Is it worth it?

Normally I write Women's Fiction but a story inside my head screamed to come out. You've heard that before, right? Probably said it yourself a few times. So I sat down and wrote what I figured was a suspense novel.

I've tightened the scenes, added elements that hopefully leave the reader with a heightened sense of concern for the main character. I've been taking my time on this book--my eighth one.

Yes, I said eighth. I'm still learning so much despite a mountain of writing books, conferences and critiques. I've finally made myself cut out all telling even though I wanted to keep some for backstory. In this book, I cut dialogue tags and used only action tags, too.

But will this book be good enough to capture the attention of an agent or a publishing house?

Maybe. Maybe not.

I've been writing books for almost eight years. Twice, I quit. One time for several months. But I start again and again, hoping and waiting.

Is it worth it?  All this waiting and wondering and writing and dreaming and hoping?

When do you tell yourself to stop? Go back to articles that pay well. Get a new passion. When do you say writing isn't your thing?

I believe I can never permanently stop. I'll probably be writing ten years from now and twenty hoping I can finally write a story people want to read.

Are you that way too?

So for now I'm waiting and writing and learning. Oh, and plotting my ninth too.