Dodging The Lull Of Summer Publishing

We've all heard it ~ Publishing slows down during the summer months. And that may be true for various reasons. 

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Agents, editors, and publishers do have lives outside of the industry. Some take vacations to warmer destinations, while others simply stall their query and manuscript reading speedway to replenish their working verve. It's natural. We all need to do it. But....
If you're the writer waiting for a response on your query, this season within the publishing world--despite how brief--can wear down one's nerves. If you're anything like me, you'll pace a solid strip of shine off your wooden floors. Looks awful, doesn't it. 
Well, no fear. I have a few ideas to distract you during this time and, hopefully, keep your spirits up. If nothing more it should save the flooring in your home. 

1. Read - Yeah, we've all heard it before. But I mean read with intention. Focus on the author's source of story structure, character development, voice, tone, and mood. Love or hate the world the author created. Invest yourself. And, for gosh sakes, read out of your comfort zone. It WILL not only inspire you, but also will distract the heck out of you. 
2. Free Write or Fast Draft - Yeah, we've all heard these before, too. But, honestly? Have you given either a try? The first time I attempted a fast draft I couldn't get going because I was too worried about the end result needing too much editing. Wrong approach. For either, pull an idea out of the air. No matter how wacky or silly or strange it might be. Give it a try. And if you've decided to fast draft, come up with a beginning, a middle, and an ending idea. Then write. Just write. It might suck in the end, but I assure you, you will have created at least one element you can use in a novel.
3. Live - My third and final yeah. Record all you do, from grocery shopping to attending a parade to an unexpected hike you take with your kids. You don't need a notebook, although I still love using them. Your cell phone is more than sufficient in this day and age. Do the selfie thing or a daily record, Your Story on Snapchat. 

Ultimately, this lull within the publishing world only lasts a few months. For some industry leaders, the break is merely a week or two. And when you think about it, they all don't take breaks at the same time. Continuing to query couldn't hurt. You just might have to wait a little longer for a response. But aren't you doing that by waiting to submit anyway?

How do you plan to dodge the lull of this summer publishing season? Will you continue to query and submit? For those with representation, will you send your manuscripts in this summer or wait? 

IWSG ~ A Writing Truth

The purpose of the IWSG is to share and encourage, posting on the first Wednesday of each month. You'll find writer doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Support and a common understanding spread throughout the group as many fellow writers can relate. Feel free to JOIN in anytime.

Steampunk Tomahawk

When writing is no longer fun I'll stop. - Mega, outlandish, totally-saying-it-because-we-think-we're supposed-to LIE. I have no idea who said that first, but it's a total fib. No one on this planet can like what they do ALL THE TIME. It's not possible. Well, maybe on some infinitesimal level when all variables line up and the planets take on some never-before-seen alignment. But that answer is for some mathematical genus. Not me. A writer. We ALL feel that writer's angst from time to time--the black rabbit hole of doubt, denial, and self-degradation. Don't tell me you never have wanted to smash your laptop or tomahawk every stinking social media site that waves everyone else's writing successes in your face. And don't tell me you haven't ever said to yourself, "I suck."
You have. We all have. 
The trick is to embrace it. Don't try to distract yourself or put the writing away. Examine your obstacles. This is life. It's why we're here. You're not going to escape barriers to your dreams. And even those of you who've reached some dreams - the potholes of life are still going to come. They will never stop. We are here to learn and become more than we were when we first arrived. 
Welcome a challenge. You'll be better for it.