tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post3676496964151164345..comments2024-03-29T03:42:04.742-04:00Comments on Author, Jody Hedlund: Is All the Hard Work Ever Going to Pay Off?Jody Hedlundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-29982395292357732252012-08-09T11:18:05.861-04:002012-08-09T11:18:05.861-04:00Success is relative said my editor, after all is o...Success is relative said my editor, after all is only a business.generic viagra newshttp://www.genericviagranews.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-72276153159079340482012-01-31T08:26:24.746-05:002012-01-31T08:26:24.746-05:00Thanks for the very kind words, Becca! I appreciat...Thanks for the very kind words, Becca! I appreciate that! And I wish you all the best with your writing adventure! I hope you'll indeed find joy in the journey! :-)Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-33095314465048885612012-01-30T22:13:18.094-05:002012-01-30T22:13:18.094-05:00First off, I'm glad you love writing because I...First off, I'm glad you love writing because I really, really enjoyed reading your books! While I would love to be able to pursue historical Christian fiction more one day, right now I'm concentrating on children's books... hoping to see them published someday in the near future. This post was encouraging. I really liked your thought, "we need to learn to enjoy each step as it comes, celebrate the small accomplishments, and find joy in the process of creating." Thanks, and I look forward to more books from you!Beccahttp://creatingfamilyconnections.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-31554685623950792132012-01-30T15:19:13.786-05:002012-01-30T15:19:13.786-05:00I think that unless 'a successful day' to ...I think that unless 'a successful day' to you means you got to write that day then you shouldn't be a writer. It's all work and very little outcome really so the work has to be the point rather than the outcome. If you're aiming solely at bestseller lists then no, it's probably not worth it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-25039128947573274712012-01-30T12:25:03.129-05:002012-01-30T12:25:03.129-05:00Great points! But I think of all, the #2 about suc...Great points! But I think of all, the #2 about success being so elusive is the most important of all. Just speaking from how far I've come, I know the accomplishments are great for a day or a week, but there's always the next thing to reach out for. And that's a good thing. Just keep swimming, but also remember to stop and smell the roses every now and then, too~ :o) <3LTMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05239077455322030275noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-47909515967243272422012-01-28T20:39:15.684-05:002012-01-28T20:39:15.684-05:00Hi, Jody. I just found your blog thanks to Sylvia ...Hi, Jody. I just found your blog thanks to Sylvia Ney, and am very glad I did. As a writer who just signed a book deal after 11 years of trying to break in, I had many occasions to ask myself if all of this was worth it. I mean, what if it never worked? It's funny, but everything I did turned out to give me more than I could've imagined--friends, authors whose work inspired me, communities to be a part of--and that doesn't even get to the book coming out part.<br /><br />It wasn't just worth it. I was lucky to get to do it.jenny milchmanhttp://suspenseyourdisbelief.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-13214276648508882312012-01-28T16:26:39.545-05:002012-01-28T16:26:39.545-05:00Amy, so glad that my blog has inspired and encoura...Amy, so glad that my blog has inspired and encouraged you as you hopped through posts! I wish you all the best with your writing!<br /><br />And Maribeth, love that I could encourage you too!! Hope you had a productive weekend with your writing!Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-39917877490255303822012-01-28T13:53:09.641-05:002012-01-28T13:53:09.641-05:00Love you blog and your books. I like your post ev...Love you blog and your books. I like your post every week, it is so insightful and helpful for a new author such as myself.<br /><br />I find myself asking if this writing will someday pay off, then I pray to God and get my answer. If my books can get one person to turn towards God who had not even noticed Him before, then I have done everything I am suppose to do with my writing. <br /><br />Thanks for all your encouragement and helpful information in your blog. Working on my next book this weekend with your encouragement of research.Maribethhttp://maribethnorman.authorweblog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-52510759473444664032012-01-27T20:10:26.014-05:002012-01-27T20:10:26.014-05:00I'm new to your blog (but not your books!!!!) ...I'm new to your blog (but not your books!!!!) and have found so many great things here. Thank you for all these posts bringing thoughts and insight to being a writer. I'm new in the writing world- unpubbed, just finished my first manuscript, working on other(s), and I'm quite overwhelmed. It is hard for me to have a positive, moving-forward perspective at times and right now is one of "those times." I'm a homeschooling mom who deals with depression and fibromyalgia, and the sacrifice has been tough to do the writing. I'm willing to work hard. I see God's hand directing me to finally fulfilling my