So I'm not to the point yet where I am sending out query letters, waiting for agents and publishers to let me know what they're thinking. However when I get there I would love someone to share some ways to cope!!!!
Ways to cope with waiting:
1. Watch Sex and the City - Now I know Kimberly Franklin and I are in agreement that this is one of the best shows eva!!! If you haven't watched the seasons or the movie it's about time you start, and with all this free time on your hands you'd be silly not to!
2. Go on a road trip to visit all the ice cream shops around town. If you are super hungry go for all the pizza joints or burger joints. Be sure to invite a friend, this journey should not be taken on alone, you will need back up!
3. Turn on a song like “Baby’s got back” by SirMixAlot at full volume and start singing along, you should dance as well... dancing makes for excellent inspiration
4. Write your husband/wife/significant other/neighbor/boss (hey…you never know) a “I think you’re hot” note. See where the conversation goes. It counts as mental stimulation.
5. Write funny one liners (found on google) on a bunch of post its. Put in random places around your office. Next time you are looking for tape, you might just be surprised with a morsel of funny…If you’re really into being a prankster, put them on OTHER people’s desks….
6. Try to not think about penguins. This is especially hard, because by trying too much, you remember what you were trying to avoid thinking of. If you try too little, you end up thinking about penguins anyway.
7. Use your secret mind power. Pick a passing by and try to use your mind power to command them do something, like drop their bag or knock into someone. The law of averages dictates that sooner or later one of your mind commands will come true, so you can convince yourself that you really have super human powers and waste even more time trying them out.
8. Pretend you're a robot. Walk down the street with mechanical movements, adding 'zzzzzt' sounds with each motion. Pretending to have a motor broken in, say, your left hand can add at least 30 seconds more entertainment.
I hope this helps pass the time, and for the rest of you who just want to waste time in general I think these are great alternatives and tips!
What are your ways of coping? How do you pass the time?
BTW: I know this will be hard but you cannot say blogging, facebooking, or twittering! Use your imagination! :)
P.S. Time seems to have gotten the best of me again and I was unable to reach all of your blogs yesterday! Just remember you are not forgotten and I will eventually make my rounds :)
59 comments:
Those are all great ways to pass the time! What I've read is that you should start your next book to keep your mind off of it. Also, they may ask you what you are working on now, and if you have that next book going, you'll have something to say!
A loven numbers 4 &5. I will have to try those next time I'm in the waiting game.
I hadn't yet found any ways to cope with it, I just suffer. LoL. Well, actually I just through myself into more work until I get the dreaded "Thanks, but no thanks" response. Work seems to help me. Maybe I should try some of the fun things you mentioned?
Yeah, I'm totally putting them on my to-do list! Thanks Jen.
JD
Ha the penguin one is funny and I love the idea of mind control!
I suffered through it last year with my first novel (as the rejectons piled up). Then I stopped waiting and started writing something new. Two ideas never made it (but it was good pratice) and now my third idea that I'm about to query. It gives you hope to keep writing! Good luck!
Ok, that was seriously fun!! Look how creative you are! Not think about penguins?! Impossible! I mean look how cute they are :)
I love numbers 5 and 7 too, I think I'll try those.
Passing the time. . . what do I do. other than read, I usually pick something in front of me and figure out how I would paint it. Not very creative, but useful for me!
Have a great day!
Aubrie - You're right, I would definitely start on another piece, in fact when I'm ready to query I'll already have it in place. However for those of us who can't get our heads on straight while we wait these are just some other alternatives! LOL
Justine - Try the fun things! They might take your mind off all the drama and stress that goes with the querying process!
Christina - At least you were still in game pushing through! It's important to stay out there and up beat, however whenever you're down at least you know there are other fun options to keep you busy!
Crystal - Awe thanks Crystal! Penguins are cute right?! Love the painting idea, if I was able to paint I'd try it!
These are too funny! I wonder if I can get my husband to pretend to be a robot with me as we explore ice cream shops...
Of course, I think the best way to wait is by writing something else! :p
When I'm between projects, or in a waiting phase, I'll use the time to thoroughly clean out and organize my Word files. That way, when I'm ready to get back to writing, I'm completely focused on the craft.
Omg, I laughed so hard with this!
I try to write short stories on my free time, so, when I start submitting, will definetly go on with that =)
I think I'll act like a robot. Just because.
