The Perfect Guide

There is a technique I've started doing whenever I feel nervous or scared about an endeavor.

I like to call it The Perfect Guide, and I usually picture a guy that's a mix between a psychologist and a guidance counsellor. I imagine he's my buffer and stands between me and all the scary things.

Let's do an example with querying (because that's one I always go to him with).

So everytime I sit down to send out queries, I send out a few, and then I think:

I'm sending these queries out to all of these agents. But really, I am giving my query to you, Perfect Guide.

Please show the query to the agents, chat with them, get to know them, and let me know which one of them is a good fit for me.

If they are not a good fit, I know I will receive either a "no" in my email or no response at all.

If they are a good fit, I trust that you will let me know at the perfect time. (Because The Perfect Guide is soo awesome, that not only does he know which agents are best for you, but he knows the perfect time for them to contact you back. He knows when you'll be at your best and ready for them.)

So that is how I use The Perfect Guide. I know it's a mental exercise, but it really makes most of my anxiety vanish. It just makes me feel secure and taken care of, and that's a great way to feel while you're querying : )

Float Exercise

Do this for about 5 minutes every day (or as much and as often as you feel is needed).

Sit in a comfortable position and let your body "float" as if you are in a swimming pool, completely carefree and weightless, the sun shining down on you and warming you up.

Now let go of everything.

Unstitch your dreams and greatest desires.

Let them float away so that they can become real.

As long as you clutch them to your chest, nobody else will see the treasures.

Feel that they are gone and there is only happiness and fulfillment and sunshine.

You already are and have everything that you need.

I love you.

You are wonderful, and brilliant, and shining brighter every day.

There Is No Rejection

That is the lesson. That has been the lesson all along.

There is no rejection. 

There is only what matches and what doesn't, what works and what doesn't.

You wouldn't want an agent who doesn't completely love your book so don't even be disappointed. Be glad and thankful that you're getting closer to the agent that will love your work.

Let things be. Let things go.

The Universe is constantly working with you and has much bigger plans for you than you can initially imagine.

Listen to your intuition, your gut feeling. Let yourself be guided....

To the right agent....

To the right editor....

To the right novels to write....

Let yourself be.

Let yourself be guided...

in your first draft and in all your editing and revision:

plot

character

paragraphs

sentences

flow

rhythm


Let the Universe in. It is working with you, gently lighting up the way for you. And whenever anything feels off, it's because the Universe is showing you how to make it even better, not because you're not good enough.

Let Go of Your Fears

Be giving.

You have so much within you, but you are keeping it trapped.

You're afraid of a little embarrassment or that 100% of the world won't agree with you.

They won't.

Get over it.

It would be boring otherwise. 

I love you.

You are wonderful. 

Persevering is a success in and of itself.

Happy writing!