The Waiting Game

[G]

Some years ago I led a writer's workshop, and afterwards, an older gentleman asked the question: "I've been waiting for an editor to respond to my manuscript for five months . . . when should I begin writing something else instead of sitting around doing nothing?"

I'm not sure how common this question is, but I have a short answer: "Get writing and stop sitting!"

The fact is, any writer who is attempting to keep his or her skills in pique condition, who is attempting to produce a constant pipeline of work, just can't wait. Or, another way to state it: while you're waiting on a response to one book, one essay, one poem, or one proposal, get cracking on something else.

And keep good records.

Over the weekend I realized that I'm waiting on no less than a dozen editors to "get back to me" and, if I count those editors who are being approached by my agent, this number might be more like two or three dozen. But I can't wait on these replies before I decide to write my next piece. Rather, I jot down the name of the proposal or other work on an index card, the date and the editor who is reviewing said piece, slip the card into a file, and then forget about it. Months, sometimes MANY months later, I might get a letter, a phone call, an email or a note by carrier pigeon informing me that "it's all over between us" or "you've got yourself a date, buster."

I must confess, however, that I am anxious about a few proposals and essays that I have sent out weeks ago. I expect big things from a few of these, especially the ones that I consider worthy of high consideration or the ones I believe have great merit. But even so . . . I'm not waiting around chewing my cud or sitting next to the mail box waiting for the letter to arrive.

Writing is like a bowel movement. You gotta keep things moving daily, like clockwork, or the words get constipated.

How's that for an inspiring image? Write on!