Beyond the writing...

I spent some time this afternoon reading two books, The Children's Writer's Market and The Writer's Market. These books are basically a resource for learning how to get published, how to craft one's writing to publisher needs, and how to manage a career in writing. The reading was interesting and helpful, but in all honesty it was overwhelming and a little discouraging as well. It's not that I learned that the process and road to publishing was long; it's not that I learned how much effort and work I need to do just to have my writing considered... but it's that I learned how much I'm still lacking. Yes, I have the talent; yes, I have the education; yes I have the passion. What I am lacking is connections, community, and experiential knowledge. Granted, I realize these things will come as I pursue my writing career on a more full-time basis. However, at this point... I'm learning all I need to do beyond my writing... I'm beginning to wonder when I'll have time to write after all the research, contacts, and responses.