The Journey

This writing life sometimes seems like a long journey. You know the car ride when you were little, where you sat in the back seat and kept saying, "Are we there yet?" But I don't think with writing we ever really get there. You only reach levels then you push on to reach a new level. There are days when I feel as if it's going along smooth sailing then there are days where it feels a bit still. Waiting is a part of the game and so are highs and lows. I'm waiting right now for word on three books. One might sell and two might get rejected or all three could sell or....no, I won't go there. No matter what, when that rejection comes in there is a thud in my heart. But now, I refuse to let the thud take over my heart. I let it thud then I push it aside. Because, in the end though, the highs always outweigh the lows. I got a note from a man in Penticton, Walter Huebert, he's a retired secondary school teacher. The note was hand written on a cue card and this is what it said: "On December 7th, I presented your autographed books to four of my grandchildren. They immediately began reading. As is was the day of their annual excursion to pick out a Christmas tree at a local tree farm, they jumped into the truck. They continued reading on the way. As soon as they picked out the tree and had hot chocolate they ran back to the truck to continue reading. As it was getting dark they continued to read as soon as they got home. You certainly brought enjoyment to four "kids." Thanks." Okay, so how can let any rejection ride over that note. It's by my desk. I'm starting something new in this writing business tonight. I'm teaching a class on Writing for Children at the Alexander Center here in Calgary. I'm thrilled they asked me and even more thrilled that we got enough people for it to go. I'll let you know how it goes. Another high perhaps!