hi im struggling let's chat

แชร์
ฝัง
  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ก.ย. 2024
  • my latest quarterly publishing trends video: • Let's Talk Recent Publ...
    ~~
    ORDER THE ODDS & THE GLASS WITCH here: linktr.ee/auth...
    If you like my content, feel free to leave me a tip! *blushes* : ko-fi.com/lind...
    ~~
    intro/outro music:
    Music track: Sunflower by Lukrembo
    Source: freetouse.com/...
    Free Background Music for Videos
    ~~
    My debut novel with Scholastic, THE GLASS WITCH, is available now! I write about spooky/spicy/sick girls. Authortuber. Disabled. Repped by Samantha Fabien at Root Lit!
    On this channel you can expect writing and book related content including discussions, vlogs, writing process videos, recommendations, and more!
    Let's talk writing!
    Follow me on...
    Instagram: @lindsayjmp / lindsayjmp
    Twitter: @puckett_lindsay / puckett_lindsay
    Website: authorlindsayp...
    ~~
    LIST OF ORGANIZATIONS & FUNDS THAT AID BLACK COMMUNITIES:
    nymag.com/stra...

ความคิดเห็น • 149

  • @DrWolfenstein313
    @DrWolfenstein313 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    I want you to know that you've achieved stuff we, the unpublished, dream of doing. And having you there makes it less lonely for us. Way less lonely.

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I'm so happy to hear that

  • @opollitico
    @opollitico 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +9

    When I have a bad writing day (or phase), if I can… I go to bed. Sleep. Rest my mind. Bed is accepting, bed is nice. Bed doesn’t judge.

  • @bombastus-cz
    @bombastus-cz 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +16

    I really appreciate your candor in showing the yt writing community the less pretty bits of an author's journey. As someone going through querying woes, this was most relatable. One exercise I once did during a low point was write out a meta scene where I as the writer was in an AA-like setting with my characters explaining to them how I was ready to throw in the towel. Somehow having them 'talk' to me helped me see what I Loved so much about the story in the same way writing a list like you did would.

  • @ReadableMarie
    @ReadableMarie 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    All my libraries around me bought The Glass Witch, but nobody bought The Odds! I was so sad because I can’t afford it on my own right now. So your video makes tons of sense.

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      You can always request your library purchase it for there collection! I do that all the time with books I want to read that they don't have and so far they've bought every one!
      But I'm so happy they at least bought TGW!

  • @lollyannaclark
    @lollyannaclark 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +14

    'My personal feelings about myself as a writer and how I feel about the book is not impacted by how publishing interprets my book.' !!!!! LOVE.
    The 'reminders' list is such a good idea. I need to try it.
    Sending you lots of love as you continue pushing through xx

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Lauren! Miss you bb girl hope you are well

  • @LauraNettles
    @LauraNettles 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +19

    I’m in a slump right now. The query trenches got me down. Thank you for the space to commiserate. You are the best.

    • @akossiwak
      @akossiwak 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      Hang in there, but also remember self-care. 💛

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      blah the trenches are trenching for sure, but you are always welcoming to commiserate here!

    • @LauraNettles
      @LauraNettles 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      @@LindsayPuckett I just pitched to an agent in person and got a full request!!!

  • @KrisMF
    @KrisMF 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    you're the best lindsay!! the "doom" that constantly follows publishing discourse sometimes makes writing feel impossible... your thoughts on this are honestly so appreciated and comforting. the prices of MG books are truly insane rn and across genres, the general lack of support from publishers to most authors makes me feel really sad and defeated. but i'm so happy to hear you say "the kids loved it" bc it really does put into perspective the impact you can have on your target audience 🥺💛

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thank you, Kris! Ugh and yes, I feel you. I'm right there with you.

