A Journey in Patience

My writing journey has taught me that there are many rocky paths within the larger journey, like being disciplined about writing, and turning criticism into a positive outcome, and learning the virtue of patience. Probably the most difficult is the last one -- patience. No matter how many writers talk of their experiences, waiting months to hear a response from an agent or editor can be agonizing. The key is to move on. Keep writing. In other words, don't put all your eggs in one basket. If you have another manuscript well on it's way to completion, it's easier to put the one (or ones) you've submitted at the back of your mind and concentrate on your new story. Creating is the part of this whole writing journey that uplifts us, not the waiting part. Attending conferences and workshops can also help raise your spirits during the waiting period. It always helps to mingle with other writers. It's also an opportunity to meet agents and editors, providing more places to send your work,another example of not putting all your eggs in one basket. I'm planning to attend the national SCBWI conference in Los Angeles next month and can hardly wait (so to speak). Besides meeting other authors, and hearing from agents and editors, it's a great opportunity to talk to those who have succeeded. I believe that no matter how long you've been writing, there's always room for learning something new. I've found this to be true at every conference I've attended. I've learned that the way to deal with waiting, is to not wait. Patience is a virtue, but nowhere does it say you can't look for ways to stay motivated while you're developing this virtue. Keep writing! Explore new topics, stay in touch with other writers, attend conferences and workshops, read books in your genre...and keep writing.