writing wednesdays: the two p words you need to be a writer

Anyone who's decided to make writing a career will attest to the fact that this isn't the easiest of choices. It's amazing, don't get me wrong, but easy it isn't. Every time I start a new project or get another rejection or read a published book that makes me question my own  abilities, I give myself a moment to fantasize about becoming a llama groomer.

But then I push that dream aside and get back to business. Why? Because of the two Ps. 

Patience.
This is the hardest of the two for me. Anyone who knows me well will attest to the fact that patience is not in my vocabulary. I get an idea and I want the book done, NOW. I get seriously twitchy waiting for answers on submissions. 

But rushing leads to mistakes and regrets. I know this. I can't always do it and I can't say I'm mellowing with age, but I'm learning.

Best advice I received: When you think you're done, give it a day or a week before declaring it "finished." Fresh eyes, not a twitchy trigger finger, are your friends.

Perseverance. 
There are, of course, exceptions but most writers I know didn't hit it out of the park with their first book and continue to hit the bestseller lists with every book. There are plenty of writers who have multiple manuscripts stuffed in a desk drawer (virtual or not) waiting for an opportunity to shine or enough rejection letters to line a city-sized aviary .

I had four completed manuscripts before I signed with my first agent. I approached each manuscript and query experience as a learning opportunity and I never lost sight of my end goal: to have a published book that I can hold in my hand and see on a shelf in a bookstore.

No, I'm not one of those exceptions. But I'm also not giving up because I believe in the stories I have to tell.