How much waiting is there in a writer’s life?
There are plenty of active
phases in a writer’s life. We study craft. We sit down to write. We gather with
fellow writers for critique. We attend conferences and pitch our stories.
And then we send out queries, proposals, or manuscripts.
Enter, the waiting period.
I’m in a waiting period. I sent off my manuscript and am
awaiting feedback. By the time this posts, I may have it, but I know there will
always come another waiting period.
What do you do with your waiting seasons?
I’ve had a hard time concentrating on any other projects in
the last couple of weeks. I’m preoccupied in the waiting. Wondering what the
feedback will be and praying about what to work on next. But I’m not feeling
especially creative. And for this SOTP (seat-of-the-pants) writer, creativity
is a necessity. (Not to say that if I’m under deadline I can’t coerce some
creative spark; deadlines bring out the best in us, don’t they?)
So, while I await word, how should I use my time? Consider
these ideas next time you’re between creative writing frenzies (high output
seasons):
* Pray. Do you know where you’re going from here? Have you
heard from the Lord about what’s next? Downtimes (waiting periods) are perfect
opportunities to pray about the future.
* Rest. Racing headlong toward deadlines is exhausting,
both physically and mentally (and even emotionally). You’ve been forcing yourself
past feelings of exhaustion just so you could meet your deadline. Now, you don’t
have to drive yourself so hard. Rest. Refuel. Another creative frenzy is likely just around the corner, and you’ll need rest to ward off burnout.
* Study writing craft. This never goes out of season. In
fact, deadlines can motivate us to study as we realize there are holes in our
story. (Note: Sometimes I don’t even know what’s missing, I just know the story
is missing something. At those times
I prayerfully dig into craft study, and God faithfully gives me what I need.)
* Read. Read more books in your genre. Study up on what’s
current. Watch movies. This is part of refueling your creativity as well, and
now’s the time. (Since you probably haven’t had time while aiming for that
deadline.)
* If you can write, write. If the words, the story ideas,
are coming, take advantage of them. Writing gives us experience nothing less provides.
And there may soon be a larger demand on your work. (i.e. your publisher wants to
discuss Book Two, or your agent wants to see your next project)
And know this about waiting seasons, we writers are right
there with you. Chances are most of the writers in your circle are also waiting
on something or other. Let's cheer each other on!
