Riding the Rollercoaster

Publishing is like a roller coaster, but is that a good thing or not? For some, roller coasters are fun and exciting, full of unexpected twists and turns—a surprise around every corner. But others, like me, thrill rides (like roller coasters) can be exhausting. 

I hate roller coasters. There. I said it. Don’t hate me. Even when I was a teen, the thought of riding one made me nauseous. The clicking sound of the wheels turning as the car slowly pulled to the top of that first big hill. The plummeting feeling as your stomach hit your throat as that same car raced to the bottom. The twists and turns—jerking you back and forth. Not. A. Fan. 

Yeah, I rode them. But only because I grew tired of being the person who sat alone, holding onto everyone’s belongings while they went (as a group) to wait in a long line and enjoy the ride. I forced myself to ride roller coasters, but I didn’t enjoy them. I hated every minute. I preferred to keep my feet safely on the ground. 

Don’t get me wrong—I love a little adventure. I enjoy going new places and seeing new things, but that is different that being jerked around by motion, sound, and dizzying heights. The unexpected always throws me off balance. I don’t like facing the unknown. 

As a writer, the publishing industry is much like riding that roller coaster. We rush to finish a project or revision by a pre-determined deadline only to face long periods of waiting for that letter of acceptance or rejection. Progress is slow—painfully slow. There are surprises—or heartache—around every corner. Then we do it all over again when start a new project. 

The publishing industry is much like riding that roller coaster … There are surprises—or heartache—around ever corner. 

This industry is full of unexpected twists and turns—all unknowns. Some projects sell fast. Others take years, or they don’t sell at all. The market changes. Our dream publish house closes or merges with another house. We lose our agent. So much can change between the birth of an idea to the time when it is ready to market. And we have no control over one bit of it. But we try—even though we know it might not succeed.

Some days are exhausting. I simply don’t feel like I have the energy or passion to continue the journey. But other days, when a spark of creativity comes alive, I get excited about the adventure and promise that a new idea has. And for a moment—just a moment, I forget about all the unknowns. 

Will the next book or magazine article or poem sell? I don’t know. But I do know one thing—if I think about it too long, the unknowns will rob me of the joy I get from just being lost in the moment that new idea brings. And if I don’t take the chance, I will never know if the idea could have been a success. 

If I don’t take the chance, I will never know if the idea could have been a success.

Is it worth it? I think so. But with someone who struggles with low energy, making sure I get enough rest between projects is critical. I have to give my body, my mind, my emotions, and my creativity time to regenerate. When I do, that spark will be waiting for me. And so will my excitement about the journey ahead.

That’s my process. For each person—each creator—that process looks different. Find what works for you—what keeps that spark alive. Do the things that will nurture and generate that spark. It will help you balance the frustration of not knowing or waiting for your turn to ride the roller coaster. 

And your turn will come, so hold on. You are in for a ride! 

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Photo Credits: JR Corpa on Unsplash.