As writers, we plot the lives of our imaginary characters. We devise Inciting Incidents. Plan Disappointments and Disasters that all lead to inevitable Black Moments. We interrupt our characters lives so they’ll learn the spiritual truths they need to embrace on their way to happily-ever-afters.
But what about us?
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I know it’s happened to you. You’re tired, overworked, overwhelmed and trying to just keep your head above water in the middle of your world falling apart. Then right in the middle of your perfect storm some well-meaning loved one says something like, “When life throws you lemons, just make lemonade.”
Seriously?
Congratulations for resisting the urge to hurl them through a plate glass window. Never mind the fact that you HATE the lemonade they suggested you make with the sour fruit you seem to be overrun with at the moment, and the fact that lemons make you break out in hives.
They really did mean well. They just didn’t know what to say and somehow felt obligated to say something. But that’s for another blog post. Here’s the meat I want to get to.
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It’s bound to happen.
Your publishing dreams will be challenged.
Stifled. Stomped on. Trampled like an old dirty rag.
You quiver with doubt.
You shake with despair.
“When will I ever achieve my goal?”
Hang in there. The publishing road is well-worn with folks just like you.
The millions of authors who have gone before you and made the publishing path just a little bit wider.
A little bit smoother.
Writing a novel is hard work.
It requires dedication. Devotion. Unending hours of butt-in-chair.
But the business of publishing is even more of a challenge.
Your critique partner gets “the call.”
You don’t.
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I realized the importance of layovers. Direct flights aren’t always possible, so planes land to let off passengers, then refuel for the next flight. Layovers allow passengers a chance to stretch their legs, catch their breath and maybe grab something to eat.
We, as writers, need layovers in our lives. When we’re juggling family, church, work, friends, sporting activities, school functions and trying to meet deadlines, we can become exhausted very quickly.
We need to schedule layovers in our daily planning so we can refuel our bodies and our minds. We need to learn to delegate, say no and prioritize our commitments. We need to take time to sit and enjoy our surroundings. We need to relax and reflect.
Read the Rest