dream of actually WRITING A NOVEL...who knew? Seriously, I have felt "blocked" from being able to write like this, and now, as I jump headfirst, it's scary and challenging. So many what ifs, goals to make, etc. You have given me rays of hope, as I have hopped from one post to another on your blog. And for that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart! ~AMYSweet Peripetyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14427171975586724985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-51612363339723348472012-01-27T17:40:46.186-05:002012-01-27T17:40:46.186-05:00When I was very young and immature, and thought wr...When I was very young and immature, and thought writing would be a great career, I worried that all of my hard would would never pay off. What that really meant was I was too lazy to do the work I needed to do to MAKE my hard work pay off.<br /><br />Now that I've been back into writing for five years or so, I have a totally different point of view. Now I KNOW hard work pays off because I haven't given up, and in not giving up I've managed to get published in literary magazines. I'd still love to publish a novel one day, and now I don't worry about wasting my time and never getting there. <br /><br />Thanks, Jody!Suzannah Windsor Freemanhttp://writeitsideways.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-75965830208757274182012-01-27T09:27:50.821-05:002012-01-27T09:27:50.821-05:00What a beautiful post. You have an incredible pers...What a beautiful post. You have an incredible perspective, Jody. <br /><br />I'm taking this one to heart.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-17750554971510417502012-01-27T02:36:50.234-05:002012-01-27T02:36:50.234-05:00I try to just enjoy the journey. I hope to self-pu...I try to just enjoy the journey. I hope to self-publish one day, and I'm loving learning the skills I will need (often more than the writing itself...).Wendy A.M. Prosserhttp://www.wendyamprosser.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-54703076514640283302012-01-27T00:23:02.657-05:002012-01-27T00:23:02.657-05:00It may be because I'm still "wet behind t...It may be because I'm still "wet behind the ears" - I've yet to query agents or pitch editors or wade into the big wide world of publishing. (That's all going to change very, very soon. Frighteningly soon.)<br /><br />But writing has taken the forefront in my life for the last few years, which is where it always should have been. The rewards have been countless - productivity, a sense of accomplishment, pride in my work - and SO many new friends and a built-in community of some of the most amazing, supportive people I could ever have imagined.<br /><br />I don't know who the quote belongs to, but it goes like this: "Writing is the only thing that when I do it, I don't feel like I'm supposed to be doing something else." <br /><br />I think of that line often. For me, it couldn't be truer.Rickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08586071866045082842noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-32056637615053371352012-01-26T20:49:55.267-05:002012-01-26T20:49:55.267-05:00Let me state up front: I am a writer. I love being...Let me state up front: I am a writer. I love being a writer. I am so, so thankful God's opened the door for me to write.<br />And yet ... there are times I question it all. The time. The effort. The whole "will this pay off?" question.<br />Sometimes I ask that question every hour on the hour.<br />Those are the days when I'm tired. <br />Questions are inevitable in this profession. It helps to surround myself with people who will remind me of the right answers when I forget them.Beth K. Vogthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04032849469366266791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-50235223108476518802012-01-26T20:11:02.569-05:002012-01-26T20:11:02.569-05:00Loving all your comments! They're so inspiring...Loving all your comments! They're so inspiring! Seriously, this is one of the things I love most about blogging--the encouraging comments!<br /><br />And Wanda, thanks for reading my book! So glad you enjoyed it! :-)Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-79049310701842600952012-01-26T19:45:06.417-05:002012-01-26T19:45:06.417-05:00I can't imagine a time when writing would neve...I can't imagine a time when writing would never be worth it. I'm not writing for fame, or money - I write because like you said, it is a creative outlet for me. When the children are sleeping, and the dishes are done it is a chance to explore words and parts of who I am that I would never be able to explore otherwise. <br /><br />So, to me, its not hard work - its work I do because it is who I am. <br /><br />Book deals, royalties, deadlines from publishers, hey - that all just sounds like icing on the cake! And hopefully one day it will happen for me. But if not? No sweat. That's not why I write.heidileannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17240525883134226344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-79200965058247416422012-01-26T19:09:12.609-05:002012-01-26T19:09:12.609-05:00Most writers who have made it will tell you the se...Most writers who have made it will tell you the secret to success is to never stop trying. I remind myself of that all the time. I do wish someone else would do the marketing....Sigh.Karina Russellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05568846753356354197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-51630651122002092152012-01-26T14:39:51.899-05:002012-01-26T14:39:51.899-05:00Once every ten years or so, life slaps me around e...Once every ten years or so, life slaps me around enough that I look back, and ask myself if I'm leading a fulfilling life. Am I spending my time doing things that I love, that grow me as a person, that connect me to the world.