Comments on: A Publishing Pick-Me-Up

By: Sam Tonge

Sam Tonge — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 11:58:35 +0000

Aw, thanks Ashwin – and go you!
Yes, I’ve decided when the going gets tough just to keep on writing is very important!
I don’t think writers ever stop having self-doubt. One book’s success doesn’t guarantee another’s.
Love your attitude, thanks for sharing and good luck! 🙂

By: Ashwin Dave

Ashwin Dave — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 11:53:25 +0000

Pretty much par for the course! I have had to self-publish my debut book (The Ivory Towers & Other Stories) after rejections and shoddy contracts from unscrupulous ‘predators’! At age 67 I do not have the patience to wait for an agent/publisher so decided to go for it. The book has had some wonderful reviews so am now writing a sequel. Wow – if you can have ‘doubts’ after 11 novels then you can imagine my state of mind! Never mind and well done!! He who dares wins. I played competitive cricket in my uni years – sometimes trying to analyze your technique is counterproductive – best to sit down and just write! See ball, hit ball is sound advice – not always. Another saying in cricket – when in trouble, hit out. Thank you for your thoughts – made my day!!

By: Sam Tonge

Sam Tonge — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 11:41:02 +0000

In reply to Lindsay Bamfield.

What an uplifting thing to say, thanks so much Lindsay, that means a lot 🙂
Yes, I try to look backwards at what I have achieved when the going gets tough – as I hope you do. It’s amazing to get even just a handful of stories published and I have fond memories of my time doing that, before I moved to novels. Well done for keeping going. I’ve never known a writer who didn’t give up, to not eventually achieve their goals.
Thanks again 🙂 x

By: Sam Tonge

Sam Tonge — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 11:37:38 +0000

In reply to Kate Hewitt.

You are so right, Kate, and I talked a lot about this when I was having counselling a couple of years ago. My self-esteem was on the floor because if a book didn’t do as well as a previous one I felt I, Sam Tonge, was failing. I now try to keep Samantha Tonge Author and myself separate and remember that none of it is failing anyway – it’s just part of the journey all us authors go through xx

By: Sam Tonge

Sam Tonge — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 11:36:01 +0000

In reply to Helen Phifer. Thanks so much, lovely - it would be an even harder journey without writing friends like you. And you are right. We just have to follow our hearts and keep going. Sam xx

By: Lindsay Bamfield

Lindsay Bamfield — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 09:58:32 +0000

To me, with only a handful of short stories/flash fictions published, your career is stellar! But I understand there are still disappointments and let downs. Like so many authors, you had rejections but you kept going and I always take inspiration from that when I receive yet another rejection. Still haven’t reached 80 yet so I will keep going!. Please know that your life story as well as your books cheer people on everywhere. .

By: Kate Hewitt

Kate Hewitt — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 07:57:13 +0000

Thanks for your post, Sam, honest and inspirational as always! I find it’s hard not to let writing, and particularly my success or failure in it, define me. I have to keep reminding myself that my identity is not writer first–it’s wife, mum, daughter, sister, friend. And being a successful writer does not equal a successful person. Life is so much more than that.

By: Helen Phifer

Helen Phifer — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 04:34:06 +0000

Ah, Sam. This is me at the moment and I want to give you the hugest of hugs. You’re doing amazing and all of this is so true. However look how far we’ve come from our first books and there’s so much more to look forward to. We have to keep writing because it’s in our blood and who knows where the next idea will take us.

Love Helen xx

By: Sam Tonge

Sam Tonge — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 14:02:55 +0000

In reply to Sue Blackburn. Thanks lovely Sue, your support means a lot as always. And I love that idea of strapping yourself in and giving in to the highs and lows, that's a great attitude. Hugs back xx

By: Sue Blackburn

Sue Blackburn — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 13:45:09 +0000

Another generous inspirational post Sam. I’m sorry you’ve had a knock recently but in your wise words you emphasise the lows are followed by the highs, which they usually are especially with one as talented as you. Writing is such a roller coaster – so much a case of fastening yourself in and giving yourself up to the highs and the lows of the profession we are all hooked on and somehow, no matter what, have to do! Be kind to yourself lovely lady. You are indeed there for others so know that others are always there for you Luvnhugs xx