We're all here on Wattpad for a reason, whether that reason is to read, to write, to connect with others, or even to figure out what this site is all about.
I've been using Wattpad since 2012, and much has changed not only on Wattpad, but also in t...
You may have started querying, and you might have faced rejection. The whole process can be extremely discouraging. Today's interview discusses the opportunities that arise from rejection, but it doesn't censor the struggles and disappointments that are a necessary part of growth.
Please welcome AdrielleReina, a great friend of mine who has been querying for a long time, and continues to pursue her writing aspirations. She is an inspiration.
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Q: Can you tell me a bit about your writing journey and the books you've written so far?
My writing journey started very early. Like most writers (I'm assuming), it started with reading. I wanted to also create worlds to escape to because those worlds helped me feel less alone when I was younger. Reading and writing are inherently forms of escapism. My first story was about two girls who get stranded on an island and have to survive. I was eight lol. So, when I was ten, my dad made me read Lord of the Flies. From there, I wrote other things.
I was 12 when A Realm of Magic and Mayhem found its first draft. I won Young Authors at my middle school with that story. Since then, it has evolved a lot. But I guess I consider it my first real project. It's never left me. Other than that, I've worked on dystopian and sci-fi books, even historical!
Q: Rejection is a common part of a writer's life. Can you share some of your experiences with querying and the challenges you've faced in getting your work published?
Oh yeah. So, first, I would recommend QueryTracker to find agents. It's the best platform I've found for it unless you want to spend countless hours googling agencies. You want to make this as easy as possible because the rest is going to be a lot of work. I've queried Realm before I got my mentorship on Wattpad. I think I have over 30 rejections overall. Some rejections were pleasant (well, as pleasant as they could be). There were a few agents who told me they liked my book, but were interested in other types of fantasy right now. What that trend specifically is, I'm not sure.
Others were not so nice. It depends on the agent and how much information they want to give you. But you should expect nothing. If they give you a reason, it's out of the kindness of their hearts. Remember, agents have to go to bat for you and their success is dependent on yours. It's risky for them. To be honest, I think the query letter template I used probably didn't help me. There are just so many things that have to go right in this process.
Q: Many writers struggle with rejection, and it can be discouraging. How do you personally manage rejection, and what keeps you motivated to continue writing despite it?
I remember how many authors I admire were rejected before someone said, "Yes!" But I'm also realistic. I want to be published, but I know that the odds are stacked against me. It's so important to be realistic. Put your all into it, but be sure to not give your hopes up. You will have to work hard for no's. And sometimes that can be discouraging. (Okay, all the time. It's always discouraging, if I'm being honest.) At the end of the day, my motivation comes from my passion. If I don't try, then I'll never know. I hope for that one "yes."
