The Waiting Game

Photo Credit: LSarabia/Creative Commons

Is there anything harder than waiting?

Hmmm.

I can think of relatively little. 

Think check-out lanes. Stoplights. Doctors offices. Payday.

Think of those interminable, stress-filled moments right before a test. A speech. A meeting.

Or…if you’re a writer, think seasons. That word at least puts the process in a polite frame of reference.

Though waiting and seasons aren’t always synonymous, seasons are generally equated with time. Now, our time of seasoning can mean a delightful dance down the primrose path, but more often than not, we experience the opposite.

In fact, we often put away our heels in favor of hiking boots.

Why?

Well, because writers who travel the path for a long time don’t waltz their way anywhere. We’ve learned to preserve our energy. In other words, if we’re to survive the waiting game, we must resign ourselves to the fact that ours is a different journey. 

And I’m going to tell you the truth. Here’s what that journey (the wait) means:

Resiliency: The ability to bounce back from difficult knocks. Again, and again, and yes, even again.

Thick skin: The glow of perseverance despite adversity.

Iron stomach: The tenacity needed to suck it up and start all over. One word at a time.

Open mind: The vision you see before you–with the understanding God may change that.

High Road: The maturity you demonstrate when you’d sometimes rather not.

Courage: The stamina you muster to push past self-doubt.

And another reality…

Compared to labor, writing is THE hardest thing I’ve ever done. Your comparison may be different.

I think the biggest piece of advice I would give to beginning writers is this: if your ambition is to write, embrace it with your whole heart–but do it realistically. Pie-in-the-sky thinking will only lead to early burn-out.

Writers work. Smart ones know when to rest.

Do things that will enhance your career. Take classes, read craft books, and join writers groups. Rally critique partners–other writers with compassionate hearts and selfless intent. And above all, keep your goal front and center. Write it down if you have to so it’s a visual reminder. (Personally I’m a big believer in Post-it notes. And dry erase boards–with fun, colorful markers!)

And last, but not least, remember who you are during the waiting game.

Come on. Say it with me.

I’m a writer.

I. Am. A. Writer.

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Don’t miss this encouraging blog post by Andy Andrews, author of The Traveler’s Gift: Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success. He amassed 51 rejections for this bestseller, two of which are now framed and hanging on the wall of his office! Be sure and read the post in its entirety.

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What are some things you’ve learned during the wait?

What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever waited for ? 

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Photo Credit: LSarabia/Creative Commons

 Blessings Always,