I've always enjoyed this hop because it gives me a chance to talk about the things that inspire me as a writer, one of my fave topics. If you haven't participated be sure to check it out and join in the fun! The linky-list link is at the bottom of my post. (Linky-list link. Try saying that ten times fast.)
The topic I'm choosing this week is waiting. As writers we do a lot of it. First waiting to get an idea. Then waiting to finish the story. To get critiques. To do edits. To find an agent. To find a publisher...etc...etc...When you are a writer, the waiting literally never stops.
And, sometimes I find it frustrating but, for the most part I find it inspiring. I love getting up and
If I never had anything out on submission, I don't think I'd be as driven to keep writing. While it does make me nervous, I also like the thrill of anticipating good responses. And while I'm waiting, I'm inevitably inspired to fill up my time with writing more, so I have more things to submit, and more responses to wait on.
And it's not just about submissions. One of my favorite things to wait on is critiques. I know a lot of people are super nervous about receiving them. I've even met other writers who dread the critique and the inevitable rewrites/doubts it brings. But, to me, each critique is a new and exciting opportunity to see my work through someone else's eyes. I love finding out what works and what doesn't. What could possibly be more exciting than someone pointing out how I can make my work better?
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I enjoy critiques of my work. Part of that is due to the fact my critique partners are hilarious and I laugh all the way through their comments. How can anyone be upset with a critique like that?
ReplyDeleteThis is an enthusiastic and upbeat post, which makes me feel so out of step with other writers. Getting crits is great. CPs honestly want to help and not crush your soul and your art. I don't feel that way about the rest of the publishing industry. I should probably join a writers anonymous meeting. "Hi, I'm Lexa, I haven't written for 9 months. I don't have writer's block, I'm just too demoralized by the rejections to continue, even with an agent and an almost-signed contract." Sorry for being such a whiner...
ReplyDeleteThanks for replying on my blog. I have to count my blessing about what I've accomplished and to have great friends like you! <3
DeleteWhat a seriously cool way of looking at waiting - but I have to admit I enjoy the waiting for the good news over the bad :)
ReplyDeletePS... OMGosh, you *simply* have to get to Key West and when you do, email me or tweet me and I will do my best to *hook a sistah up*
(I used to live in Key Weird, so still have a couple of friends down there :)
with queries, i expected rejections or no response... thats the norm and i accepted that.
ReplyDeletecrits are gifts to me, love opening them, love feedback, no matter what it is. i learn & improve from others' perspectives!
now i am waiting on an editor, eager to finish the last stages before publishing, this waiting is the hardest yet! you think you're done, but you're not. i want to be done already! want my finished product in my hot little hands!
great thinking post!
have a lovely weekend!
When I've got queries out I try not to think about them too much, as the pins and needles on which I wait are unpleasantly sharp. I recently got a work back from an editor I've hired and enjoyed reading her notes. I agreed with numerous things and groaned when I realized I'd need to edit (more!). But it's my soul's work, as opposed to mundane work, so it's a joy to tackle, really. (I'm telling myself that to psyche myself up to do it.) :-)
ReplyDeleteSome Dark Romantic
I love this post...me the waiting seems to get me sometimes, but I do agree keeping busy helps us escape in our work! Escape is good ;D
ReplyDeleteNicely done!!!
I've only submitted the one flash fiction. I did my best not to think about it over the next few days/weeks/whatever it was. You have such a positive outlook on waiting.
ReplyDeleteI think the waiting game (and critiquing) would drive me nuts :( I'd be super anxiety bound any big project I've been working on. I want the critique, but never thought it would have to be sent in anywhere to do so. Guess I'm not completely sure how it works.
Seems like a great blog hop! I am doing one or two others, but if able I may check this one out. I'm usually bad about getting it in on time, which likely defeats the purpose of a blog hop >.<
Jak at The Cryton Chronicles & Dreams in the Shade of Ink