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Pandemic Passion and AN ANNOUNCEMENT!

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A few months back, my sisters and I had an interesting conversation. It was motivated by Taylor Swift—who we all LOVEEEEEEE—releasing a second album in the span of six-months. Naturally, we weren’t complaining about the new album; I’m pretty sure we sent excited Taylor memes to each other all morning. But there was an interesting comment made by one of my sisters:

Wow, she must’ve been really bored.

That comment struck me in two very different ways.

For one, my sister wasn’t completely off the mark. Taylor must’ve been really bored. Her Lover tour was cancelled due to the Covid-19 and—like the rest of us—she couldn’t travel or really leave her home. See, the Pandemic effected all walks of life, even celebrities. So, yeah. Without touring, promoting, traveling, or being able to socialize with anyone outside of her household—which is largely how she makes a living—a person would get bored. We all did. And naturally, she’d look for outlets to keep that boredom at bay.

But another way to look at it is this:

Like the rest of the world, Taylor was stuck. But she chose to take advantage of the time. The Pandemic gifted her—and many other artists—the opportunity to stay still and just hone her craft. To be creative with no pretense or obligation to pump out material on a timeframe. Something she probably hasn’t had the opportunity to do her entire career. She reignited her passion without distractions or noise from the outside world, and gifted us two masterpiece albums.

For me, that was one of the most fascinating things to see during the Pandemic: the resurgence of hobbies and the pursuit of passion projects.

None of it is surprising; like I said, people were stuck in their houses for months on end, and there’s only so much Netflix you can binge before your eyes start to twitch—any of my readers actually finish Netflix? Time and boredom were the enemy during the height of 2020, and after the first wave of productivity where everyone was doing the DIY projects that normal day-to-day life wouldn’t allow—like obsessively tending their gardens, refinishing their decks, power washing their siding, rearranging and giving furniture a facelift, decluttering closets, and learning to bake bread—a wave of creativity and the need to use your brain hit.

Scrapbooking, learning a new language, crocheting, painting, digging out your old guitar, cooking, even reading became sanity-savers. These “hobbies”—which I will go on record and say I HATE that term because it is so demeaning to these crafts—also evolved to fit the time. Virtual books clubs became huge, livestream concerts and performances (all covid-safe) gave you front-row access to your favorite performers. The Arts became legitimate lifelines for those who were completely isolated. Which I look at as one of the blessings of the pandemic; people actually had the time to dedicate to the things they love. The things that spark joy and are easily thrown to the side when life gets too hectic.

If you live in the UK, check out their businesses on Instagram

If you live in the UK, check out their businesses on Instagram

Imagination and creativity blossomed during one of the most chaotic of times. Unsurprisingly, many didn’t want that feeling to end. Some decided to stop ignoring their dreams and change career paths permanently. Two of my sister-in-laws took that leap of faith and turned their passion projects into successful small businesses. Even when things started to return to normal, neither went back to their normal 9-to-5 jobs. And they are both so much happier and fulfilled for it.

Which got me thinking: what exactly am I waiting for?

It shouldn’t be a shock to anyone (especially if you follow my blog) that writing fulfills my soul, but doesn’t pay my bills. Yes, my first book turned a profit and I’m still collecting royalties from it, but it’s not enough to live off of. With that being said, I’ve been sitting on my second novel for two years now—Facebook actually reminded me that I completed my manuscript two years ago this week. But I haven’t exactly been sitting on my ass and waiting; one year was spent editing and perfecting the story, and another was spent sending out query letters to prospective agents. People don’t realize that having representation is essential in the publishing world. Agents are the gate keepers to publishing houses and most mainstream publishers will not accept unsolicited book proposals; meaning, they won’t accept manuscripts unless a reputable agent sends it to them. You could have the best novel in the world, but a publisher won’t touch it unless you have an agent vouching for you.

Which sucks.

Over the last year, I’ve sent dozens upon dozens of query letters. The result of which were two full manuscript requests and countless, “this is a promising story but not a right fit for me at this time,” replies. Which is unbelievably disheartening when you know your story is better than half the trash celebrities and their ghost writers (because they ALL have them, trust me) pump out. The reality is that I could’ve written the best book since the Harry Potter series, but I am a relative unknown with no connections. Then add the Pandemic to the equation; when the economy is down, businesses are not willing to take risks. Agencies and publishers have drawn in their purse strings and will only stand behind authors with viable track records and massive followings. If I was a Kardashian, I’d have four offers on the table and every major publisher in the western world knocking down my door at this very moment. But I do not have the luxury of a famous last name.

So what do I do?

Do I take the rejection as bible and give up? Do I shelf my book—shelf my passion—and act like the last six years mean nothing to me? Do I wait, and try querying again in a year?

Well as I’ve said in blogs past, rejection has always propelled me forward.

The Pandemic sparked a bit of passion in me, too. I realized the only thing holding me—and my book—back was me and my fear of failure. See, I thought the accreditation of an agent and eventually a mainstream publisher would mean my book was good enough and worthy to be read by the masses. That their approval would equate to book sales. When in reality, it doesn’t. I could get both an agent and a book deal, but my book might not get the full attention of either—especially if a celebrity client has a book released at the same time. I’d be stuck doing all my own marketing and promotion, and my agent would collect their 20% regardless. So, after mulling all of this over in my head for a few months and discussing it with my “business manager”, I made a decision.

To return to my roots.

I’m happy to announce that I’ve signed a deal with an independent publisher and my book—The Witness Tree—will be released this summer!

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The Witness Tree

Coming July 2021

I’m so excited to see this story in print and for you all to read the world I created!

When it comes to my dreams, there is no gamble too large. But I don’t think I would’ve had the guts to pull the trigger without the Covid-19 Pandemic. So I’m thankful. And always will be.

Stay tuned my lovely readers! There is so much more to this story…

Jena Steinmetz2 Comments