This post is part of the monthly blog hop/therapy session known as the Insecure Writers Support Group, founded by the one and only, Alex J. Cavanaugh. If you're a writer, insecure, or just supportive of writers—insecure or not—please join us. It happens the first Wednesday of each month.
I encourage everyone to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words will be appreciated.
Today’s optional question: What is one valuable lesson you’ve learned since you started writing?
What lesson have I learned?
Everything takes longer than you think. Find patience.
"Patience is the greatest of all virtues"- Cato the Elder 234 BC-149 BC
**years ago**
Me: My manuscript’s ready!
Patience: Not yet. Edit.
Me: Did it. Now I’m ready.
Patience: Nope. Keep editing.
Me: Did it. For sure, my manuscript is ready.
Patience: Not yet. Firm up the storyline.
Me: OK, done, now can I query?
Patience: Flesh out the characters.
Me: OK, did it. I have to be ready now, no?
Patience: Not even close. Find a beta reader.
Me: OK did that too. I’m ready to query.
Patience: You need to research agents. Personalize each one.
Me: EH! This is taking too long!! I want to query now!
Patience: Your query isn't ready. It can’t be over 300 words.
Me: Seriously?
Patience: Cut, revise, tighten. Have someone read your query.
Me: I’ve written a whole manuscript! Why can’t I write a query?!
Patience: Just do it!
Me: Phew! Done! Finite! Now am I ready?
Patience: Yes. Let the querying begin!
Me: Hey Cato! Maybe patience was a virtue to you...
But to me...
Patience is a royal pain in the patootie! (with benefits)
How 'bout you? Got patience?
Always,
Em-Musing
