Patience… :)
The YA Highway people have yet to post a Road Trip Wednesday article, so I am waiting patiently to see what they come up with. In the event there is no Road Trip Wednesday today, providentially “Patience” fits perfectly for today’s letter in the A-to-Z Blogging Challenge, so this will serve adequately as my article.
Even if you don’t tend toward impatience, there are times it can be hard to exercise patience. Waiting for a long-anticipated novel (*cough* INSURGENT *cough*), or a response to a query or a submission. But patience can indeed be character-building. If we can learn to take a deep breath and set aside concern about things we have no control over, we can learn to live and use our time in profitable and pleasurable ways. For example, while waiting on news of that query or submission, why not throw yourself into the WIP, or brainstorm ideas for new novels? Perhaps write some short stories that you could enter into competitions, or try to get published in magazines (online or print). For the aspiring novelist, winning a national contest, or getting published in a popular magazine are both good career moves, and will definitely catch the eye of an agent. These also help build platform since they get your work out to a wider audience.
Another way to practice patience is to write blog articles… 🙂 Are you naturally patient, or do you chomp at the bit waiting for something or someone?
I’d say I’m patient. There are things I always have on my mind like learning to drive, getting my PGCE, moving from the flat to a house and getting my first book published. I’m eager to see what will be in my future but I know that I’m the one that has to make it all happen in the first place.
I’ve had to learn patience over the years, so it’s good that you’re already patient. Clearly it serves you well now, and it will continue to, I’m sure.
Hello Colin!
Thanks for stopping by my blog! Is there anywhere one could read more about your sister-in-law’s time in Palau? I’d love to hear about someone’s personal expereince!
RE: Patience… My husband and I had our tested over the last year as we were in the application process to join Wycliffe Bible Translators. It felt like every step took SOOOO long! But a few weeks ago we were accepted and now it feels like things are happening too fast! We are hoping to be off to the Philippines in Septermber! (That’s relatively close to Palau so I’m hoping we might get a chance to visit while we’re out there!)
I think I used too many exclamation points in this comment. We’re just so excited!
Also, we love Doctor Who!!!
~ Bonnie
No problem, Bonnie–thanks for repaying the visit! 🙂 My sister-in-law’s was in Paulau a while ago now–perhaps even as much as 15-20 years (yikes!). I know she has a lot of pictures and stories, but none that I know of posted publicly. Sorry!
Wycliffe do some really good work, so congratulations on being accepted! I hope you get to visit Palau while you’re out that way. 🙂
I’m so not patient when it comes to waiting for books (I’m right there with you on Insurgent!!) Once I get into a story, if I know there’s a sequel, I just can’t stop thinking about it and wanting to read it ASAP.
With my own writing though, I’ve learned patience. In the beginning, I rushed through some things and ended up submitting queries before my MS was ready. I’ve sure learned my lesson from that experience!
Akkk, I hate learning the hard way, but sometimes we have to. Of course, even if I’m sure my ms is ready, I’m always second-guessing–maybe I was wrong and it actually isn’t?! But you’re right, you really need patience as a writer because this industry doesn’t tend to move quickly (often for good reason).
I’m a very impatient person and I know that. It’s true that after becoming a mother, I’m a tiny little better with that lol but still it’s my most noticeable flaw lol
I was waiting for the RTW question of the day and, when it came, I noticed I wouldn’t participate. It’s about proms and, well, in Brazil there isn’t any prom in high school …
Cheers,
I think parenthood has taught me a lot about patience and tolerance. I’ve certainly changed for the better over the last 18 years.
I had the same thought about this week’s RTW… but then I thought again… see the next post. 🙂
I try to practice patience. Sometimes I succeed. Other times…well, let’s just say the dog and I have something in common – murder on the brain! 😉