Work While Waiting

The waiting game for writers can seem endless.

You edit then edit some more, then recheck submission requirements. You push the send button. And wait.

The days and weeks go by and you hear nothing. You check your inbox religiously. Still nothing.

What do you do?

Keep writing. Seek out other projects and ideas. Then write some more.

I had an interesting experience this week with a short story I’d submitted over a year ago. I’d long since given up on hearing back from this publication. All of a sudden, the editor is desperately trying to get ahold of me and even calls me on my cell phone. No one was more surprised, especially because so much “life” and writing had occurred since I’d submitted it. In fact, I was in the midst of moving to another state when the email first was sent to me—and I missed it. EyeRoll

What if I’d just sat and waited and grew discouraged, assuming no one would want my story? I’d have missed out on signing a contract for another book I’d written over a year ago. I’d have missed out on many other opportunities to guest blog and hone my craft.

I could have given up on writing altogether. Perhaps writer’s self-absorption tends to overwhelm us with discouragement at times. It happens to all of us.

A quick fix for that is to offer to help another writer. Be a beta reader for a new manuscript. Help promote a new release for someone else. Go take a walk in fresh air.

Then go back to your cubby hole and write some more.

You never know when that email or phone call may come—out-of-the-blue.

Carry on.

Elaine Marie Cooper has two historical fiction books that recently released: War’s Respite (Prequel novella) and Love’s Kindling. Love’s Kindling is available in both e-book and paperback. They are the first two books in the Dawn of America Series set in Revolutionary War Connecticut. Cooper is the award-winning author of Fields of the Fatherless and Bethany’s Calendar. Her 2016 release (Saratoga Letters) was finalist in Historical Romance in both the Selah Awards and Next Generation Indie Book Awards. She penned the three-book Deer Run Saga and has been published in numerous magazines and anthologies. You can visit her website/ blog at www.elainemariecooper.com