Friday, September 12, 2008

The long and winding road

I had a dream last night that I was in a car racing uncontrollably backwards. My feet couldn't find the brakes and the steering wheel was missing.

Sometimes our writing careers feel like that moment in the car--rushing in reverse. No matter how many queries or submissions we send out--they all come back.

On Monday, I asked everyone who reads this blog to write down a goal for the week.I did too. Do you want to know why? So that when we feel like we are going in the wrong direction, we have a marker that tells us clearly we aren't.

I met my goal this week--I compiled and sent out a query to an agent. I can place a big check mark next to it-DONE! I really did move forward in this maze called the road to getting a book published.

Now I might have to drive that same road again next week--but I will be more familiar with it and more confident--there will be landmarks I'll recognize despite a few more potholes. But with a little perseverance, I might very well turn the corner and discover that great big blue ocean at the top of my page or one of Joanne's cute cafes. (If you haven't seen her pictures--check out Whole Latte Life.)

On any trip, there will always be those unexpected flat tires, gas fill ups and roadside rests. So it is with the writer's road. I've driven an interesting one this week--how about you?

6 comments:

Joanne said...

I think I'm on that same road. A literary journal I'd submitted to declined my piece for their fall issue, but, and it's a good but, would like to consider it for their winter issue. They'll let me know for sure later this month. So, a bump in the road, but I'm still moving forward!

Vickie said...

I set two goals for this week and didn't meet both of them, but I am happy that I did meet one in a bigger way than I had planned or hoped to.

I started working on my devotional book again. I tweaked a few of that needed some work. I also wrote a completely new one, from going through some notes I wrote months ago. I also wrote a new poem that I had just barely started almost a half year ago.

So I want to say thank you for the encouragement, I have been writing all week long and that's a great accomplishment.

Have a great day in the Lord.
Vickie

Janna Leadbetter said...

My journey was interrupted by an unexpected detour this week. But I'm assessing it, letting it absorb and looking for guidance. I know there's a sign up ahead, which will lead me down the right path.

Great post, Terri! And thanks so much for that kind comment over on my blog. I must say it's you who's such a blessing and encouragement. :)

Angie Ledbetter said...

Landmarks, familiar roads and maps are all handy, but nothing like the guidance we receive by our own experiences. You are doing that! And about that dream/nightmare of not being able to find your car brakes...next time, stick your feet straight through the floorboards like Wilma Flintstone and stop it with your own will power and perseverance. After all, that's what all writers ultimately must do -- Ignore the rules and advice and keep on truckin', listening to our own inner selves!!

4 Life said...

I am big on weekly goal setting - only I call it my 'lists'. I put everything I need to get done on my lists. My lists serve as the map of my week. They help me stay on track when I'm feeling lazy and get be back on track when I stray off.

Linda Hoye said...

I just discovered your blog and wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying it. It's inspiring to be sure! I was suprised to find a post with this title as I recently posted something with the same title on my own blog. Completely different subject, but still what a funny coincidence!