  • @itskimberlyrodriguez
    @itskimberlyrodriguez 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    Hey Lindsay, I really appreciate your honesty. As an author myself I also find myself unmotivated by the industry. I get severely anxious about publishing future books and often feel hopeless. This was a beautiful reminder that sometimes we need to remember why we write and who we are writing to. I really loved the exercise you shared! I think im going to try it for myself with the stories im currently developing. Thank you!

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I'm so happy you found it helpful!!!

  • @byaustingragg
    @byaustingragg 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    You might consider trying to buy your residual copies from the publisher. They often over print, and sometimes sell for a dollar a copy to resellers. Might be worth asking your agent to look into! Selling signed copies or having them to bring to events is always great.
    Great video!!!

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ah I appreciate the suggestion but even if they went for a dollar each we're still talking $13,000. **faints**

  • @WendyLuWrites
    @WendyLuWrites 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Thank you for being so open and transparent about publishing. I LOVE your list idea and I'm absolutely going to do it with my projects as well. What a beautiful way to remind ourselves of the things about writing that bring us the most joy. I loved this video so much, and I'm not the only one ❤

  • @AnnaRobbinsWrites
    @AnnaRobbinsWrites 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    Aw big hugs, being in a slump is never fun ❤️ although I dont have the same publishing pressures, I really resonanted with this entire video! In 2024 my motivation has been limping along. Making an "I love" list is such great advice though and I will definitely take that page out of your book! Thank you for sharing ❤️ and good luck to us all as we fish flop in a general upwards direction! p.s. if you haven't already checked out the Publishing Rodeo podcast, they cover a lot of similar themes

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ooh I'll have to check them out! thank you!

  • @lynndjung
    @lynndjung 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    This is one of the most upfront and honest discussions about traditional publishing I've seen to date, thank you for this video

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      omg Lynn thank you so much for watching

  • @mirandaosmelak480
    @mirandaosmelak480 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    I'm sure LOADS of the kids loved the book, but one of those 17k was an adult me, and when I read it I both loved it and I wished I had access to stories like that as a kid. You do great work.

    • @mirandaosmelak480
      @mirandaosmelak480 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      And yes, the ODDs is even better I agree. It's also a lot more raw(about disability specifically) in the best possible way.

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      omg i love this so much. Thank you

  • @heatherhardison
    @heatherhardison 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Been wanting to read the Glass Witch, and this video just nudged me to go ahead and add the hardback to my Amazon cart. Coming this weekend. Can't wait to dive into it. My background is in psychology too! Must be why I connect with you and your videos so much. 😄

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      omg how exciting! I hope you enjoy

    • @heatherhardison
      @heatherhardison 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@LindsayPuckett loved it! Just left a 5 star amazon review for it and am sharing it on all my socials to spread the word! It's so good!

  • @bethanycamille5379
    @bethanycamille5379 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Some positive things to note: your publisher saw the potential of your book, the quality of the writing, and gave it a gorgeous cover!! Many of the setbacks seemed to be out of your control. So don’t let that get to you when going into your new project! If you could sell two shiny ideas, you can do it again and again! Fully believe in you. Also, I won’t mention any names; but I’ve seen plenty of authors whose first books barely made any noise in the publishing world and had crappy/generic covers, but by their third book, they finally had a real hit lol so the success truly isn’t always linear!

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      that's what I'm crossing my fingers for!

  • @MeredithSchorr
    @MeredithSchorr หลายเดือนก่อน

    This video was so refreshing. I had almost the same experience with adult romcom. Feeling like a failure to my publisher, having them basically give up on the second book before it even comes out and B&N buying less copies, lower advance on option book (I just watched that video too - congratulations!) I also feel "happy to be here" even though I was upset about the lower advance. I will say that 17k copies is a lot more than I sold of my debut and impressive to me! I'm also actually really happy with my number too (even if my publisher isn't!) Can't wait to watch your next video and wishing you the best of luck!

