Patience, My Dear
Some people have writer’s block. Some have an inner critic/editor that seizes them up. Personally, I have an impatient little voice that wants it now.
Right now.
You heard me.
Published now. Perfect now. Fix that thing in your manuscript that you aren’t developed enough as a writer to fix–yeah that one, fix it now. Let’s get these edits done now. Come on, now. Now, now, now. New story down on the screen. Now. Right now.
Okay, it isn’t really that bad. But it is a bit impatient. I was sitting here trying to figure out how long I’ve been ‘writing’. From what I figure, I think it has only been two years. Somehow that can’t be right. I have learned so much. I’ve learned more in the past two years than I could have even guessed there to be about writing. But it is true. Only two years. Can that really be right? I’m working on manuscript number five. Sure, the first two are pretty much trash. The third has some major progression issues and number four isn’t particularly unique despite that fact that is is fine technically. Number five keeps stalling out. But really, I have learned and accomplished so much in the past two years that I should be proud and pleased. Yet, I apply the pressure to progress. To learn. To grow. To improve. To get an agent. To get published. To make a name for myself. And I think I am improving, growing, progressing. Actually, I know that I am! I can see the difference. And it has been a fun journey so far, and I’m not going to give up. While I may be learning huge things now, I am sure there is a lifetime of fine tuning progression to look forward to. I don’t think I’m going to get bored of this writing thing any time soon.
And while I am not wishing away the ‘now’ of my career–I am eager to taste the next step. And it’s because I am excited. I like doing this. I am having so much fun that it can only get better. I’ve never had this much fun having other people criticise me and my work. I’ve rarely had this much fun learning something new. I’ve rarely been this eager to get up in the morning and get down to whatever it is that I am working on. I even turn on my computer before breakfast–which for me is incredible.
I’m happy when I write. And while I enjoy this stage–which I feel is an important base for later on–I am excitedly anticipating the next one. It’s going to be great and I can hardly wait!
