On my heart

A few of my friends and family members have stayed the course with me as I seek publication for a novel. A few have stopped asking me when or what I'm now writing. A few question if I am making any money with my writing. A few never ask me anything anymore.

But that's okay.

I wrote my first novel back in the nineties. Sent it out and had the best personal rejection letter ever sent to me by a now very-gifted writer/editor. Then I quit writing. It was the age before you could submit via email so it was a lot more difficult to query. Fast forward to eight years ago when I decided to try again since I'd had minor success with non-fiction. I remember my friends getting excited for me whenever an article made it into publication.

Writing a novel takes time and sadly you don't see quick results. I'm working on my eighth one now. I actually like my seventh but am not confident it's where it should be yet. I'm also down to one friend who occasionally asks about my work.

I think about the day I get a contract. I say that because I know that day will come if I persevere. I think about what person I will call first after my husband. I think about if that person will recognize the time and energy and prayers that went into getting a first contract.

I know the answer, of course. Only another writer can understand that moment and what it means.

So today I'm thankful to know so many writers who like me are persevering, waiting and hoping.