Then I begin re-editing and polishing the work until eventually I decide it’s done and ready to print off. Popping it in the postbox, I walk away with a hopeful, excited flutter running through me.
Then I wait.
All the while, as the hours stretch into days, then weeks and months I try to get on with my life, while every day stretches out like its own personal month and I try to tell myself to forget about the manuscripts. Just be patient. As I wait, I day dream like Walter Mitty, imagining how awesome it will be when the manuscript is accepted.
In quieter moments, I pluck the possibilities: 'accepted', 'declined', 'accepted' like petals in a game of 'He loves me, he loves me not! '
Naturally I want everyone to love my literary offspring as much as I do, while knowing full well that although this would be awesome, it isn’t always possible.
What do you do?
Hi Madeleine!
ReplyDeleteI too daydream, rather more than is strictly necessary, I've found in recent months the best way to fill this waiting time is to keep writing.
The best advice I was given was to have lots of your work 'out there'. That way, when I get a rejection, I can think 'Never mind, there's still several more out there with a chance'
Best wishes
x
Awh bless you, thanks. That is sound advice. I'm currently writing a novel, so I switch between that and magazine submissions and competition entries.
ReplyDeleteI just need to learn to 'let go' more, maybe?
Madeleine x
Would echo P & P's advise, Madeleine. The rejections are certainly less painful if you still have 'something' out there! x
ReplyDelete