Ah, the innocence of children. Yet, they are so wise in their own way. Because of the almost perfect weather yesterday, all the neighbors were out in the street. A couple of the little children caught my attention as they raced each other from driveway to driveway on their bikes. One of the little boys won every single time, and I could see the frustration on the other boy's face. He kept pedaling faster, but to no avail.
Finally, the slow boy stopped the fast boy and asked, "Dude, how do you go so fast?"
"I dunno. I just do," the fast boy answered. "Can't really explain it."
The slow boy thought long and hard and then pulled his bike in front of the fast boy. "Hey, how about this time, the slowest person wins?"
"Okay," the fast boy said. "Last one across the street wins."
They both took off at a snail's pace, but the fast boy apparently couldn't stand it and eventually went flying. Fast boy lost, and slow boy finally won. Slow boy knew what it took to win and had the patience to do it. Fast boy didn't. Funny how redefining the goal can make a difference, huh?
We all want to get published, and we want it now, right? But what's the harm in getting there slowly? It might even be better. The longer we spend on our craft, the better we will write, and the better our novels will be. So take your time, know what it takes, get there slowly, and you just might win the race.
How's that for a little Monday Miscellanea? Anything random you'd like to share?
Monday, September 27, 2010
Kid's Shoes...
Ah, the innocence of children. Yet, they are so wise in their own way. Because of the almost perfect weather yesterday, all the neighbors were out in the street. A couple of the little children caught my attention as they raced each other from driveway to driveway on their bikes. One of the little boys won every single time, and I could see the frustration on the other boy's face. He kept pedaling faster, but to no avail.
Finally, the slow boy stopped the fast boy and asked, "Dude, how do you go so fast?"
"I dunno. I just do," the fast boy answered. "Can't really explain it."
The slow boy thought long and hard and then pulled his bike in front of the fast boy. "Hey, how about this time, the slowest person wins?"
"Okay," the fast boy said. "Last one across the street wins."
They both took off at a snail's pace, but the fast boy apparently couldn't stand it and eventually went flying. Fast boy lost, and slow boy finally won. Slow boy knew what it took to win and had the patience to do it. Fast boy didn't. Funny how redefining the goal can make a difference, huh?
We all want to get published, and we want it now, right? But what's the harm in getting there slowly? It might even be better. The longer we spend on our craft, the better we will write, and the better our novels will be. So take your time, know what it takes, get there slowly, and you just might win the race.
How's that for a little Monday Miscellanea? Anything random you'd like to share?
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26 comments:
The slow kid was clever. He may not be fast, but apparently smart! :O)
Oh children, aren't they wonderful. Very clever of the little slow guy :)
I loved this:) Redefining the goal just might make the difference. I know I'm enjoying this season of my writing, and I get even more excitement from knowing that one day I will be better than I am today!
Excellent reminder, Susan. :)Take my time. Hey, the slow boy is very smart. He knew the fast boy couldn't go slow for very long. YAY for him. That's exactly what I've been doing. The snails pace thing. And you know what? It's working. :)
I think the slower the pace, the more we get a grip on what our goals actually are. Keeps things from flying out of perspective!
I wonder what that would be like as a competition. The last one to get published wins (not that this is a competition)
I know I'm grateful for the novels I wrote in between my first and the one I recently pitched. Not sure they will ever be published or read widely, but I learned so much writing them.
Time is good.
~ Wendy
That slow kid is so clever!
Kids can be so wise and I think its a shame when people forget that. Thanks for reminding us.
I loved that Susan!!
This was such a great post Susan! My neighbors and I were just talking about this yesterday. Patience is the hardest thing, but if it makes our writing better (and our books best sellers), then it's all worth it! =)
Slow and steady wins the race.
I tend to come out of the gate running, too, but in the end I learn that I need to find a steady pace I can maintain every single day.
Nice thoughts, Susan. I think no matter how fast we run toward the publishing world the only things we can control are the time, effort and attention we put into our writing. So, sprinting to the wall might not result in actually getting to the other side.
Thanks for a thoughtful post.
Love it! I'd rather get there with a story that sells well, than sell earlier with bad sales!
Good post. Sometimes slow is better--it's really how you've grown along the way.
There's definitely nothing wrong with going slowly. As long as we aren't going so slowly that we start going backward.
New Goal: Write this story as well as it can possibly be written. No matter how long it takes.
I feel better now. I like this new goal. :)
I'm definitely in the slow category. I hope that means I'll be published eventually;)
I love this story. its amazing the insight you can get from children.
Oh, this is sooo true. After my initial attempts at querying a novel (last December) that wasn't ready yet, despite going through my crit group, I took two writing courses and slowly went through the novel to strengthen it. Then Angela Ackerman read it and gave me her feedback. And once again I painstakingly edited it (okay, I was also switching it to present tense at Ellen Hopkin's suggestion).
I'm so glad I've been slow this time. I've learned a lot by not racing ahead and querying before the book is truly ready to be seen by agents. It's currently out with three new beta reader. :D
Besides, agents can't reject it until I query it. So I can delude myself a little longer, hoping this will be the one. ;)
Great post and great lesson. I'm especially holding on cause I'm in the slow-boy's league ;)
Smart kid. Next time I am behind I will think of a way to change the rules too - lol. I do hate being behind, but sometimes it is necessary. I just need to learn patience.
LOVE IT! :D
OMG, did that really happen? What a fabulous story! Love it :)
This was a nice read.
Yes, my journey of getting published seems to be taking forever. But it has helped me re-shape my novel, which is a plus.
great post...unique idea some were creating Contemporary Upscale Women's Clothing & Accessories but this post were creating idea for some parents to their child's new fashion...
Thank you so much for reinforcing my goal change. When I started my novel at the start of this year, I had hoped to have it out to publishers by my birthday (in the beginning of October).
Buuuuuttt, since I'd never written an entire novel by myself, and had no idea how long it would take, I've since revised my goal. I've decided I must have my first draft finished by my birthday. Now I'm scrambling to do that, but I'm SOOO close!
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