KapWriter blog stands apart as a community-focused platform. The goal I have is to have a place for new writers to talk about their writing journey.

Last week was particularly challenging at work. We were understaffed and the demands seemed to pile up endlessly. Each day felt like a marathon, leaving me too exhausted to write by the time I arrived home. I used to feel guilty for not writing in the evenings, like I was betraying my creativity or dedication. But now, I've learned to allow myself the grace to skip writing on those exceptionally tough days. Real life is hard enough without the pressure of self-imposed expectations. I no longer feel guilty about taking a break because I know I'm putting in my all, and that's enough. Understanding this balance has been an enormous relief and has kept me from getting overwhelmed.

In terms of my first book, I've been proactive in reaching out to agents. So far, I've sent out 16 query letters, and 15 have already been rejected. But you know what? The rejections honestly don't bother me much. In fact, I've heard that 15 rejections is considered a low number compared to other writers who have faced many more. Some of the rejections were due to agents not accepting stories in my particular genre, which is more common than you'd think. It's more important than you realize to ensure your query letters are sent to agents who are truly interested in your genre. Sending blind queries can lead to unnecessary disappointment. Focusing on getting your story done first is key, and leaving everything else to be handled afterward helps maintain focus and sanity.

I used a couple of online resources to navigate this process. "QueryTracker" is invaluable for finding agents who might be interested in the kind of stories I write. I also use "QtCritique" to receive feedback on my query letters and my writing. Feedback, even when it’s not what you want to hear, is critical. It can be the difference between a generic rejection and an eventual acceptance. I'll discuss these resources more later, as they're truly lifesavers for new writers trying to break in. I would like to add another website to my list for beginning writers.

It's" Writers Beware".

It has information on agents and publishers, both trusted and untrusted.  

Remember, if someone wants to charge you to represent you, RUN AWAY.

Well that's all for now.

Have a Blessed Easter.