If You're a Frequent Submitter, Do Not Read This

          I am one of those people who think of themselves as a writer, but I only talk the talk.  I don't walk the walk.  Actually, I guess that's not quite accurate because it is definitely not the case that I don't yearn to live the writer's life. I do.  With a great deal of my heart. However, the rest of my heart is taken up with my kids (24 right now), and since they clamor more and yell louder than my laptop does, my students win just about every time... 

         A little over a month ago I sent off a manuscript.  It's one I have sat on for several years.  (And it's not a novel. It's a picture book.) Did I think it was going to hatch if I let it sit long enough?  Who knows? 

           Since this is--more or less--my first foray into the world of submitting-getting rejected-retinkering-submitting to different venues, I am a bit excited that on some desk (perhaps gathering dust) is my piece. It may take four more months to hear from them (and it probably won't be a thin envelope when their response arrives) but I have a plan when I do hear from them.

         I'm also working on a short story for a contest the Saturday Writers are having, and a story for a Chicken Soup for the Soul collection.  Also, the writing I read on other writers' blogs inspires me.  I am in awe of what others are able to do with their writing craft.

          If you're a writer who submits all the time, you won't be able to relate to someone who is getting excited about their "first" serious attempt at getting published. It was probably so long ago, you've forgotten it.  However, they say you never forget your first...