At this very moment in time, I have a book out for submission. It's only been just over a week, but ... nothing yet. A week isn't a long time. Not really. But.... I just want to know, right? You get that, don't you? (I have always said if I can keep reminding myself, it might just come true!)
So what do you do while you wait to hear from a publisher, a crit partner or anything...
There are lots of things we can do - and yes, I'm working my way through my list at the moment! It's not comprehensive. It's not meant to be... But it's a start. And I bet you could add another 3 or 4 things off the top of your head.
- Take a break and read a book. Recharge your creative batteries.
- Start a new story. Argh, I have so many to work on at the moment, including some that are started and others that are little more than a plan in my brain.
- Research. If you know the concepts for your next book, start on the research.
- Go have lunch/dinner with friends. This is your downtime. Embrace it.
- Chat with other authors. Remember most of the time we are "bums on seats, hands on keyboards" which makes us almost anti-social. Get out there and socialise, you never know, it may lead to lifelong friendships!
- Spend time with the family... Kids, husbands and even wives will appreciate your attention. So go on, lavish it on them!
- Stop fretting (This is something I do very poorly - and have to keep working on it.)
- Clean the house... (Oh dear, this is something I like to avoid as much as possible - Cause by this time it's really built up)
"Image courtesy of Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net".
At the end of the day, there are plenty of ways to avoid stalking your inbox. I make myself only look hopefully at the beginning of each day. It helps me to contain my own anxieties.
Until next time,
Happy Writing
Imogene
