Is your writing in its infancy?

Liam is three months old and growing so fast. He has such a personality; and in three short months of life he knows how to make an impact. When he starts with, "Eh-eh-eh" I know it will soon build to a full fledged scream if I don't get him moving. I placed him in his stroller yesterday and told  him we were going bye-bye. I know he knows, because receptive language comes before expressive. When I say, "bye-bye" or "up," he responds appropriately by kicking his legs or stretching his arms. He's a smart one.

He's learning tongue and lip placement and jabbers away now. I model for him, "Ma-ma, da-da, na-na, baby." He looks, listens and coos. When we're in the car we sing to an old rock and roll song, Chantilly Lace. I said WE, because he joins me sometimes. His mama says he jabbers himself to sleep at night.

Looking at how he has developed in three short months reminds me of when I was a novice writer. I felt as helpless as a baby. I had to learn to speak the terminology. I had no idea what "genre" meant. I didn't know how/where to submit. I looked, listened, and learned from those in the know. Slowly I developed.

As I paid attention, I learned more and more, built my self-confidence and began to submit. I met with mild success, I received positive comments about how my work made an impact on editors and readers.

I made a deal with myself that I would submit for publication, not always monetary compensation. When I did receive a stipend, I felt like a baby being rewarded with fruit and cereal instead of a bottle. Other times I was just happy to see my tag line. Decide what you want and go for it.

Nobody starts on top, you have to climb your way up one step at a time, stretching your muscles. You can't get published if you don't take the chance and submit. You can't make progress if you don't move forward. Everyone stumbles, missteps, falls down, feels like crying when they fail. But you can't quit.

Yesterday I received a rejection on a personal essay. I was disappointed, of course, but I didn't tantrum. I know that my story was not the right fit for the publication. Down the line it may work elsewhere. Never let a rejection stop you in your tracks.

No matter where you are in your writing career, be proud to say, "I am a writer." Don't just think about writing...WRITE. SUBMIT. HOPE and WAIT.

Submission Opportunity
If you haven't heard of June Cotner, think inspirational greeting cards and booklets. People like you and I submit to June, and she selects from those submissions to fill her books/cards. Are you ready to submit?


FAMILY BLESSINGS: Prayers, Poems, and Traditions

by June Cotner & Nancy Tupper Ling.

http://www.junecotner.com/jccallsub.html