Monday, February 08, 2010

Passing Time

By Ali Cross

Last week I talked about the joy of querying agents. But what should you do once the queries are out? It’s probably not the best time to revise your book, but what else can you do?

You could twiddle your thumbs.

Practice tying cherry stems with your tongue.

Enlist your friends in a heated game of hopscotch.

You could engage in some serious hand-wringing while you wait for word on your query—but I’ve got a better idea.

Now’s the perfect time to dive into a new project—freewriting at its best.

Freewriting something new and exciting will bring back the joy of writing and help you remember that you’re a writer, not just a reviser, and editor and querier. So when the rejections come in (because there will be rejections,) you’ve got the fire of creative writing to keep you warm.

5 comments:

Carolyn V. said...

Excellent advice! I agree, I think once a piece is queried, keep on going with the writing. It will keep one motivated and excited. =)

Stephanie Black said...

Great advice. You definitely want something else in the works. You'll go nuts just sitting on your hands and waiting, and plus when you do get an agent/publisher interested, you want to have something else ready for them soon!

Keith N Fisher said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Keith N Fisher said...

Sorry I messed up the first time. I need to start typing slower because I'm embarrassing myself. Anyway I said Keep writing. Don't stop until your dead.

Anonymous said...

This is GREAT advice, Ali. There's nothing that makes me feel happier as a writer than to be creating something fresh and new. Can't wait to hear more about your querying!