The waiting game, part 2

During the months I waited while the publishing companies reviewed my book, I was definitely keeping busy. In my other life as a medical illustrator, I was bolstering my animation portfolio, looking for more clients, and keeping my own visual communication skills up. I made up projects for myself, volunteering people I knew who had advanced science degrees to help me check the science, and then executed the projects. You can see and have been reading my busy-bee-ness at my vimeo and facebook pages. And that only tells half the story, honestly.

I remember one time getting a notice for registered mail. Now, I NEVER get registered mail, but this one happened to come at about the time one waiting period was coming to an end. I convinced myself it could BE the letter of acceptance I had been dreaming about and longing for. I ruled out every other possibility: being sued, being served a subpoena, winning Publishers’ Clearinghouse, being called to jury duty….So I logically concluded it was a letter saying my book was to be published AND given a bazillion-dollar budget for marketing alone.

You all know I self-published and that it was NOT that coveted letter. The reason I tell this story is to help you understand the agony and devastation we artists feel when our work is “rejected.” We do want the feedback and we strive to perfect our work, but these pieces, whether written, illustrated or both, are truly our blood, sweat and tears. Which is to say, they are a piece of us.

So, these waiting periods become unbearable at times. This does sound melodramatic, but it’s a simple fact I wish didn't affect me. What I do do well is move on. There’s one piece of advice I am good at following!