What's a Writer to Do While We Wait

by Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes @KHUTCH0767

Waiting is one of the hardest parts of the writing journey. You’ve poured your heart into a manuscript, pitched to agents and editors, entered contests, and submitted proposals—yet, the answer hasn’t come. Or worse, it has, and it’s another no. Meanwhile, your calendar is full, your creativity is stretched, and your inbox is buzzing. You’re busier than ever, yet you’re still waiting for the yes that seems just out of reach.

I’m in the middle of that very season. I have multiple projects in the works—books, proposals, and editorial responsibilities. From the outside, it looks as if things are moving. But contracts haven’t landed. Doors haven’t opened. And there are moments when discouragement creeps in and whispers, “What’s the point? Who do you think you are? Why don’t you give up? No one cares what I have to say. My words don’t matter.”

But success doesn’t always come wrapped in contracts or bestseller lists. Sometimes, success is found in what we choose to do while we wait.

In those moments, I’ve learned to dig deep and encourage myself. I set small, attainable goals—writing a chapter, completing a blog post, mentoring a new writer—and I celebrate those wins. They may not make headlines, but they matter. Every step forward is a seed planted in faith.

I also prioritize being generous with my knowledge, my time, and my connections. When we help other writers rise, we rise, too. Celebrate others’ successes. Share a lead. Recommend a colleague. Cheer when someone else gets the yes you’re still praying for. Generosity breaks the grip of comparison and builds community in an industry that often feels isolating.

Most of all, I’ve learned to live thankfully. Even through rejection and setbacks, I’m grateful for the calling to write. I’m thankful for the opportunity to impact lives, even if it’s just one reader at a time. And I remind myself that God’s timing is perfect—even when it doesn’t match mine.

Don't waste the season if you’re in the waiting room of your writing career. Let it strengthen your character, sharpen your gifts, and grow your gratitude. Encourage yourself. Uplift others. Success will come—and when it does, your heart will be ready to receive it joyfully.

While navigating this waiting period, consider engaging with your writing community. Attend workshops, join writing groups, or participate in online forums. This not only provides you with fresh perspectives and inspiration but also fosters meaningful connections with fellow writers who understand your journey. 

Sharing experiences, challenges, and victories can turn a solitary pursuit into a collaborative adventure. Remember that most writers have faced similar trials, and together, you can encourage one another, share valuable insights, and brainstorm new ideas. Making these connections can also open doors to new opportunities you might not have found alone.

7 Resources for Writers Who are Waiting

1. Writing Communities & Groups:

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo): A challenge to write a novel in a month, offering community support.

The Writer’s Guild: A community for writers that hosts events and provides resources.

Critique Lounges & Writing Workshops: Look for local or online workshops on peer critique.

2. Industry Information:

Writers’ Digest: Provides articles and resources on writing, publishing, and marketing.

Publishers Marketplace: Great for tracking industry trends and discovering agents and publishers.

3. Self-Publishing:

Reedsy: Offers a marketplace for self-publishing professionals and provides writing resources.

IngramSpark: Helps authors publish and distribute their books globally.

4. Writing Tools:

Scrivener: A powerful writing software designed for organizing long projects.

Grammarly: An online writing assistant for grammar and style checking.

5. Podcasts & Blogs:

The Creative Penn Podcast: Focuses on writing, publishing, and creative entrepreneurship.

Write Now Podcast: Interviews with authors and discussions on writing craft.

6. Mentorship and Learning:

The Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP): Offers resources for writers at all stages, including mentorship options.

MasterClass: Online classes from established authors on various aspects of writing.

7. Gratitude Practices:

The 5-Minute Journal: Encourages daily reflections on gratitude and progress.

Gratitude Apps: Try apps like ‘Grateful’ or ‘Day One’ to maintain a gratitude log.

Using these resources will enrich your writing journey and foster a supportive environment that benefits all. Keep pushing forward, and remember, every waiting period can be a time for growth and learning.

TWEETABLE

What's a Writer to Do While We Wait from @KHutch0767 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes is a review board member and contributor to Inkspirations (an online magazine for Christian writers), and her writing has been published in Guideposts. Her work in art/writing is distinguished by awards, including the New York Mayor’s Contribution to the Arts, Outstanding Resident Artist of Arizona, and the Foundations Awards at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference (2016, 2019, 2021). She is a member of Word Weavers International and serves as an online chapter president and mentor. She belongs to FWA (Florida Writers Association), ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), CWoC (Crime Writers of Color),

AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), and AASA (American Association of School Administrators). She serves on the nonprofit organization Submersion 14 board and the 540 Writer’s Community board and is an art instructor for the nonprofit organization Light for the Future. Katherine hosts the podcast Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality. She has authored a Christian Bible study for women and is currently working on the sequel to her first general market thriller novel. Her thriller A Fifth of the Story will debut in February 2024 through Endgame Press.

Katherine flourishes in developmental editing and coaching writers. She has a twenty-year career in education, leadership, and journalism. Katherine freelances as an educational consultant for charter schools, home school programs, and churches. In this role, she has written and edited curriculum, led program development, and helped manage growth facilitating and public relations. She also works as an editor and book coach through her consulting business. Katherine provides skill, accountability, and professionalism so clients can begin, develop, and finish their writing projects for publication.