No Way. But they can’t take away my ability to write. Only I can do that to myself. Feel the fear, do it anyway.

I’ve heard the word “NO” a bunch of times in my life, and the best stuff in my life, the real magic, has happened when I ignored it

Query early and often…and be ready for serendipity to sweep you up. The ‘lucky breaks’ I got in the year before I sold all encouraged me to keep going. Get in the game, make room for serendipity to strike.

Every writer you read and love has been told no. Every single one. And every single one of us ignored it and kept going.

Keep going Sarai — your readers are waiting for you. Write the stories that only you can write, the stories that won’t leave you alone no matter what you do. They’ll lead you forward.

Hang in there!
Michele