Right here, right now

Whoops! This happened a couple weeks ago but I keep forgetting to mention: I heard back from the Major Publisher, and they passed on Twenty-Somewhere. Yes, it was definitely a bummer, but I never had any expectations, only hope. Plus they were very complimentary, and even invited me to submit other manuscripts, so there was a silver lining. That’s actually pretty good for this biz.

The whole process (from contest to submission to querying) with 20SW was a fantastic learning experience, and it connected me to some great people — other writers, as well as potential agents. In fact, I’ve got a list of the agents that responded favorably to me, and I plan to query them with my next project (an awesome YA novel!) soon.

To be honest, other than that, there hasn’t been much going on with me. Work, write, try to live a little. That’s my day, every day. I struggle with the usual problems (not wasting my time, not freezing up when I’m faced with a blank page), and I cope in the usual ways (Yagoot). Sometimes I get very restless, impatient, desperate for the start of the career I’m working towards. But lately I’ve been reminding myself to enjoy this phase, to relish this time when I’m writing (mostly) for myself. I will get “there” someday. Someday soon, I hope. But for right now, I’m “here,” and I need to appreciate that too.

So, things I appreciate:

  • Last night Andy helped me take the wheels off my desk, thereby lowering it a couple inches and hopefully easing the strain on my wrists and shoulders when I write.
  • I’ve started using Freedom again, working in 20 minute blocks and then giving myself 5-10 minute breaks. It’s amazing what you can accomplish in 20 minutes, if you’re focused.
  • I like working late at night, when the lights are out, the world is quiet, and Andy and Riley are sleeping peacefully nearby. My characters slowly come out of hiding, out of the shadows and onto the glowing screen.
  • The air is cooling, and the leaves are turning to fire. Fall is my favorite time of year.
  • It’s Friday!

What do you appreciate about where you are right now?


15 responses to “Right here, right now”

  1. Les Avatar

    Oh man I wish I could think of something… hmm. I appreciate that I get to sleep in tomorrow? Hahaha. Life isn’t bad but it’s so hectic I don’t think I can pick anything out!

  2. Shari Avatar

    I’m so, so sorry that they decided to pass on it. As cliche as it sounds, you should be really, really proud for having gotten so far, though. The journey to break into this field is such an emotional roller coaster, but I genuinely believe it’s one that will pay off for us all in the end. In the meantime, it’s important to keep that optimism intact and embrace the passion for writing that fuels the fire in the first place.

    And like you said, sometimes taking the time to focus on the “right now” can be inspiring in its own right. Love your list – the one about writing at night stood out to me immediately. I always find it so fascinating how different writers embrace different styles, methods, etc. I’m an early morning writer, but like you, I crave the quiet and the peace.

    Things to appreciate:

    -For the first time in over a week, the sky is blue and doesn’t have a cloud in sight. Last Friday we got six inches of rain, so this is a wonderful improvement.

    -Getting to see one of my favorite singers (and people) ever at Carnegie Hall in just over a week. Can’t wait!

    -Having a manuscript to work on that I genuinely love … the excitement and joy it gives can’t be surpassed :-)

  3. Sonja Avatar

    I’m enjoying the cool weather, too. I also think that fall is my favorite time of year. I’m appreciating the last of the sailing season and looking forward to curling (!) in a couple of weeks. I’m also feeling good that my kids are transitioning well into their first school experiences.

  4. T.S. Bazelli Avatar

    It’s thanksgiving on Monday here so this post is rather timely! I love the smell of the fall, when you’re beneath the trees. It’s like subtle perfume. The colors of the trees make me happy too, but they haven’t quite started changing yet. It’s just starting.

    I also really appreciate all the people I’ve met via blogging ;) and the opportunities that writing has been opening up. I’m looking forward to the future, but enjoying the ride too!

  5. Lee Avatar

    I’m sorry to hear the publisher decided to pass. Congrats on putting together such a good project, though, and making so many important steps towards your eventual and inevitable literary world domination.

  6. gingermandy Avatar

    silver lining is good! more motivation to keep on working :)

    i like the look of this Freedom thing. might try it out. having a full-time job again means more time and less guilt about writing for “me” and projects i want to do.

  7. Joelle Avatar

    I guess you could say it was more about the journey than the destination. Yagoot? May have to make a sojourn to check that out. the website looks good, delicious, tasty …etc…. :) What I appreciate right now at this particular moment in time – Count Chocula cereal really I had that for a late lunch. Kind a blast form the past thing. Fridays are always good, especially during the school year.

  8. Saba Avatar

    I’m sorry the publisher passed on your novel. I think it’s great that you’re staying motivated and like you said, there is a silver lining. They’re open to you sending more of your work which is good.

    Right now I appreciate the winding down of hurricane season. It rained non-stop all of last week so I’m definitely glad it’s almost over.

  9. Brittney Avatar

    I love posts like this, because I all too often I forget the appreciate the now because I am soooooo concerned with the future!

  10. Heather Pranitis Avatar

    I appreciate my health, my friends and family. I also have a job I really enjoy and a great boss. Bern, my boyfriend. And how could I forget Starbucks. Too funny, I know. I definitely appreciate the cooler weather we are having. Have a great weekend! Make it a great one.

  11. Heather Pranitis Avatar

    By the way, sorry to hear about the pass on Twenty-Somewhere. However, you a great writer and push on forward.

  12. Kristan Avatar

    Les-
    Sleeping in is a VERY legitimate thing to be appreciative of.

    Shari-
    Thanks for the kind words and encouragement. :) Who’s the fave singer/person?

    Sonja-
    Ooh, are they both enjoying school now?

    T.S.-
    Happy Thanksgiving! And… ;)

    Lee-
    World domination, eh? I was aiming a BIT lower than that… but maybe I should set my sights higher!

    Mandy-
    Ooo, new job? Do tell!

    Joelle-
    Beware of Yagoot! I am ADDICTED. I seriously go once a week, sometimes twice…

    Saba-
    No hurricanes = good indeed!

    Brittney-
    It’s so easy to always look forward! And it’s not a bad thing. It gives the now additional purpose, you know?

    Heather-
    Bern, what a cool name. Sounds like you have a lot to be appreciative of. :) And thanks!

  13. Shari Avatar

    Melinda Doolittle (from American Idol) … she is not only one of the most talented people I know, but one of the sweetest ever :-)

  14. Kristan Avatar

    Aww, Melinda DID seem like a sweetheart! I really liked her.

  15. Jon Avatar

    Hey! Great post. Sorry to hear about the major publisher, but I’m sure this time next project they’ll be calling you for a development deal.

    I am grateful for all of the freelancing gigs I found in the past year. Whether I ever earn money from any of these is another story, haha.