February 18, 2009
Once again, I’ve slipped into one of those periods when no one will answer my e-mails or get back to me. It’s a terribly frustrating time, especially as I’ve sent out a number of queries for novels to editors and agents. Silence from them can mean they’re not interested in my work…or it can mean they really like it but don’t have the time to get back to me. It’s enough to drive me crazy.
The best strategy, though, is to keep writing. Keep working on the current project, in this case my new novel, and stop worrying about the silence. Keep sending out queries to other editors and agents, too. Keep the balls in the air, don’t give up and obsess about the people who aren’t getting back to me. As has been the case so often in my fiction writing career (and my life in general), I must once more learn the lesson of patience. I have to keep things in perspective and keep the demons of impatience and paranoia at bay. Easier said than done, of course, but it’s all part of the writer’s life. The Fictioneer’s way.
So there you have it. Maybe I’ll hear back from someone soon, and it’ll be good news. Meanwhile, I’m on Day 3 of my current streak, plowing forward on the new novel. I think you’re going to like it. Correction: I know you’ll like it!
Now, I’m going to leave you with another travel photo from the archives. This time, it’s from last year: me and one of the greats, the one and only Mark Twain, in the lobby of the Hamilton Princess Hotel in Bermuda. (Did you know Mr. Twain spent a good deal of time in Bermuda?) What a beautiful place to visit! But take my advice and stay on the island instead of cruising there! See you tomorrow!
