Debbie Archer

A few years ago, I realized I was dabbling in writing. Dabbling is safe. It entails writing, revising, sending your things off then waiting months for a reply. During those months, I dabble some more, jot down a massive number of ideas, get excited and tackle another project. Then, invariably I would check the mailbox one day only to find I'd received a polite rejection letter saying that the piece I submitted did not meet the current needs of the agent or publisher I sent it to. *Sigh*

Perfect timing for disappointment and despair to waltz in. And it used to. All my enthusiasm was sucked right out my head and I'd give in to self pity. But why? What a useless emotion. It took me a longgggg time to come to the realization that pity and publishing DO NOT make good partners.

So ... that's no longer allowed. Now, I've made a concerted effort to resubmit those pieces I "filed." I've decided to get myself in writing shape. I've thrown out time-consuming, senseless activities and replaced them with things that will enhance my writing time. While most of the world heads to the den to watch their favorite latest television character, I hug my husband and hurry to the office where I get to create my own character. While the world watches people deal with the days events on the news, I'm creating my own solution to the upheavals in my story. There's a sense of balance and gratification in that. *grin*

As I settle in and begin tapping, I watch as one by one, all my critters wander back to the office with me. Where Molly, my little cocker/​golden retriever writing buddy used to lay, is Ruby - a small mixture who resembles a possum. Maybelline and Bear are by the door and at least one of the cats usually adorn the large desk top. They are my muses, my sounding boards and my persistent cheerful squad. Everybody needs a cheering squad that drools and sheds.


Point is ... if you want to write for publication, then write, don't dabble. Time is too precious. I've experienced all the commas, colons, periods and hyphens life has to offer me. I'm ready for an honest-to-goodness exclamation point in my life! Aren't you?