Watching for the Snail

Though it pains me to say so, there isn’t much new coming from my writing life of late. Still, I thought I should post today. It is Leap Day after all, and if I don’t take this opportunity now, I will have to wait a long time before I can post on February 29th again.

Speaking of waiting . . .

If you are a writer, then you know the sting of waiting. If you are not a writer, or are thinking of becoming one, then let me put it the best way I can.

Imagine a snail, a turtle and a sloth are having a relay race across the country. Each animal must go coast to coast, then back again, before handing the baton to the next in line. Now imagine recording this race and watching it later in super-slow-motion.

This is but a small taste of the speed of the publishing world.

Don’t misunderstand. I didn’t say that such a race wouldn’t be interesting or worthwhile – and neither is writing. But at times both become excruciating.

I’m still waiting on two stories to be published, and all communication with the editors has stopped. I know they are busy and will send me word when the time comes. Yet, I can’t help feeling like that turtle, watching for the snail to top the horizon, signaling that my time to shine is close at hand.