I'm going to try the penguin one on the kids and see how long they can at least not talk about penguins under my command. Haha. This will be fun.
And I so want to walk down the street doing the robot. That would be hilarious. I'll just conveniently pick someone else's street. Don't need the neighbors to think I'm crazier than I am!
I'm almost thankful I'm not at that stage yet. The people around me already contemplate having me committed on a regular basis - it I started doing these things, they'd be convinced ;)
Great post and fun reading for the morning.
My 'way' to cope is to write forward. you know, move on and get all wrapped up in that next project/work so when the letter or call comes, you have almost forgotten you had sent it out. almost.
LOL. Those are great ideas. Especially the penguins. I obsess about penguins. ;)
These made me laugh!!.
I hope they bring you wonderful news soon.
LOVE!
Your ways to cope are great! Love the ideas! (:
Flash mob, robot style. That would be fun. :)
I cope by digging in my garden, going to the movies or out to eat.
Sex in the City is a great one!
Also, wine. Copious amounts of wine!
Too funny! I think I like #2 the best.
I love #8. I wonder how many bloggers will use 'wait' as their w word. ;) I love how you avoided that.
I totally do #5! Especially when visiting people. I left Post-Its all over my sister's house before leaving one time. It took her years to find them all.
(NOTE: date the post its so you can laugh at how long it takes them to find)
I also open my kids' notebooks to random pages and leave a note detailing what everyone in the family is doing RIGHT then. "You are eating ice cream before you take a bath, your brother is yelling at the computer..."
fun fun fun!
(oh yeah...I'm supposed to be working...)
I pace and then pace somemore. I really need to find something better to do!
Guinevere - Yes grab your husband he must participate!!
Joanne - I love it! I'm a huge organizer on all my files and really should get back and clean up that mess!!
Clara - Glad you found it helpful, it seemed to waste a bit of time for you! Great idea on the short stories! I'd like to try my hand at one eventually!
Candyland - I like your attitude :)
Amy - Let me know how they both go!! Making the kids join in sounds like a ton of fun!
Jaydee - Well just keep in mind there are options available and as a friend I know you're a little crazy... but you're still loved!
Tess - Excellent plan! Just incase you get stuck remember these are also in place to help you with your time of despair! LOL
Karen - Penguins are the best!
Tywo - Thank you! You're too sweet!
Magically Ordinary - Glad I could oblige!
MT - You also have excellent ideas! I want to try my hand at gardening! Maybe one of these days! I need a house first!
Talli - How the hell did I forget the wine?! Thanks for having my back!!
Karen L - Glad I could help make your day a little brighter!
Karen W - I am glad it's the only addiction because it's truly addicting!!
Stina - I thought everyone would use Writing or Waiting so I did my best, glad you enjoyed!
MissV - You have fabulous ideas!! I will be adding them to my list of ways to pass the time!
Ann - Pacing works, but when bored or lost or just want to waste some time you can at least revert back to my list!
How do I pass the time? Hmm..I tried that whole “I think you’re hot” note thing but our vampire next door neighbor did not find it remotely cute. There were threats; restraining orders, drinking blood, that kind of thing. I gave up soon after he almost turned to dust. I guess I'll have to find something else to occupy my time.
Start a new novel, of course. :)
Andrea - His loss not yours, but I also think I might have saved your life instead, LOL
Shannon - Great plan! Actually even though I'm not to the query process yet I came up with a new idea and I'm very excited about it!
Hah, I like the robot suggestion. I'd recommend, if you aren't already writing a new novel, picking up another hobby. Most creative folk tend to be good at lots of different 'arts.' Try painting, drawing, music, sculpting etc...
The icecream thing sounds fun! Also the robot...I'll have to try that.
Great answers! I am quite loving the robot idea. When I finally finish the wip I am going to:
- Catch up with all my poor neglected friends
- Go get myself a manicure and have nice nails for once
- Do something artistic, rediscover paints, something nice and arty crafty.
- and then no doubt start novel 2. The idea is buzzing around already - well, 3 ideas are buzzing. And a couple of short stories. I just really need more time in the day!
Your list really made me laugh!
I drive around town, read, watch movies... and yes, sometimes I pretend to be a robot. Or a cowboy. Or a super-secret spy on their way to some ultimate clandestine rendezvous. Ha! BTW, I love your "ice cream tour" idea. A must try!
