What do you fear, as a writer?

The first answer that came to my mind was "to seem derivative" or "similar." My characters are unique, so I'm not worried about that anymore. "Being predictable" is higher on the list. Every few chapters, I asked my beta-readers questions, and based on their answers, the readers won't predict the major points. They grasp the characters well, but can't guess where the writing will lead. All good signs. I'm optimistic. That being said, the short answer would be that I fail, but that's not specific enough of an answer either.

I picked this question for today because the answer is rather apropos. Minutes ago, I clicked send and sent my first query letter. Within the next 6 to 8 weeks, I'll find out if the first agent I submitted to will work with me for years to come... or be the first of my... which leads to my biggest fear: that it takes too long to get an agent.

I've seen horror stories where writers sat in limbo for years. YEARS! That's more years of hearing "So when's the book coming out?" and "Ya still waiting on agents, huh?" ... not something I'm looking forward to. I'm not afraid that I might give up. I expect to get some discouraging responses. I know the possibility of rejection is high. None of that compares to the waiting... It's purely the waiting that I dread. To my fellow writers, artists, and creators, what would you put as your biggest fear?

So there ya have it, friends. Your boy has sent his first query letter! I did the research. I made sure my book was up the agent's alley. I made sure the agent was someone I'd love to represent me. I researched how to write a query letter and I wrote the best letter I can. NOW guess what I get to do!

I get to wait...