I debated
for a little while on what I should talk about today. It was a tossup between
control and patients. I think I can work with the two, so let me try.
First and
foremost, writers should have patients. Why? Because we have to wait for a lot
of things. We have to wait until we finish a book to query. Before we even
query, we have to edit…and edit…and edit. We write the query, the synopsis,
perfect everything. Query. And wait.
And I don’t
have patience.
Why? Well, I
can’t really explain except to say that I probably hate the fact that I don’t
have CONTROL over how quickly they respond to me.
I have
accepted that I don’t have CONTROL of what they think of my book. I have
realized that just because they reject my book doesn't mean they won’t read my
book at some point and love it. It took years for me to understand that.
I keep
trying to forget that I have queried. That way, I can stop refreshing my inbox.
Stop stalking twitter pages. You know. Everything that makes me a little
creepy.
Some days
are worse than others. I’m not sure what I can do to ease the impatience. I
have tried focusing on my other books. And my school work. All that jazz.
It’s not
like I DON’T have enough to do with a full-time job, school, working out and making sure I write at least a little
each day.
You’d think
I’d forget, huh?
I tell myself that all things happen for the right reason, so when something is out of my control, I am very peaceful.
ReplyDeleteI do believe everything happens for a reason--I think that's the easiest way to deal with the disappointment of not getting what you'd hoped for. Hopefully, I can be more peaceful in the future!
DeleteForget, no I think the thought is always lurking at the back of your mind whatever else you maybe doing!
ReplyDeletelol. Yeah, I think I've come to the conclusion that it's always gonna be there! I just wish I didn't feel so much anxiety over it.
DeleteLet go of the impatience. It took time to develop your craft, and your a very busy person, it will all come out good for you in the end. sandysanderellasmusings
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sandy!
DeleteI have a terrible way that I handle patience (or more specifically, my lack of it). It's pretty fatalistic, but it works for me. I assume they've already said no. That way, when I get anything other than a no, I'm ecstatic. I even sometimes forget that I have a query out (though not that often).
ReplyDeletehaha. Well, I do think that is a safe way to handle patience! My Dad always tells me think positively, so I try to think that someone I've queried will love my book.
DeleteWaiting is what I talked about in my post for last week's Celebrate the Small Things blog hop. It's something that, once learned and mastered, creates lots of blessings in life, both physically and psychologically. But patience, once attained, is also something that needs a lot of guarding after.
ReplyDeleteI do agree, Nancy! I try to tell myself that everything happens at just the right moment. That makes me more at ease.
DeletePatience is a virtue - they say... I'm not very virtuous :)
ReplyDeletePS... THANKS for giving me a GREAT idea for A-Z.... I just finished WIP#1.... :)
Whoo!! Congrats, Mark! I am glad you have a great idea for the A-Z challenge! :D
DeleteWhen something is important to us it's hard not to keep thinking about it.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, Patsy! :)
DeleteThanks for stopping by!
No, I couldn't forget either. After devoting your heart and soul to a project it's difficult, if not impossible, to remain objective about it. You love the story and want everyone else to feel the same way. Unfortunately, our work doesn't speak to everyone. Be patient, transfer your energy into other projects while you wait. Also, it couldn't hurt to ask God for patience. No, don't do that, He'll make you wait, LOL. Ask for strength to get through this tough time. If all goes well, your nail biting, waiting by the seat of your pants days will be a distant memory when you're published. Best of luck.
ReplyDeleteLOL. You know, I've asked God for everything but. I think I'll work on the prayer! Thanks, Andrea! And I do like your advice--work on other projects. Someone else told me that. Put energy into them, and you'll forget about your queries!
DeleteFirst off, congrats on Finishing (that capitalization is intentional!) and Querying! That's a huge step and one so many writers never even get to, including (so far) me. ;)
ReplyDeleteIt's tough to be unable to control what other people do but know that the insecure writers are at your side cheering for you: Best of luck with those queries!
Thanks Kirsten! You'll get there (and I'll cheer you on)! And I sure am glad to have all of you at my side!
Delete