Many years ago, when I worked at a corporate job, my employee review indicated I was doing well, but “lacked patience.” I was not surprised. I’d heard it before, and was well aware of both the positive and negative aspects of such a trait.
Fast forward, and this week my novel, in the hands of my agent, is going out for the next round of feedback from publishers. As I wait, once again, I’m reminded of that review, and I wonder if this novel shows how my lack of patience was probably not a trait, but a symptom of circumstance.
Back then, I wanted to my career to advance faster (now), because I was working jobs that fit me about as well as that too-tight pair of wool pants I can’t seem to part with.
But this book, set during 1776, is a passion project. Potentially a new career. And so it’s more like a cozy sweater-dress I bought at Goodwill a couple months ago–it fits so easily, and makes me feel fantastic. Consequently, my dedication to it can been seen in the numbers:
I began researching 7 years ago, worked with 5 different editors, 9 early readers (friends who gave advice and corrections), 100s of historians, librarians, museum directors and more. I wrote and rewrote a total of 8 drafts. Went through 6 months of agent-query rejections, and now, after 1.5 years editing with my agent, we’re heading for the final gate–a publisher.
I’ve grown. I’ve matured. And yet all I can think is, “Now? Have you heard from a publisher now? How about now?”
(I will indeed let you all know when I hear, per this old post about getting the agent, I will fly the Canadian flag when I have a publisher.)
6 Comments on 7 Years in 1776
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Karen,
Congratulations on this important milestone. I disagree with your past employer, you are a very patient person. Your accomplishment took mountains of patience.
I look forward to reading your book.
Melissa P. Gay
Author, When Are You Leaving
Oh, Melissa, what a lovely thing to say. And yes, it did takes mountains of it. There were many times I had to climb out of the doubt valley.
Karen,
Congratulations on your accomplishment. You are fulfilling your dream and inspiring the dreams of many other would-be authors, you don’t even know.
Good luck! Although your hard and patient work shows luck will be a small part of your success. I am really interested in your novel and can’t wait to read it!
Best Wishes,
Jeanie
Thank you, Jeanie. It was wonderful to meet you, and I so appreciate you taking a moment to come in here and comment on my news in such a thoughtful way.
Karen
Dear Karen,
I am so delighted to come across your post. Congratulations on your journey. Your 1776 book is interesting to me simply because of the time period and your tremendous enthusiasm for your subject matter. I wish to be among the first who buy it. I too, am Canadian,(Winnipeg) write historical fiction and fly two flags- though mine are in Florida. I wish you every success with your journey to having this work brilliantly published.
Best regards,
Sandi Krawchenko Altner
Author of Ravenscraig
Thank you for coming along on the journey, Sandi. Always so wonderful to meet another Canadian historical writer living in the US. We are lucky to be able to spend half our “working” time research and the other half writing. To me, it is the recognition that this is a joy, that the enthusiasm comes. Best of luck with your novel, and the new one coming about the art forgery.