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  หลายเดือนก่อน

      thank you so much! It feels better to know we aren't alone

  • @BrittanyandBooks
    @BrittanyandBooks 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    thank you for making this video and being so open with us about your struggles. your channel is always a place I come to for inspiration or for help feeling better. i'm so sorry you've been struggling so much recently and i hope better things are on the horizon for you!
    i've also been feeling really down with writing. honestly for the past year or so, and i've only recently started to maybe come out of that and find my groove again. publishing as an industry is so difficult and can be so discouraging and it's been really hard to navigate.

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I'm so glad you found it helpful, Brittany! All my fingers are crossed for you and your future works :)

  • @Kass_Books
    @Kass_Books 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I'm so proud of you for making this video. I can see how hard it was for you. I'm in a similar boat with the lack of motivation. I feel hopeless about publishing and my books. I haven't written in several weeks, even though I did pitch my work and got good feedback on it. I'm sorry you are going through this. I loved both of your books, and I hope you can find the courage to push through (I know you will). I'll always be here as a supporter because we, disabled people, really need to stick together and look out for each other. I know you can do it, and you give me hope that I can do it, too.

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      cassandra you are so sweet! Thank you so much for this comment! My spirits are lifted.

  • @ryanwrites
    @ryanwrites 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I studied psychology too! I think all writers like picking people apart and trying to understand them and their motivations, so it's great for story telling. That and people watching.

  • @jenniferrs9984
    @jenniferrs9984 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I feel like with any creative outlet that's turned into a career, there is that fine line we have to continue to tread between writing for the machine of capitalism and what we want to write ourselves. I think what you've written so far and what you've been working on has been so amazing and true to your own interests, I hope you find your mojo back. Your exercises look so interesting and I'd love to see you work through more of them!

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thank you, Jennifer. You're so right

  • @davekeane2762
    @davekeane2762 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Lindsay, I've sold about 25 books in roughly 20 years. I think the ups and downs you're feeling are just the nature of the author's journey. Sometimes this business doesn't make a lick of sense. I now find myself getting nowhere in the query trenches with my first middle-grade novel. It's a cliché, but it's true: it's a marathon and not a sprint. Enjoy the run (as much as possible)!

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I couldn't have said it better myself!

  • @ninanatascha
    @ninanatascha หลายเดือนก่อน

    Re-watching this as I struggle with my current project and this reminded me why I write. I will be making a reasons list too, so I can remind myself why THIS book. Thank you, Lindsay!

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  หลายเดือนก่อน

      i hope it helps!! it was so useful for me!

  • @JoeyPaulOnline
    @JoeyPaulOnline 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I'm so glad you pushed through too. Good things coming your way, and you're doing amazing things ❤

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      awh thanks so much, Joey!

  • @WilliamBilsters
    @WilliamBilsters 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Hey, Lindsay! Thank you for being so candid with your journey and experiences with publishing. As someone who failed in the querying trenches with my fourth book (but my first ever queried novel), it was hard to press on and my mind just spiraled with all the self-doubts and what-if situations.
    Like you, I also felt apathetic when it comes to the industry itself. Dare I say I'm even a little bit disillusioned with publishing (and my dreams) at this point? The only thing that's pushing me to pursue trad pub despite the disillusionment is that I'm stubborn and didn't want to waste all the books I wrote 😂.
    As for the writing, you mentioned that you felt a little distant when writing TOB. One thing that helped me with writing is to draft the book in 1st person so you can deep dive with the character's perspective, voice, etc. and THEN shift it to 3rd (or 2nd, if it fits your narrative) POV after revisions. Say, around your 3rd draft or something? Sure there will be a little adjustment when transposing the novel in 1st to 3rd, but it really helped me with the process despite the time suck.
    Again, thank you for being honest with your feelings about publishing so far! I hope you'll be able to get out of the rut someday. It WILL get better, I promise.

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      that's a great idea! Thank you William!

