HANG ON

I talked to a friend today who seemed to be at the end of her rope. She said she was feeling overwhelmed. They may be losing their house, her business isn't where it should be due to the economy. And probably just everyday living was also contributing to her blue mood. It's so hard to hang on when things don't seem to be going your way. In the case of a writer, when you've polished your manuscript to the point it's shining. You are sure you have just written the Great American Novel, you send it off to the publisher and then wait. What do you do while you are waiting? You write! You read everything about your craft, attend writing workshops, attend a writing class. Hook up with a critique group. The only thing you don't do is sit and wait by your mail box. Why? Just trust me, you need to stay motivated and productive. Besides, while you are waiting for "the" letter telling you that you have written the next best seller, you could be writing the sequel. I tried to encourage my friend today, let her know she's never alone. Many other people are facing foreclosure or losing their jobs too. But, we all have to stick together. Hang on. It has to get better, doesn't it?