You’ve bitten the bullet and sent your writing out into the world for publication. Whether it’s your first time doing this or done submitted your work dozens of times. What comes next is usually one of the most nerve-wracking parts for a writer. Waiting for the magazine, press, journal, etc. to say yay or nay to your writing. And I assure you, the waiting game sucks.
So here’s a few things you can do to keep your mind occupied as you wait. Instead of checking your emails or accounts (like Submittable or Duotrope).
3. Practice yoga or meditation
Yoga and meditation helps with your mental well-being. It can help you achieve calm and relax your mind. It also helps in centering your attention and relieving anxiety and depression.
2. Read a book(s)
Stephen King said it best. “If you don’t have the time to read, you don’t have time or tools to write.” Use this chance to finally make a dent in your TBR list. As well take the opportunity to read the stories from other writers to help improve your writing. And enjoy getting lost in a book.

1. Start writing a new story
Nothing like a new story to take your mind off the one you just finished. Whether it’s a new story idea or the next story in a series. Creating a new universe for your story to exist keeps the anxiety and possible negative thoughts at bay. Especially when you’re flooded with excitement when you have new darlings to bring life to. And eventually kill.

What do you usually do to help you get through the waiting game? Did it make the list? Have any suggestions to make?
And remember, stay safe and healthy.
Swap out exercise for the yoga and I am good to go!
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We can be yoga buddies!😁
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All those are good! Relaxation is key, but starting the next one is also the best advice!
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Yes. After all, there’s more than one story in us that only we can write and a reader wants to read.
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My fave is to start another story. Good luck with the submission. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
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Thanks Emaginette! Right now I’m doing the second, reading and getting lost in stories.
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I’ve been working hard to keep my unpublished work on submission more regularly. When I’ve got 20-30 pieces out there being considered, it’s easier for me to just ignore that part of writing life for a while and not worry about the reception while I work on other things. @samanthabwriter from
Balancing Act
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That’s amazing. Where do you find all these submissions to send your writing to?
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