Close Calls

Over the past six months or so I feel like I’ve had a number of close calls for writing and publishing opportunities.  I had an essay accepted for publication in a compilation about parenthood (but then the publisher subsequently closed its doors); I had a couple of literary agents tell me they’re interested in a book-length piece I wrote but that it’s not quite right for them for at this time; and I’ve had a couple of live productions where I was going to have a piece featured get cancelled in the weeks before they were set to go up.

It’s all part of the deal with writing, I guess, but it doesn’t make it any less disappointing.  I guess it’s just sort of reinforced a kind of general skepticism I have about not completely trusting whether something is going to happen until the very last moment.

Even with productions that I put on and am responsible for, I worry until the last moment that the people involve may pull out.

I don’t really have a point here, except that I find myself taking a kind of analytical approach to the future, where I start to assume that 25-40% of all things I’m invited to or offered will inevitably fall apart.

Cynical?  Jaded?

OR is it better to frame it as 60-75% of all things I’m invited to or offered will actually take place.

Dunno.

Just getting this out there.  Tricky business.

(Or is it?  Maybe this is true of lots of fields, and it really just depends on the establishment or organization, and each offer should be weighed on its own merits?)

(I’m glad you have yourself to discuss this with, because it’s really important to think through)

In general, I suppose this is what prompts self-motivation, since I know that projects I begin or am responsible for myself will get off the ground if I want them to.

(It’s almost like doing something yourself is the only guarantee of getting it done; but that doesn’t have the right ring to it somehow)

p.s. how’s THE POD coming along?

p.p.s. so glad you asked!; I’ll update you soon…