<br /><br />Lately, my question is..."Why have I bought into this culture where money is the only measure of success that's important." Yes, it's the predominant culture in my country, and my country seems to be the biggest market for antidepressant and anti anxiety medication. Correlation? Maybe.<br /><br />Anyway, given that, I think I may change my definition of success. Positive words from readers makes me happy. If my writing can make someone smile, cry, or cringe in fear, well, maybe that's the success I should be striving for.<br /><br />So, maybe I should focus on writing better books instead of selling more books (if I ever sell one, that is.) <br /><br />Funny thing. In the past when I've had that sorta focus on things I do, I tend to make some money.Roxanne Skellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16247960958291876302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-68732839855491622512012-01-26T12:40:42.454-05:002012-01-26T12:40:42.454-05:00I look at it from a different perspective. I am a ...I look at it from a different perspective. I am a retired teacher who has always wanted to write. I am thrilled that I have written and published a series of 5 books. I am happy with the success I've had with these books and enjoy visiting schools and other venues to talk about them. Every day I marvel at what's been happening in my life now. I don't desire to be at the top of the best seller list....but if it be God's will that it happen, I would be dancing on tables and shouting Woo Hoo! as loud as anybody else would!Dorothy Stacynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-58559044585651346422012-01-26T12:34:12.481-05:002012-01-26T12:34:12.481-05:00Great post. Just the completion of a manuscript is...Great post. Just the completion of a manuscript is, in itself, success. Think of the millions of people who can't do that. Getting a partial request from an agent is success. It means you can write a compelling query letter. Getting a request for a full is another step up the ladder--you've written a compelling three chapters. Having an agent give feedback even if the manuscript is turned down is success. Getting an agent...a book deal...shelf space...And the list goes on. So celebrate every step. It's all worth it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-4257040145036902672012-01-26T12:20:37.819-05:002012-01-26T12:20:37.819-05:00I've never really wondered about it, since the...I've never really wondered about it, since the hope that one day I'll be a success is something I cling to. :-)Misha Gerrickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06364173848456424521noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-12240763781412710352012-01-26T12:17:19.349-05:002012-01-26T12:17:19.349-05:00I have not gotten to the point of thinking I will ...I have not gotten to the point of thinking I will publish a book, but I do write daily in my journals, on my blogs, and for myself. The ideas are there and now that I have retired from teaching I am considering writing a book about my experiences over the years and the students who inspired me to strive to be a better teacher, or the story line that has been in the back of my mind simmering for several years. Thank you for your inspiration. I enjoy your blog and loved "The Preacher's Bride."Wandahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17609969755522466701noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-6127521838890487402012-01-26T12:03:14.282-05:002012-01-26T12:03:14.282-05:00Hey everyone!! I'm enjoying hearing why writin...Hey everyone!! I'm enjoying hearing why writing is worth it to you! There may indeed be times in our lives when other things have to take a priority over our writing, and I think that's okay too. We just need to know ourselves and what works!Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-66987196629891334342012-01-26T10:56:07.703-05:002012-01-26T10:56:07.703-05:00Sometimes the payoff in writing is the end product...Sometimes the payoff in writing is the end product; It's releasing who you are on to paper. Great post!Donald R. Rickert, PhDhttp://theparallax.authorsxpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-82947891534846098212012-01-26T10:51:01.920-05:002012-01-26T10:51:01.920-05:00I've sent 1662 handwritten postcards to museum...I've sent 1662 handwritten postcards to museums, schools, and libraries across the country to introduce my novel, May B. Crazy? Maybe so, but I've enjoyed the small measure of control I've had in the marketing process, the opportunity to think like an entrepreneur, and the thrill of knowing someone, somewhere has seen my cover, if only for a moment.<br /><br />While I haven't gotten huge amounts of feedback, I have had enough to know that for me it was worth it.Caroline Starr Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04597510685273079757noreply@blogger.com