How Being Patient Improved My Writing

Millie Ho’s post reminds me of my quest for writing patience. Patience came on its own eventually, as the writing process came to gratify me. In a sense, I think that can be dangerous, too; it’s possible to be too complacent about it, because, hey, I’m writing, and I’m happy. What else is required.

I like her points, though. Law enforcement officials often talk about the CSI effect. It’s a halo of belief that evolves about modern policing, forensics and justice that emerges from the ease with which clues are found and linked, leading to the quick, successful solving of crimes.

I think writing – and other ventures – suffer from how relatively easily television protagonists write a book, get it published, and become a best selling novelist and celebrity.

Yes, it embittered me, to have me and my efforts compared to fictional writers and their success. Yes, it rankled me. Now, I accept it with the grace that comes with patience, the understanding that the experience is part of the process, and knowledge about the truth about publishing.

No, I don’t really know the truth. I only know that it’s far messier than it’s usually shown on television.

But it still sometimes rankles.