Thursday, May 12, 2011

Don't Even Think About It

“Try to enjoy the writing itself. Don't even think about publication. Just focus on making every sentence, every paragraph, every page the very best you can make it. Then, rewrite, rewrite, rewrite until the work is even better!” 
~ Suzanne Lieurance



This is the kind of attitude I need to have right now.  Lots of query silence + trickling rejections = attitude adjustment. But . . . I am still waiting to hear back on a full. In the meantime, I'll just keep swimming.

How is your attitude surviving these days?


31 comments:

Heather said...

Sounds like we're adrift in the same sea of uncertaintly. I keep going by constantly improving and knowing there are options out there...

Catherine Denton said...

This is SUCH a good reminder. Thank you. And my fingers are crossed for your full! :D
My Blog

Kelly Polark said...

Waiting is soooooo hard, Shannon. I'm in the same boat as you right now.
Great quote to keep me going in my wip!

Cynthia Chapman Willis said...

Really such wonderful advice. I'm pretty sure I'm the most impatient person in the entire universe... or at least it feels like it most of the time.

Good luck and happy writing!

Kathryn Rose said...

Just keep swimming and enjoy those words! :)

Candice said...

I think focusing on publishing only helps me inasmuch as I let it push me to be a better editor. But focusing on it too much can be inhibiting.

Leslie S. Rose said...

I like to switch my hats between the creative process of writing and the business have to's end of it. They are in adjoining cubicles in my brain.

Karen Lange said...

Not too bad. Trying to sweep some other things out of the way to work on the WIP. Hang in there, amigo! :)

Corey Schwartz said...

Hard not to think about it when you are actually out on sub! But, yes... writing more is the best way to fill the time!

Stephanie said...

Ha...if you'd asked me last week, it would have been way different. Total pity party last week!! But now I have renewed energy!

Good luck to you!

Golden Eagle said...

My attitude isn't doing so well at the moment, since my writing just isn't igniting that spark of inspiration at the moment . . . but I'm pretty sure that will change. Eventually.

Natalie Aguirre said...

Your attitude is great. I'm trying to just enjoy the journey.

Anonymous said...

Good attitude, mine is taking a bit of a hit, but I will work it out! _Thanks_ for this!

Harvee said...

I like the quote/advice. Good luck with your endeavors!

Harvee said...

I like the quote/advice. Good luck with your endeavors!

Charmaine Clancy said...

Love that quote! I forget I've sent my manuscript out most of the time, so I don't stress. Best to keep busy with the new project :)
Wagging Tales - Blog for Writers

Old Kitty said...

Good luck with hearing about your full ms submission!!!! I have everything crossed for you!!

The quote is just brilliant!! Take care
x

mshatch said...

sounds like we are in similar places.

Mary Aalgaard said...

That's a wonderful quote to keep close to your computer and your heart.

Anonymous said...

Hello new here!

Love the quote! Great way to keep your chin up.

And yes .. I've bowed down the little pesky blue bird as well.

kah said...

We're in the same ocean, girlie. Thanks for reminding me to just keep swimming. Best wishes on the full. Hope you get The Call soon. <3

Unknown said...

love the quote.

getting published depends on many factors, talent, luck, and more.

beautiful post.

check out short story slam and make a submission today.

Jemi Fraser said...

I'm in the middle of slogging through a rewrite, but even though it's going sloooooowly, I'm feeling okay, cuz at least it's going! :)

Talli Roland said...

Well said! Just keep plugging away and enjoying the process. It's the only way to stay sane.

Heather said...

We're swimming in the same sea of uncertainty! The industry is tougher than ever to break into and response times have slowed horrendously. I'm surviving it by continuing to write and improving, and realizing agents and editors don't hold the keys to our success.

Kathi Oram Peterson said...

Just what I needed! Thanks for always posting such inspirational blogs. I'm a swimming...

Leslie S. Rose said...

Ah, the ebb and flow of queryland. Thank goodness our attitude is something we can control. I personally look to Pollyanna and play the glad game.

S.A. Larsenッ said...

I'm actually doing better than I have for the past few months. My total rewrite is going well. I'm at a pivotal point and excited about it.

Tales of Whimsy said...

I like that. Keep the important thing in focus. Worry about the now instead of the future. Great quote.

Liz @ Cleverly Inked said...

Don't think just do attitude is fantastic.

Karen Harrington said...

Keep going. Silence isn't a no. :)

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