Writers and Patience

 

The quote on today's poster can be summed up in one word: Patience. New writers are filled with inspiration and want to be published asap. Experienced writers look back at that feeling and know that being published doesn't happen only because a writer wants it.

We don't get in a writing elevator and zoom to the top floor without making a stop. We must go step by step. Between each step, we can get tired. We can get frustrated. We can become disappointed. We can become angry. 

It's important to realize that the writing journey is made one step at a time. We stay on some of the steps longer than others. A lot depends on how open a writer is to getting critiques from other writers, taking time to read a great deal about the writing world, and how patient that writer is.

Patience is a virtue. We know that. Even so, we can't run out and buy a quart of patience. We can't put it on like a shawl or Batman's cape. We can't wave a magic wand and have patience rain upon us with sparkle and glitter. Each one of us must acquire patience in our writing world a little bit at a time. We must keep reminding ourselves that waiting is what is needed in many instances in our writing world. 

Patience is of prime importance when we submit for publication. Very few editors make decisions as soon as they read what we send. Some take a great deal longer than others. Meanwhile, the writers must use patience while waiting to get a response. When you submit a piece, start working on another, or submit something else right away. Don't sit around and chew your nails waiting to hear. Sadly, some publications contact the writer only if the submission is accepted. A long silence means your work was rejected, and you'll never know the reason. All writers hate that, but it's something we learn to take in stride. 

We also should learn to have patience with ourselves. Don't beat yourself up when things don't happen as you hoped. If something you're working on doesn't work out today, maybe it will tomorrow, or next week. If you're not a roaring success in a year, keep working, keep reading about writing, keep growing. The word that goes hand in hand with patience for writers is perseverance. 

Don't expect miracles overnight. Keep moving on your writing journey one step at a time. If you are truly passionate about writing, it will be worthwhile.