I used to believe writing a novel was the most challenging part of being a writer. The countless hours I put into writing, outline, day dreaming and researching a plot consumed my thoughts entirely after my daughter went to bed. When I would drive to see my Dad or sister, I would have an hour to scheme and come up with twists or smooth out the rough spots int he plot. However, now I am forced to learn an entirely new concept…waiting.
For those of you who have gone through the writing process or are currently doing so, you might say, “Well, what about the query process?”
For any new writers, the query is, without a doubt, the most important thing you will ever write. What about a manuscript? It’s a step above that. Why, you ask? Because you could have an amazing story but no agent will touch it unless you can dazzle them with a well-written query. So, it is crucial.
So anyway, back to my previous thought. The query process is easier to stomach because even while you’re waiting for a response for an agent, you can easily fill your time with searching out other agents or editing your manuscript. Once you have an agent and they are finding a publisher, there is nothing an author can do but relax and start a new project. So, like usual, I sit on my anxiety, come up with new plot ideas, and wait for my beta readers to get back to me.
