Every "No" is One Closer to My "Yes"

I am now aggressively submitting my manuscript. I have had several "not interested" responses. I'm glad actually. I know that somewhere amidst all those rejection letters lies the one agent who IS interested. I recently listened to Shane Black speak (legendary screen writer). He said something that I have long since believed. If you only don't give up, one day you will be successful. It may seem overly simple, but it's actually the core to success. As each rejection filters in I feel for a second, am I crazy, do I have the skills necessary to succeed as a novel/screen writer? ?

And then- somewhere from deep inside myself, a tiny whisper answers- Yes you do! And so- I continue... Whether it takes one month or ten years. I continue. I continue with my plethora of part-time jobs, with my late night writing (half- asleep), daily submissions, and momentary persisting doubts. I continue to follow my dream, one I have carried with me all of my life. I carry on with a secret smile for I know one thing for certain---I will never give up! Good luck to everyone in pursuit of your heart's greatest desire.

Take Care,
Alexandra

Holding a (or several) Steady Job(s) While Reaching for Your Goal

I have found it necessary to work several part-time jobs while working towards my goal of working full- time as a freelance writer. To assist my nerves and spirit in this seemingly endless journey I have always kept long, medium, and short term goals. I keep them written down and mark them off as I achieve them. It gives me a sense of accomplishment to look back upon on them when I feel a bit discouraged. It reminds me that I am already successful!

At times working my plethora of jobs seems somewhat futile. It is at times like these I turn to my goal journal and look a random day. I am always surprised so read of a long ago achieved milestone.

I also keep a gratitude journal. I write in at least once a week, especially on really challenging days. I do this for two reasons. (1) As I write I begin to remember all I have in my life (2) Whatever the challenge is that I'm facing never seems as daunting after I've written it down.

So I may not have a published novel under my belt yet. But today I did apply for 10 writing assignments, wrote 1,000 words for my new story, read http://www.deadline.com/hollywood , re-read my script in- progress, and remembered to smile because today is a Beautiful Day!!

Take Care and the Best of Luck to You!!

Alex

Exclusive Submission vs. Multiple Submissions

On September 21st it will be exactly one month since I exclusively submitted my first full length novel/manuscript. I chose to exclusively submit to one particular agency because I listened to one of the agents speak at a GLAWS (Greater Los Angeles Writers' Society) event. I figure at this (as of yet unpublished) point all I have is my word and I gave it. So for two more weeks I cannot submit my manuscript anywhere else. However, I have started to create emails set to deliver precisely six weeks from the date of my exclusive submission. I could submit them now and perhaps no one would ever know...

However I would, and in a world where practically no says or does what they promise, I want to be one who does. And so I wait to begin my multiple submissions.

I stay busy by working two jobs caring for all the animals in my household and working on a new novel and a screenplay.

More about those next time.

Best of Luck to You--- Never Give Up---Just find another way to reach your Goal!!

Love,
Alex

Victory!

Well actually not quite yet but I'm getting there. After one year and ten months of work my manuscript is now completed and ready for submission. I just sent out my first exclusive submit to an agency I became acquainted with at a GLAWS Greater Los Angeles Writers Society event. If you're just starting out try going to local writing event and/or join a writers group. I'm not a very naturally outgoing person, so it really wasn't easy for me in the beginning. However, the more I attended the more my self confidence and knowledge grew. I actually look forward to their events now!  So now I wait my allotted time for my exclusive (6 weeks) while I work on two new stories and finish my research on the other agencies I'll be submitting to soon. Today I am victorious because I completed all my edits on my seemingly never finished novel. I actually did it!

100,000...

Hello!
   
        I am really proud of my amazing manuscript so far, but its not perfect. My manuscript is currently 100,000 words, and its not always a joy to edit it for what feels like the millionth time, but I'm making it through with this great advice.

     When your coffee jug is empty, your back hurts from hunching over your laptop, your computer is dying and you're too lazy to plug it in, and all the words start to blur together into one giant ball of yarn, don't be afraid to step away. Really, its not going anywhere. It might seem strange that focusing all your attention on something else could be beneficial, but you'll never do anything well if you aren't in the spirit. Personally, going for a bike ride really helps to clear my mind of those dirty cobwebs.  Afterwards you really feel rejuvenated, and really ready to hit at it again.
     
  After taking a nap, or going out for tea, and then rechecking my work, I would be surprised at all the things I had previously overlooked.

Yes, its strenuous, yes, it takes time, yes, it tests your patience, and yes, it pays off in the end.

- Alexa K.

The Dream

Hello to you all!

My name is Alexandra Kudukis, and I have a dream. My dream is to become a successful author, and this very blog that you are now following will serve to show my every trial and triumph. You will follow my journey as I work, study, write, and publish my first work.

My interest lays in many genres, but I feel compelled to write fiction, historical non-fiction, and screenplays.

Join me if you wish to experience the effort, humor, struggles that I go through, and feel free to use this as a reference, or a manual, if you wish to succeed in your own life goals.

Thanks for your time.

Alexa K.