Sitting by the Phone

I was listening to Pink’s song, Glitter in the Air, while starting this entry.  There’s a line in there that struck me.

“Have you ever hated yourself for staring at the phone?
Your whole life waiting on the ring to prove you’re not alone…”

That’s how it is for me each time we send out a query and book proposal.  My stupid optimism drowns out all logic.  The agents and publishers warn you that it will take them 3 to 6 to 12 months… years… decades… before they respond to your query, IF they respond at all. 

Do those proclamations stop me from expecting an invitation the very next day… or the next… or the next… or the next…?  Nope

Does the fact that there are thousands of aspiring authors doing the same thing stop me from expecting an invitation the very next day?  Nope.

Does being told that publishers aren’t willing to take a chance on new authors stop me from expecting an invitation the very next day?  Nope.

Does being told that nonfiction publishers want only experienced and certified (“authoritative”) authors to write for them stop me from sending them our material and then expecting an invitation the very next day?  Nope.

Am I a little naïve and childish in my optimism?  Possibly.

Why do I continue to do it?  Why do I set myself up for disappointment?

Because having a dream is like believing in magic.  When I was a child, I believed in magic.  I believed people could float and disappear.  I believed a nickel could change into a quarter.  I believed a torn newspaper could return to its original state.  I believed a rabbit could suddenly appear from nowhere…

When I was a child, I believed in magicians.  I believed that magicians could do anything.  I believed that they had the power to magically change reality around them to fit their needs.

Over the years, I’ve transferred that child-like belief in magicians to myself.  I believe that I have the power to accomplish anything I set my mind to do.  I believe in the power of me.  Add Katherine’s confidence and abilities to the mix and I have no doubts at all.

So, have I ever hated myself for staring at the phone, having my whole life waiting on a ring to prove to myself that I’m not alone?   Nope.



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