How to…be patient in writing

By Lisa M Cronkhite

Are you one of those people that can't stand waiting in lines at the grocery store? Anxious to get a phone call or email? Especially from and agent or editor? [note from Julia - HELL YES! ] Well, I am that type of person too. Learning to be patient is one of my weakest attributes in life.

I first started writing poetry years ago. Then when I finally showed someone, they liked it so much, they thought I should send it somewhere. So I thought, well, why not? No one told me I would wait up to a year to hear back. But when I first got a response, it became addictive. And when I got my first acceptance, I was hooked.

But the process of waiting is a long one in this industry, and it's very difficult for some, if not many. The ways that I cope to try to relax and wait, is to start on something new. Keep writing. Keep exercising your right to write! And enjoy the freedom of having a pen and paper handy. Because you can escape anywhere in writing. And it helps pass the time too while you're waiting! Plus you will build not only your writing skills, you will have more to submit.

Also give yourself room to breathe and enjoy life. Open your mind to new things and new hobbies. Don't put all your eggs in one basket (cliché as it is) but still. It is always good to have something else in the wings.

If you want this to be your life career, then you'll need all the patience you can get. Keep your options open at all times. And play the field in writing, find your niche. It took me several years to figure out my voice, from poetry to children's stories to young adult novels. So what are you waiting for? Don't wait, write now. And then when those emails do come, it will much more worth the wait.

Bio:

Lisa has been writing for the past seven years and has published work in various print and online magazines such as The Storyteller, Poetry Salzburg Review, Triggerfish Critical Review, Ascent Aspirations, and many more. After taking a two-year writer's course at the Institute of Children's Literature, based in Connecticut, Lisa has received a certificate and six college credits.

Lisa's latest release, Dreaming a Reality is out today!

You can find out more here