  • @Lara_Ameen
    @Lara_Ameen 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi, Lindsay! I so appreciate your vulnerability and transparency in this video. I haven’t written anything in more than two months and it’s really got me down. I’m glad I’m not alone in feeling that way. When you listed all the things you love about your MG horror, it just made me want to read it! So excited for all the disability rep. It sounds SO good! It’s also such a good exercise. Maybe I’ll try that for my PhD dissertation novel (which I’m getting ready to query soon and I’m a little scared. Excited too). But your video definitely made me feel better and more motivated.
    Also, for what it’s worth, I absolutely loved THE ODDS! The disability rep was so good! I hope both of your books find the right audience and kids that it needs to and it sounds like BITTER BONES will too! 🥰

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      awh thank you so much Lara! I hate to hear you've been having a hard time too, but we've got this!

  • @susanmonroemcgrath
    @susanmonroemcgrath 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Like most authors, I write to tell stories. That implies an audience (otherwise I am just talking to myself). The struggle to get the stories to an audience definitely makes it harder to keep writing. PS. Love the why I love my project list. I will be doing this with my own project I'm avoiding.

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I'm so glad you found it helpful!

  • @BreeBuonomo
    @BreeBuonomo 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I love this and your list
    I also love that our current WIPs both contain Casey MCs with crappy parents 😂

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      omg wild! haha! Although I think Casey's name will have to change, which I'm sad about. But I just feel like a goth-emo queen would name her kid something way more edgy blah but i will be saving the name for another story for sure!

  • @PonderingPenNames
    @PonderingPenNames 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I felt this in my soul. Thank you for being so raw.

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I'm glad you found it helpful!

  • @authorkaterinadennison
    @authorkaterinadennison 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Thank you for this, especially the excersize. I'm in a tough spot with my book right now(2nd draft), just not feeling it, struggling to make myself sit down to edit. I'll definitely be making my own list. I'm excited to remind myself what I love about this project.

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I hope it works for you, too!

    • @authorkaterinadennison
      @authorkaterinadennison 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@LindsayPuckett It already has! I did it before I got started editing for the day. Feeling much better about my edits now. Thank you again! Definitely something I'll come back to when I need the boost.

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@authorkaterinadennison ahhhh so happy to hear that!!!!

  • @Halliechris_writes
    @Halliechris_writes 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you for sharing and for being so real about the trad publishing world!! I think you're amazing and that your books have done so well!! I'm also a MG author and recently had a book go to acquisitions and get a "no." The rejection was heartbreaking (been on subs forever) and I talked about the process on social media and received so much love and sympathy from other authors.
    I also got the "why don't you self-pub" suggestion. And there are MANY successful self-pub authors, but it's in YA and Adult books. Children's books are still so hard to market on social media. It's the main reason that I've stuck with trad publishing, even though it can be soul-crushing!
    Totally get the writing slumps!! When you're working on a book and the others haven't sold or done as well as you had hoped, plus rejections, it's tough to keep writing!! Hang in there! I know you'll sell another one (and many more!!).

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Ugh Hallie I hate to hear that! I know that can be sooooo tough. I've got a bunch of friends in the same boat. It's like you've passed so many hurdles and then the last one SLAPS you in the face.
      And yes-we'll hang in there together!

  • @catiehall416
    @catiehall416 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I so appreciate this side of your authortube, though im very sorry youre in this place. ❤ my heart goes out to you. i also wanted to chime in that my best friend has osteo chondromatosis so i had to watch her suffer with bone issues our entire childhood. it aint no joke!!! thank you for writing about this disease - if it gets published, im going to buy copies for us both!

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      omg thank you so much! I hope your friend finds it therapeutic! And yes-it's soo hard on the body! Especially when you are still a kid and your bone are growing! My husband has scarred me with stories from his childhood about it.

