The Waiting Game–Are You Poised for Success?

In the writing world, fewer things are harder than the wait.

Whether it’s the expectation of what may happen or the weight of what won’t, writers tend to catalog their success by others’ acknowledgement.

Why?

Because we’re human.

We’re either stymied by fear of the unknown or invigorated by possibility. Poised for success…or not.

It should be about our work. We should channel our effort into the next manuscript or that new project and not worry so much about what others say, think, or do, but let’s face it.

Affirmation matters.

We want to be liked and thought well of.

And it’s the same with our work.

Now if you missed last week’s post (You’re a Winner Wednesday) I said this:

We’re not winners because others say we are.

We’re winners because of who Christ has called us to be.

And I referenced this scripture:

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.  (Ephesians 2:10 NIV)

(Don’t forget to read the entire passage for the complete message there.)

Back to the other point—what about that wait?

I’ll be honest.

Waiting is one of the worst things on the planet.

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.

We can let the wait cripple us or propel us forward.

We can poise ourselves for success by taking action—by doing.

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 writing 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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SHARE THE ENCOURAGEMENT

As you dig in for the wait, encouragement to cheer you on.

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What to do during the wait and how it determines success.

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MORE LOVIN’

Writer Courageous

Passion: 15 Tips to Kick-Start Our Creativity

When to Veer Direction and When to Stay the Course

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OF INTEREST TO WRITERS

Acquiring an agent isn’t easy. Literary agent Janet K. Grant shares the skinny here.

Books & Such Literary Management is included in the Top 50 Writing Blogs of 2015.

So proud to be represented by this fabulous team! Check out all the winners!

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ONE FOR THE ROMANTICS

Love Lost via Edward Grinnan

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What have you learned during the wait?

Any tips?

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And as always…

Blessings Always,