What did you give up for Lent?

Do you participate in the Lent practice of giving up
something? I’m not Catholic, but my denomination followed this practice. My
first year, I remember giving up Coke. I’m a real Coke addict. (The drink, not
the drug.) I was at work, and had just taken a sip of my ritual mid-afternoon
treat when I remembered my promise.
I couldn’t believe I’d slipped so fast. First day and I’m a
failure.

Yes, I am literal in my interpretations. No grey, just black
or white. And that’s something I’m trying to correct in my personal life as
well as my writing.
When I first started submitting, if the guidelines said A. I
gave them A. If the guidelines were vague, I’d ask questions until I understood
the process and what they were looking for. After being in the game for almost
five years now, I’m a bit more relaxed in my interpretations. I’ve heard from
countless agents and editors they want a good story well told. And if they list
off what they’re looking for, they might miss out on a manuscript that will
blow them away.
Having faith in your work will move you forward. Knowing
that you’ve written the best book you can at the time, should be enough. If all
you do is polish, you’ll never be told no. You’ll also never get constructive
feedback from the people who could have bought your book.
Last year when I was negotiating my contract with my editor
(I don’t have an agent), I fell into that black or white mentality. Kicking
myself during the long weekend after asking for a change in the
options clause, I drove myself and my friend crazy with second guessing.
This is probably the reason agents earn their 15%.
As the hours passed without a response, I’d gone from
confident in my request to convinced I’d phrased the email wrong and had
offended her.
When Monday came and the editor agreed to my request, I was
over the moon. I’d almost given up faith.
So this year, I’m giving up sugar. I may be a basket case by
the time this blog posts. I’m sure I’ll fail at least once. But I know I’ll get
back up and try again.
And that’s all that matters.

What are you giving up for Lent?
Lynn
Mission to Murder is up for pre-order (coming July 31st) so I thought I’d share the cover. Don’t you just want to go inside and see what’s on sale?
5 replies
  1. Marilyn Meredith a.k.a. F. M. Meredith
    Marilyn Meredith a.k.a. F. M. Meredith says:

    I agree, great cover. As for Lent, don't do that. Our church is doing a fast on the first Tuesday of each month–I chose to give up my soap opera and my Chai latte.
    (The Chai is a big sacrifice.)

    • Lynn Cahoon
      Lynn Cahoon says:

      I so, so wanted a cookie today. Yes, I am a stress eater. But I've been good so far. I'm making a cheesecake for Easter.

  2. Laura Bradford
    Laura Bradford says:

    You can do it, Lynn!!! And you didn't drive me crazy! You made the right call and that's why she agreed!

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