  • @HeatherSalterPurvesauthor
    @HeatherSalterPurvesauthor 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I’ve been a bit slumping in editing one of my books and then getting around to outlining one. But I will hopefully traditionally publish one day I always appreciate your transparency through your journey

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Of course! And best of luck with your projects

  • @JPWrites
    @JPWrites 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    "Who I'm mad at is capitalism" I feel this so hard.
    On another topic, I never understood why US publishing always launches with hardcovers and not paperbacks - I'm based in Australia and a lot of our books are from the UK, which releases hardcovers and paperbacks at the same time, which makes me very happy as a paperback reader.

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      and your bookstores are doing much better than ours because of it! I think the market here will eventually shift that way, but everything takes so long in publishing...blah lol

  • @malayka2175
    @malayka2175 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    This is my first video of yours and I loveeee your transparency. Definitely stealing your Reminders list idea 🥹❤️ I hope your mental health improves soon!

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Thank you so much!

  • @OliviaHaughran
    @OliviaHaughran 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    This was very helpful - thank you for sharing how you're feeling and how you're pulling yourself out of it! Definitely need more honest discussions about these things 🩵

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  หลายเดือนก่อน

      thank you for checking it out :)

  • @jessicafroberg2347
    @jessicafroberg2347 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    awwww I'm so so proud of you, my love!! I loved your vulnerability in this video.

  • @braydenm715
    @braydenm715 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I have two young kids and I am so excited to add these to my library. Thank you for writing these stories, important and silly. Exactly what I look for with material while my kids are in their formative years. ❤️

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      awh thank you so much!

  • @mbs.writes
    @mbs.writes 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I’m so glad you focus on those 17,000 kids because that is a lot and amazing and beautiful!!
    I have been in a slump with my current WIP, but after being sick all last week I finally got some of those inspiration juices flowing and came up with a new idea that will be an upper middle grade book as well. So this video came at exactly the right time for me. You still are and always will be an inspiration. No matter what you believe your publisher may or may not think of your success - you are a success to me and I hope to be as awesome as you some day! ❤️

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      this...is the sweetest comment

  • @maceykellerwrites
    @maceykellerwrites 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    As someone who’s been feeling like I missed my chance with the “best era” of publishing, this was a really encouraging and needed video. Although I would never wish these feelings of failure or apathy on you or anyone else, it’s nice to know that we’re in this together :)
    I’ve loved watching your videos throughout your entire journey and hope there are more good times ahead!

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      thank you so much, Macey! And yes it's important to feel less alone

  • @TheCharlieLuna
    @TheCharlieLuna 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you so much for sharing. I remember seeing another MG author and hearing them talk about how that B&N change hit them really hard. And the difference was that she wasn't a scholastic author and didn't have the specific avenue of the fair as an option for any kind of exposure to kids and I remember thinking "Oh thank goodness (my sister witch) is a scholastic author" because for now and maybe long term it can be built in help until there is a greater solution. I definitely remember my parasocial relief and hope that even in a tough situation, i was glad you were still blessed and looked after to some extent. Thank you soo much for sharing. You give so much more than you know ❤

  • @FidinaQuery
    @FidinaQuery 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Seventeen thousands copies- wowwww, girl thats an achievementtt🎉🎉❤❤❤❤

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      i think so too! Regardless of what the industry thinks!

  • @malikamaybe
    @malikamaybe 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    You are such a gem for sharing this, Lindsay

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      MALIKA THIS COMMENT IS EVERYTHING
      thank you thank you thank you

  • @sherrylalonde5719
    @sherrylalonde5719 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Thank you for posting, I'm right there with you. It's so easy to get caught up in the 'publishing' side of writing that I sometimes forget I used to write because I loved it too. Years ago the goal was just to finish writing a book, now it's to get an agent. But with every goal achieved the milestone changes. Setting mini, and I do mean mini goals, is the only way I can trick myself back into it(sometimes). Even though I'm not all that productive during live streams, just promising myself that I'll be there at certain date/time makes me feel like I'm moving forward. Alyssa and Books has been doing early morning lives if that suits your schedule, but I'd love if you brought back your live streams for the summer too. We all need to make a pact that we're going to keep writing because that's what we love to do! Maybe we should come up with a cheer or slogan, lol!