Good luck with your queries, my friend!
GRRR!! There are those penguins again! Can't NOT think about 'em! ;)
My secret mind power doesn't come from the law of average. It's real. I'm a Jedi.
Jai
I watch baseball with my husband while eating way too much chocolate and ice cream! :-)
I organize and clean out drawers and closets. I rearrange knickknacks and furniture. At least I'm doing something productive!
I'm also guilty of #7, thanks to Roald Dahl's Matilda, haha!
How do I pass the time? Well, it's really hard for me not to think about penguins. =) Awesome post Jen!
Great time passing moments:) Although now I'm thinking about penguins ;)
Jeez, I don't know if any of those things will work. One you start querying, it is hard to get your mind off of it but you know what helps me? Editing! Especially editing after a rejection...
Voidwalker - Excellent ideas!
Raquel - Act like a robot while on your journey for ice cream! Even more fun!
Jayne - Sounds like you have a fantastic plan in place!
B. Miller - Great ideas! Sorry to have penguins stuck on the brain!!!
Jai - I'm in awe... a Jedi, will you teach me?!
Shannon - That sounds like so much fun!!
Laura - I prefer to be less productive but I respect your outlook, maybe it's something I should try, LOL
Carolyn V. - Where have you been?! More or less where have I been! I haven't heard from you in a bit! I miss your comments!
Lindsay - I'm noticing a trend, everyone is thinking about penguins!!
Creepy Query Girl - Try not to think about it! Think about penguins instead! Cute, adorable, cuddly penguins!
The best way to spend time waiting is to get to work writing something new.
good luck!!! the waiting lasts FOREVER. So just run through your waiting list...then run through it again...and maybe come up with something new after the fourth trip around town to eat ice cream. :)
Hee! Great ways post. :)
Great post. I hate waiting, it feels like it could last forever. I always try to start something new, or finish something else so that I'm not constantly checking my emails to see if the wait's over.
ha!!! brilliant, my friend!
loved it!!
"You are too old. Yes, too old to begin the training." -- Yoda
Jai
These are too funny! Number 4 cracked me up with your (hey, you never know...) line :) and I am also really glad that you're pursuing your dreams. I think it is really admirable and beautiful.
Ways to cope?
I do it the good old fashioned way. A bottle of Moscato D'Asti and a good book will make the time fly any day :)
I should bookmark this. Somehow I don't think playing Spider Solitaire is a good way to deal with waiting.
It's a little sweet thing called chocolate.
Haha! I love all of these! The robot one cracked me up. Thanks for adding some humor to my day! :D :D
I pass my time eating ice cream and watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer reruns. Haha, how's that for random?
You've got some great ideas here! I'm partial to #7 - that one's so satisfying when it actually works. Also, sometimes I sing to my bird 'cause his dancing cracks me up.
Blockbuster/Netflix or a good book! And then sometimes I just query a bazillion more agents because I really have nothing better to do ahaha. probably not the best idea but HEY! it passes the time. I like your jokster sticky notes and ice cream odyssey the best !!!!!!!!! Mmmmhmm blondie brownie with vanilla/strawberry ice cream and hot fudge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I clean my house, write, excercise, catch up with friends and scrapbook.
Writing something new always helps.
I gave you an award over at my blog. You can pass the time looking at it, maybe!
Walks with friends. SO relaxing. I also like your #2 idea, might steal that one. :)
P.S. Left an award for you on my blog!
#2 is awesome. Ice creams always make things better. :)
I would go on a manga-reading spree, watch tons of Asian dramas, and play hours of Tetris online. All very time-consuming ways of coping. :D
90210 reruns on SoapNet - the original one!
Hi, Jen! I love this post and just the idea of some of them made me literally laugh at loud (Sir- Mix-A-Lot, You're Hot note, etc...)! My kids looked at me as if I were crazy, but hey, they are really funny! I'm so glad you checked out Head in the Clouds, and I look forward to following you along. Have a great Humpday. Tory
I love your list!!!!! So cute. My favorite is the one about the penguins. LOL! I'm not at the querying stage, but I really like the idea of a trip.
What a fun list! Especially the robot part. How do I pass time? Well, I clean out drawers, go on walks, work in the garden, go to COSTCO's and wonder, hmmm, what would their life stories be??
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