Setbacks and Opportunities

After a month and two weeks of anticipating a response from LitMag, I finally got the email about my short story "Waiting". A simple declination letter. The story did not meet their needs at this time. No real explanation on what that meant. I guess with so many submissions they are unable to take the time to let every writer know why, or what to do to improve for the next submission. It was a long wait, with a minor setback in the end. The good news is that there is more than one publishing avenue to take. So the first opportunity I had, I submitted to a different publication. Again, probably another four to six weeks. I guess when I am writing I should expect to do a lot of waiting. I should expect more rejections. Next time though I hope to get some sort of critique on what needs to be done to help the piece 'meet their needs'.

In terms of my novel, "The Five Barred Gate", and my endless pursuit for 50,000 words, I can say that it's flowing smoother now. I am having an issue of transitioning between scenes and creating a link to move from one scene to another. Once I find that link, though, the final scenes start to flow again. I also figured out how I want to end the novel. I am excited to get to write it. I passed the 46,000-word mark today. With twelve days left, one of which is a good writing day, I can see myself hitting the 50K mark easy, but unless I do some writing Thanksgiving night, or on my work days, I don't see myself completing this novel by the end of November. Which is okay. I will hit the goal of 50K for NaNoWriMo. That excites me. I've never written that much is such a short period of time.

I'm looking forward to completing it. I most likely have developed a habit of writing on my days off. I may just continue month to month with the goal of writing 50K a month. Not necessarily a new novel. Maybe more short stories. There are many directions to take. Many publishers who are looking for 5K or less short stories. Sheesh, with the way I have been flowing I could write one in a day. That would be interesting. "Waiting" was 6700 words. That took me months, probably closer to a year, to write and complete. To have a pattern of writing to condense that down to a week or two amazes me. And to reuse a word, it excites me.

Thank you as always for your prayers and support. I only wish I knew how many out there are going through this with me.If you are reading, leave me a comment of support or a prayer. I would love to read your thoughts and prayers. The one thing I am learning through all of this is the confidence meter swings back and forth constantly. Lord knows I've been on that rollercoaster this week.

God Bless each and every one of you. May God lead you to and help you accomplish your dreams as he is guiding me in mine. Until next week, have a Happy Thanksgiving and I will probably be in a Turkey induced coma but I will find the time to give you an update on the happenings of this would-be author.