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I love setting mini goals. They're all that keeps me going sometimes lol
      omg if you come up with a cheer, let me know XD

  • @alyce4674
    @alyce4674 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Ugh, I cried twice. I'm so glad you made this video, and I'm SO glad I clicked on it.
    It's a full-on slog with my current round of revisions. I also try to keep a pulse on the publishing industry and it's a rollercoaster. I oscillate between feeling inspired, (and 100% certain that I'm a top tier storyteller) and feeling overwhelmed by the decisions I have to make line-by-line, and wondering if it will ever be worth querying. Lately it's been a lot more of the latter, and I have to remind myself why I'm at this point, why I'm still working on this flipping story. So I find myself working on things I don't ever intend to publish (but maybe share to a couple of people who really, really, REALLY know me and won't judge).
    Honestly, this exercise could be applied to almost any situation in life. Obviously it's gold for any creative endeavor, but I would even say that whenever we're feeling down about life in general (I am intimately familiar with depression), an exercise like this serves as a beautiful reminder of the silver linings, the little joys.
    Anyway, your vulnerability is priceless; I really hope you know that.💜 Best of luck as you work your way out of the 'meh'! 🤗

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      thank you so much for this comment and I hope things start to look up for you!

  • @authorj.l.slipak9526
    @authorj.l.slipak9526 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Throughout my (cough) forty years (where did time go) of writing and teaching, I've found that most writers' one goal, dream, desire... is to get published--to hold their paper gold in their hands. Bringing their stories to life, and creating something others enjoy is all part of being a writer. Do you find Lindsay that once this is done, it is difficult to continue with the same drive, and motivation toward future goals since that one main goal has been realized? Could this be why some flounder to stay focused? Also, the crazy timeline for seeing a book on the stands is probably involved. Self-publishing wasn't taken seriously when it first appeared by traditional publishers. They thought it would, like most trends, fade away into obscurity. They didn't anticipate it involving what it is now, so they're struggling now. This panic is trickling down through distribution and all other publishing-affected avenues from the publishing houses down to stores, fairs... etc. This is common with those in power. They think they're untouchable until they are hit over the head. Instead of learning from self-publishing and why authors are choosing this route more and more, they're refusing to cave and join in on new ideas that benefit writers too, and why they will continue to flounder. It's sad.

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I think each writer is different, but I never felt this way. If anything, after getting my book deal, i felt MORE motivated to keep going!

  • @nataliejaneshields
    @nataliejaneshields 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I like to think of creativity and motivation as something that is alive--kind of that "muse" concept--and because it's alive, it isn't consistent. You can't expect something alive to be the same every single day, there are too many factors at play. Some days it's bright and happy and excited like a dog, and some days it's slow and angry and doesn't want to get out of bed like a cat. Some days it's cooperative and some days it's not, and regardless of how you encourage it, it's just not willing. That whole concept has made the lack of motivation on some days more palatable.
    I also am on my own (possible) chronic health journey and I have to have the same grace for myself, so I like to think that my muse and I are coworkers. Some days we need to encourage the other to get the work done, and some days we need to respect when the other has called a sick day. Hope that helps you too 💛

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      i love comparing muses to cats and dogs! lol and so true.

  • @cassie_hart
    @cassie_hart 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I so often come back to 'what do I love about this project?' when I'm feeling flat, and if that fails I tack on 'what can I tweak to make me excited about it again?'

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      exactly! so helpful!

  • @clairelariviere1019
    @clairelariviere1019 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Needed this today, thank you so much for taking the time to make this video

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I'm so happy you found it helpful!

  • @Kelly-Martin
    @Kelly-Martin 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Big hugs, Lindsay!

