by Michelle Sass Aleckson, @Jesses_girl4evr
Waiting. I hate waiting. Waiting rooms, waiting in traffic, waiting in lines, waiting on hold. In this Instant Pot world, “waiting” is not a popular concept.
So, I hate to break it to you, but as a prepublished novelist, there’s a lot of waiting. Waiting for the right agent to see your potential. Waiting for contest results. Waiting for that elusive contract.
But waiting doesn’t have to be stagnant. No need to sit around watching that water boil in your Instant Pot…or that email inbox. Here are some ideas to keep you busy with a purpose:
- Write. Yeah, obvious, I know. But you’re a writer, so stop twiddling those thumbs and go ahead and write! If your first book is done, start on the next one.
- Learn something new. There are so many resources to grow your writing skills. Read a book on writing craft or take an online course like many available on NovelAcademy. Pick a craft element to improve on and go for it!
- Contests and conferences and clubs…oh my. If you want to be published, these are great ways to learn about the industry. Contests will give you valuable feedback. Conferences and local writing groups will nurture connections and friendships, as well as give you face-to-face opportunities to meet with the people in the publishing world. With online webinars like My Book Therapy you can hone your skills and meet other writers all from the comfort of your own home! In your jammies! I jest not! (Hint: when budgets are an issue, apply for conference scholarships, search for free online writers groups, and look at connecting on social media with other writers, agents, and editors.)
- Read. Read in and out of your genre. Read for pleasure. Read to learn. You get the idea. Just read. If you’re anything like me, any excuse to get to that TBR pile will do. But it’s not just an excuse. It’s a great way to stay informed on the latest releases in your field and to grow as a writer too.
- Serve. Take full advantage of a waiting period and find ways to serve others. Write reviews for books you read (See #4). Judge a contest. (The season is upon us!) Help critique a buddy’s WIP. Every best-selling author out there had help along their journey. Give someone a hand while you have the time.
- Work on that platform. Like it or not, a writer must connect with readers through social media. Pick one or two options and learn how to interact with readers. If you don’t know any of the social media outlets see #2. And believe me, I’m preaching to the choir here!
Waiting is not always fun, but it can be productive. It serves a purpose. It is in the waiting where seeds of patience and humbleness are cultivated. Self-discipline grows here too. It is not wasted time. The fruit will ripen. The time will come. Just you wait and see.
How about you? What do you like to do when you have time to kill?
In waiting I’m vulnerable. My desire to write is acute and the longer I wait, the stronger I am aware of this desire. Is it a passing whim? Or is this a deep-down calling? What am I willing to do about it? Will I write despite disappointments? Will I write in the hard times? Will I make room for it in the busyness of life? Will I keep writing while I wait?
Waiting sifts the whims from the calling.
In this season of waiting, I have choices. Choices that will grow my soul. If in my vulnerable state I draw closer to my Savior, to find my sense of identity and worth in Him rather than getting that million-dollar book contract, my life becomes richer with fellowship, quieter with confidence, and secure in The One Who Is The Same Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.
Or I can become frantic in the waiting, uncertain if I’m good enough, desperate to prove my worth through my writing. Any day now! How much longer?
Michelle Sass Aleckson grew up on both the east and west coasts and has traveled the world, but now enjoys living the country life in central Minnesota with her husband and four children. She loves rocking out to 80’s tunes on a Saturday night and playing board games with family and friends. She’s a graduate of Novel Academy’s Storycrafter course, and she won the 2018 Genesis Award for Romantic Suspense and the 2018 Cascade Award for Contemporary Fiction. Connect with her at michellealeckson.com!