While doing a warm-up for one of my classes last week, we discussed the Latin roots mitt, miss, and mise (meaning lead, bring, draw).
Students had to match words with these roots to their correct meaning. One of the definitions was "to yield control". The matching word: submit.
I had one of those little epiphanies. When I submit a piece for consideration (even a query letter), I'm yielding control. For some reason, I felt a sense of peace after this revelation. (May has been a rough month for rejections). My work needs to be done before I submit; after that moment, the story is in someone else's hands.
Giving up control can be quite freeing.
8 comments:
there is still over a week left in the month, it can turn around. With you I am sure it will. (I have heard surprisingly little from editors this month, I am beginning to get worried.) Have a good week as well.
That is quite a good revelation-- thanks for that! I mean, we all kind of have to think that way, but sometimes having things articulated just right makes it click.
Language is such a funny thing. And I don't mean funny ha-ha.
I don't always have control over the things even when they're in my hands. :)
Don't worry it's almost June. And then you'll have a summer off from teaching, and your karma will change.
Excellent revelation : ) You're like a word of the day calendar!
I like that! It's what I always kind of felt, but putting it into words makes me feel better about it, oddly enough.
Look towards June. I'm sure it will be a great month :)
I'm echoing Cate's sentiment. I rarely if ever control the story when I'm writing. The ones I do have a tighter rein on, I rack up rejections for. The ones I don't have control of? They get accepted.
Holidays soon, my friend.
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