Week 16:

Here I sit, cobwebs filling my mind, as I wait. Never was good at waiting. I almost will gladly accept another “no,” rather than wait to hear a “yes.” But let me tell you about my recent weekend conference where I heard a wonderful author who inspired me so much, I couldn’t wait to rush right out and buy some of her books. The line to get her autograph stretched all across that conference hall and out the door. I should have done what many others did- buy the book and get the autograph later. But I didn’t. For 2 days I tried. Finally on last day, I had slim pickings, but I did get a quick chat with the author. Why is it every author seems to live the dream life and I don’t? Oh yeah…I haven’t sold anything, yet. Oh yeah, I’m still waiting to hear back.  And so I wait…

Week 15

Did the editor receive my submission or did it get gobbled up as spam? Did she forget ever expressing interest? Maybe this time it didn’t even make it to her desk. Maybe an intern took one look and decided it wasn’t what they were looking for. This is a game we all play when it comes to submissions. You’re never really sure your submission makes it to the destination until you hear back, sometimes weeks/months later. So in the meantime, we wait…

Or, we take this opportunity to start a new project or revisit an old one. A good way to pick up an old story is to read over the outline or read through what you’ve already written. Chances are, the characters will step up and step in. Sometimes, they’ll follow along right where you left them, but other times, they’ll leap off in a new direction. Either way, you’re writing. And that’s the best way to manage your time while playing the waiting game.

Week 14 - The End or The Beginning-depends on how you look at it:

I’ve finally come to the end of the MOUNTAIN LAUREL rewrite. I’ve proofed until I’m blue in the face (now where did that saying come from? I’ll have to ask “Mama.” If you read the story, you’ll understand.)

Every word, every sensory notation, every visual scene has been a labor of love. But it’s time to put it to bed, once and for all. I’m not saying I don’t have another rewrite in me. I’m just saying, my creative juices need freed to roam elsewhere.

At any rate, it has been sent to the editor. Now, we wait.

Week 13:

The sunshine is pouring in my window and my happy feet are tapping as I type this. I’ve printed a hard copy of MOUNTAIN LAUREL and I’m slowly reading through it one last time. So far, I’ve deleted some fluff, but no major overhauls. I’m thinking the story is in pretty good shape. Am I a good judge at this point or is it wishful thinking? We’ll see what the Editor thinks. My plan is to whisk this latest version off by end of the week. Fingers crossed!