  • @authorj.l.slipak9526
    @authorj.l.slipak9526 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Be proud, Lindsay, of everything you're doing. Despite everything, you've made it! You're living the dream that so many aim for, try, and fail to reach.

  • @astrid5826
    @astrid5826 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you for sharing Lindsay, this really helped me

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Glad it was helpful!

  • @fadedpages
    @fadedpages 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    This video was so refreshing and comforting! I've been trying to muscle my way through creative apathy and I am 100% going to try this activity (writing down reasons I love my project). My WIP has some heavy themes (one of my comp titles is The Poppy War, to give you an idea...) and I think it can be hard to put myself in the right head space consistently.

  • @reinventingmelissa2061
    @reinventingmelissa2061 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I've had such similar experiences! Wow. I thought it was just me. I queried a novel that I thought (and still think) was really good. The experience was absolutely soul crushing. I trunked the book when it wasn't offered rep and moved on to the next, which I had been really excited about. Couldn't write a word. Every time I tried to work on it, I hated the experience. HATED it. So I quit. I decided that I've been trad pubbed in nonfiction, so that was going to have to do!
    Like you, I then started writing projects for ME -- ones that will never be published. And I loved them. I loved the freedom of not being held to genre conventions, not having to think about any reader but myself, not having to craft to exacting standards. I've tried to go back to the "real" book but I just can't so far. There's nothing enjoyable about it even if I think it's an amazing story.
    A couple of years have passed. Maybe three? I pulled out the trunk novel recently because I started a new job, and one of my coworkers is a rabid reader. She loved it. I reread it. I loved it. I decided to self publish it. (It's adult, not middle grade.) I decided I don't care that it's a standalone book -- and probably the only one I'll ever publish. My husband is supporting the financial "investment" (read: black hole) we'll likely never recoup. I'm going to make it the best I can and put it out there. It goes into editing on June 4. I was really hesitant about it initially, but now I'm super excited. I 1000% understand why you wouldn't self publish middle grade, but I'm glad the option is there for me.
    I probably won't ever try trad pub again, even if I do miraculously write the next book. Everything about that experience (and every single thing I've heard about the industry) left a bad taste in my mouth. It's not my path . . . but it is yours. I hope you find your way through the struggle and find joy and success on your path! Thanks for sharing this.

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thank you so much for your comment, Melissa! I'm so happy you found the path right for you, and best of luck!

  • @MandaShell
    @MandaShell 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    It is probably even more than 17,000 kids because of library lending and sharing with siblings and friends. ❤

  • @jpchoueiry4056
    @jpchoueiry4056 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Bro, you sold 17k+ copies of your debut book!! That's insane! Considering how prolific you are, I'm certain your next novel will sell like crazy.

  • @feuillue9661
    @feuillue9661 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Oof, i feel for you! My understanding was that the B&N changes were to allow each location to pick what they wanted on their shelves and have the soul of an indie bookstore. It sucks to be the one who fell in the cracks though. And i understand your disappointment with your hardcovers being overpriced at the fairs. I wonder if marking down the prices might have given them a chance 😢

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      YUP so now instead of sending 3-10 copies to every BN store right off the bat like they used to, your mg hardcover only gets in if the individual staff knows you/buys it themselves...and as a debut, hardly anyone knows of you!

  • @libraryofadventures7800
    @libraryofadventures7800 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you for this video😢❤ I'm going to try the exercise

  • @tomaria100
    @tomaria100 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Lindsay, thank you! I learned a lot!

