Journey Before Destination

I'm a big fantasy fan, and the phrase "Journey Before Destination" isn't just an important phrase from Sanderson's Cosmere- it's arguably the theme of his entire expanded universe. 

It's also how I feel about publishing, and perhaps life in general since moving. 

The above shot is the ravine I walked up in the heat after dropping the kids off at school. It's a hard 30 minute climb from the bay and the city to our home at the top of the hill, and yet it was a wonderous climb, passing ancient ruins, stunning ravines, and the stunning Mediterranean shoreline. It was a walk alone, often in silence. It only takes a block or two walk away from the touristy-busy areas to be surrounded in silence here in Malta. 

Writing and publishing are a similar journey. Miley Cyrus talks about the climb and always having another mountain. Those who've followed along since the beginning, know I've been in publishing a long time. I've been agented, and I've had some major successes, but I definitely haven't broken through yet. I also recently left my agent, and am back in the query trenches. It was the right move, but it puts me back on that journey. 

And yet, I feel more optimistic than ever. My life is amazing. I am living where I want to be, and showing my children the world. Every weekend brings something new to explore or see or do. And writing is bringing unexpected joys as well. I've been quoted in many major publications for my parenting book - a process that involves tons of pitching and mostly rejections. Last week, one magazine I'd appeared in before reached out to me to set up an interview about the book and asking for my expertise. This is a big step. And an exciting one. 

The right agent is out there, as is the right publishing deals. And in the meantime, the journey is amazing. Journey BEFORE destination. It's the climb that counts.