Enjoying the Journey

Last year at the RWA Conference, Nalini Singh said you had to enjoy the journey to publication. And so this past year I've been trying to do that and today I was thinking what exactly that means. So here's what I've been doing.

I write because I have to, because I love it and because it's good for me.

I read for all the same reasons.

I've tried to match what I read with how I write. After I read a book I'll think about it - what grabbed me? Which bits of writing were great? What felt forced? What was predictable? Sometimes all that thought happens while I read - it depends if the story grabs hold of me emotionally and turns off my brain.

I keep learning, editing my completed manuscript over and over ever few months. Mostly just tweaking words, removing words, adjusting paragraphs, developing a scene more fully. I'm doing it for me... so I like reading it better.

I'm writing new things. Some short stories. A novella. And working on a new long manuscript.

I send out letters to agents every so often and see how I go. Most request, no one's got excited yet. So I think my first scene isn't gripping. I've tweaked and rewritten but I still don't have it right. I wish someone would point me in the right direction but I guess it's not the right time yet.

I'm involved in RWA. I manage a contest. I judge. And this year I'm helping with the conference. I'm building networks, making contacts and having a ball.

And at the conference this year I have two pitches. My plan is to relax and enjoy them. Talk about my writing but don't sweat it. Last year I tied myself in knots. This year I'm enjoying the journey!

Thanks Nalini!