Everything But...

In the last few weeks I have received two more rejection emails. Although they don't come as a surprise it's still is a small let down. Of course I wanted everything to work out but it is the reality of this career choice. Prior to actually pitching my manuscript and sending out query letters, I had been advised to prepare for many, many rejections. I've had four. And they were kind rejections...but they were still rejections. If the people I spoke with are true judges in the field of writing and publishing, then I only have about seventy-one more to go.

There is one more person I'm waiting to hear back from and after that I'll no longer have any 'irons in the fire'. So I have my fingers crossed it can all work out still. But, once again...reality. I'm slightly dreading the idea of sending out more query letters. It's easy for me to admit I'm terrible at self-promotion. I'm a person who would much rather let my work speak for itself (assuming my work is of good quality).

As I've been waiting to hear back from these agents and editors, I've been focusing my time and energy on everything else. For starters, my family is plant-based. We avoid saying we're vegan because there are times where 100% vegan options just aren't available. And there are days where my husband and I will look at each other and simply say 'we're ordering a pizza'. But to my original point, I've been spending time researching new recipes and trying them out, I've been emailing with the owner of a local CSA (community supported agriculture, I highly recommend finding one in your area) to see if she has enough stock to add me since I was late applying, and I've slowly been revamping my entire pantry.

Another area I give a lot of my energy to is our house. We're in the middle of what has felt like an eon long remodel. To give my husband props, he's taught himself almost everything there is to building a house and has saved us a lot of money by not having to hire contractors, plumbers or electricians. But as a one man show and his 'assistant', it's meant the process is slow and I'm always dusting, vacuuming and sweeping the living areas of our home.

This brings me to my next time eater. We've been living in a small portion of our house and have been forced to reevaluate what we need vs. what can stay in a box until the house is completed. Living this way has led me to really research and consider a minimalist lifestyle, which has led me to the ever so famous minimalist, Marie Condo. As our house slowly comes together and we can begin to move into the whole area, I want the space to feel clean, open and stress-free. This has become a rather large project I'm hoping simplifies as time goes on. I've always been a quality vs. quantity shopper, but I'm not great at letting things go all the time - my two scarf drawers are a testament to that. But it's been a way to alleviate stress. And slowly embracing a minimalist lifestyle brings me a clearer mindset that can be used for my writing.

One of the last area's of my life I've been focusing on is my hobbies. After I sent out my email pitches and queries, I needed to relieve some stress and decompress. I found re-indulging in painting and embroidery is meditative and I relaxed both mentally and physically.

All these areas of focus outside of writing has been good for me. I'm not a person who believes that in order to be considered a writer you must write everyday. I believe that when you have the energy, time and motivation is when you should write. If you need to take a month or two off to focus on other areas of your life, then do it. I feel better having a healthy diet, seeing progress on a big house project, having a clutter free home and spending some 'me time' on hobbies to be good for the soul, which can lead to being a better writer.