Giant Steps?

Growing up, the neighborhood kids played a game called, "May I." We would line up, and one of us would stand a distance away, facing the others.

Each child would make a request. "May I take two baby steps?" The leader would either grant permission or deny it. She did not want any of us to take her place.

Someone else would say, "May I take five giant steps?" The leader would roar, "No, you may not take five giant steps." The person would amend their request and eventually be given permission.

This writing path often feels like a game of  "May I." We know it's a long road and want to get to our destination fast. "May I take seven giant steps?" (Translation: May I have a contract?) An editor or agent, says, "No, you may not." We approach them again, "May I take three baby steps?" (Translation: May I show you my one sheet?) "Yes, you may."

Someone once said a journey begins with a single step. We may not get to publishing land as fast as we'd like, but we'll have the opportunity to take steps every day in the right direction.

What steps did you take today? Was it a baby step or a giant step?