Last week when I put up a post for Insecure Writer’s Day I mentioned how I’m waiting to hear back from agents who have partials or full versions of my manuscript. Needless to say, it can be a bit of a debilitating process and a forced lesson in patience. But fortunately my fellow bloggers/writers came to the rescue with a simple and wise suggestion…write something else for a while!
Indeed, I have taken the advice to heart by working on completing one short-story a week, which is progressing nicely. In addition, I’ve even begun another historical novel on a time period favorite of mine, the age of buccaneers and piracy. Oddly enough, the more I write these days the more I seem to be able to write and I’m particularly enjoying not only having the muse speak to me, but all this writing also really helps take my mind off the manuscript I’m currently circulating with agents.
So a big thanks to all you awesome bloggers/writers for your heartfelt suggestions, they really work! It also really helps that some intrepid authors have volunteered to swap stories with me, providing each other invaluable feedback. So, how do you typically get your mind off the business aspect of the publishing business and focus back on the writing that matters the most to you?
Glad you dove back into writing! That's what helped me the month after my first book came out. Now I'm working on the third even as I gear up to promote a second. Seems like a never-ending cycle.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear that you are back into it...I remind myself to forget the outside and to focus on the part that I can control---just like what you did! Happy Thursday Mark!
ReplyDeleteThe writing is the most important thing to me, so that's what I'm doing now. I mean, I care about getting published and I'll focus on that more some day soon, but querying really does turn me into an obsessive psycho who checks her e-mail every five seconds. Blah. I'm glad to hear you're writing some new stuff while waiting to hear back. I'm sure your sanity is much better for it. :))
ReplyDeleteI could say there's no point worrying about submissions after they've gone out as they're out of your hands, but I know that is far from easy. However, getting back to what you do best is definitely the best remedy!
ReplyDeleteYou've figured out the secret to querying: write another book.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear you're feeling better about waiting and enjoying each and every day as you write to pass the time.
I've completely given up on querying and now I mostly write. I am looking to self-publish this year, so that may change my ability to write, for sure.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're able to accomplish a lot while you do the whole waiting thing. Hope you get good news, too.
That's my secret, yup, yup. Keep writing. That way it calms me down because I can say 'If the one I'm querying doesn't make it, THIS one will be the one'
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you're back into the flow of writing! :)
ReplyDeleteThe days after sending off a query can be difficult. It's hard for me to concentrate at all. So I'll read a book, draw a picture, so something, writing a short story, whatever it takes. Then it seems like I can forget about it until I get my rejection several months later.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you're writing more rather than sitting around stressing out. Is this a great community with wonderful advice?
ReplyDeleteIt is a waiting game so what I do is just keep writing. :)
ReplyDeleteExactly. Write someone new while you wait. Always writing. Always submitting. :)
ReplyDeleteWriting is the best way to distract the mind. Good job on taking the advice and letting it do its work!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to start my first rounds of queries at the beginning of next month, after I get my book back from my fabulous beta's! I'm excited, but nervous. And I know the waiting game can be discouraging. Writing friends are great.
To keep writing is the best way to stop us fretting and worrying about our query and the wait is agonizing to say the least. Glad you have another story to distract you,Mark.
ReplyDeleteThat's what I'm doing while waiting to hear back on my requests. But in a way I'm hoping the agents wait until I finish my first draft. Right now I'm waiting to hear what they have to say before I start work on a revision request. As soon as I do that, I'll have to stop in the middle of my first draft and that would suck.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I tend to forget when working on a new project is sending out more queries. Oops!
I usually work on something new, or dig up something old to see if it can be revived, and try to find something new to send out. Like you, I find that the more I write, the easier the writing comes. Doesn't matter what, either: poetry, lists, and old story, a new idea, journaling. Just write something. Good luck on your submission. Hope it finds a good home!
ReplyDeleteYes, writing something else can keep your mind off the waiting. I usually try to jump right into another full length project, but I like your idea of short stories. I may have to give it a try my next go around. Best of luck with your submissions!
ReplyDeleteAlex – Thanks, it definitely makes a difference.
ReplyDeleteMrsLittleJeans – Indeed, that kind of focus makes a big difference.
L.G. – Agreed, writing must remain the most important aspect.
Nick – Yup, I know what you mean:)
Emily – A secret indeed, a bit of an open one, but much appreciated;)
Susan – Writing is essential, but don’t give upon querying, because the whole writing process ties together and will help you to improve. At least that’s what I’ve found.
Kelley – It is calming. And that’s a good attitude to have.
Eagle – Thanks!
Rusty – Yes, querying can throw me out of my mojo, so it’s always great to get back into the swing of things again.
Lynda – Great advice!
David – Way to go! Keep it up:)
Michelle – Thanks for the support! Good luck on yours!
Rachna – Indeed, that fretting can get troublesome:)
Stina – I know the feeling. It’s weird to be between drafts when you get suggestions from a potential agent but somehow you’ve got to make it all work.
Elizabeth – I like digging up something old myself, it sometimes gives me a great excuse to finally get a beloved draft right:)
Susan – Yup! Glad to be writing and distracted;)