A funny thing happened when I sent my precious manuscript off to the publisher who asked to see it. I turned into an obsessive email checker. Despite knowing the response could be total silence forever – the most likely and typical fate for a first-time manuscript – I secretly hoped the universe would deliver my dream.
For a whole week, I allowed myself the indulgence of hoping to be the exception.
It’s okay, I knew I was having a fantasy. It was fun.
And frankly fun is good. Because writing is a hard slog, in case you wondered. As is re-writing. As is editing. As is re-writing some more. As is getting feedback. As is smiling while you explain to long suffering friends and loved ones that your beloved novel may not be any closer to becoming a physical book with your name on it they can touch and see.
All of which can steal a little bit of your soul on the down days, so I encourage anyone who has written a book to TAKE A DAMN MOMENT and bask in the possibilities.
I basked hard. I sipped Proseco and nibbled Belgian chocolates. I daydreamed. I enjoyed some time in nature. I read other books. Books so good they made me weep and laugh and call a friend to talk about them. I imagined someone liking my book just as much, one day soon. Because it was my fantasy, I imagined not having any more re-writes. It made me smile.
And then I put aside the fantasy and got back to work on the next book. One book does not a career as an author make. If Sunset Surrender does interest a publishing house, they’ll want to know what else I’ve got. They may want rewrites. There will be work. I’m up for it.
That was twelve months ago. I stopped obsessively checking emails. I eventually heard from that publisher and got encouraging feedback, but no sale. But I also sent my book baby out again; to an editor for a manuscript appraisal. Based on that feedback, I’ll keep polishing it and sending it out while I working on the next books in the series, and a little side project that I’ll start sharing details about soon.
So here’s to getting on with it, whatever your ‘it’ is. And to basking whenever you hit a milestone that’s important to you, if not the universe. Life is precious, there is no time to waste not enjoying the ride.
Best wishes to you all for many moments of basking in your life.