  • @storiesbydesirae
    @storiesbydesirae 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Do you know why they don't try to publish paperback and hardcover for debut middle grade and YA vs only doing hardcover? You are not the only author I saw take a hit with that 2022 change. I'm sorry you had to go through it and are still going through it.
    I like the way you explained why you are sticking with traditional publishing. You touched on it well. Congratulations on selling 17,000 copies. That is definitely amazing and something to be proud of!
    Also, your cover for The Odds looks like it could be a movie DVD. Not to get you too excited, but I could see that being a movie based on the cover alone (I think the gloss also adds something). I don't remember the plot of that book though.
    I love the writing exercise that you did. It was nice to hear more about your book. Yes, you can get through this! Sending you a high-five when you're ready to accept it for making small progress every week :)

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Thank you so much, Desirae!
      And they push hardcovers first because they make more money off of those than paperbacks. Paperback printing is considered later and the decision is based on a bunch of things but mainly if the hardcovers were successful enough to warrant spending more money on printing those paperbacks.

    • @storiesbydesirae
      @storiesbydesirae 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@LindsayPuckett Huh. Interesting. Okay. Thanks for replying.

  • @atlasssss6471
    @atlasssss6471 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I feel like people who push self publishing don’t realise the kind of privileged position one must be in to afford all those costs, not to say all self published authors come from money because that is in no way true.

  • @graysonsbookmark
    @graysonsbookmark 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    the reward might just be around the corner ❤

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      girl I hope i need it lol

  • @Evergreen150
    @Evergreen150 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Thanks for sharing, love the list writing idea and will definitely be trying that when things get tough. "Fish-flop your way up" is now my favourite quote of the day btw

  • @siuzannavyshneva6312
    @siuzannavyshneva6312 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    So relatable! Thank you so much! I wish you all the inspiration, and with Camp NaNoWriMo coming up! Girl, slay! But I also fell under the hype train of thrillers in dark black and bold font (back in my day), and all it did was make me dread coming back to my WIP, and reading it was crazymaking! And I dreamt of getting rid of those works. And I did. I deleted all of my dark projects and found myself in religious ya. And I can enjoy writing again. I am looking forward to reading my religious stuff over and over and over again. I cherish these projects and I stand by them. They have a pleasant aftertaste, and I apparently need that. And not something that makes me feel like I am waterboarding myself. Not today, satan! (man I love religion!)

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      glad you found projects that make you happy again!

  • @MarshmallowBard
    @MarshmallowBard 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I'm sorry you're going through a rough time.
    You know, I've been thinking about this for a while, but we really need more outlets for kids to get their hands on books. Yes, there's the libraries, school book fairs, and the miniscule section for kids books in book stores, but I honestly couldn't tell you the name of a single book store that just sells MG or YA, which feels so odd. Why aren't there more book stores just for kids and teens?

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      that would be such a cute store idea!

  • @authorj.l.slipak9526
    @authorj.l.slipak9526 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Did you ever consider writing one called the Stone Witch, or the Water Witch? If you need any help with dark and twisted books, I can help. ;) I love supernatural thrillers. Maybe, we can help each other. Let me know. I also write children in middle grade and YA. I'm here if you need me. Stay frosty and keep writing. You're doing well.

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      haha I haven't had any ideas that would work with those names but that's a cute idea!

  • @trisha4life17
    @trisha4life17 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    First comment!!!!!!

  • @domoneekee
    @domoneekee 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I saw the Odds at my local library in the >NEW< jfic section and picked it up!! I’m so excited to read it :)))

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      omg amazing! Thank you so much for sharing with me! I love to hear people are still finding The Odds!!

  • @Neil-writer-author
    @Neil-writer-author 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I got injured again; that is distracting me from writing.

  • @ellieblackwell9754
    @ellieblackwell9754 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Do you have a P.O. Box by chance?

    • @LindsayPuckett
      @LindsayPuckett  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I don't! BUT if you contact me on my website I can give you my agency's office address which I use as a PO box! haha

    • @ellieblackwell9754
      @ellieblackwell9754 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@LindsayPuckettok thank you!! I’ll reach out there ❤

  • @opollitico
    @opollitico 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    When I have a bad writing day (or phase), if I can… I go to bed. Sleep. Rest my mind. Bed is accepting, bed is nice. Bed doesn’t judge.