time

More waiting.   That's all part of the game.  Submit a story, wait.  Get a rejection notice, submit a story, wait.  Repeat.  Oh boy, must you repeat.  A few times, I even paid to submit my story.  I feel so cheap.  Even a few contests.  Pitting my story, my characters against others. My poor old hitchhiking man strutting down the catwalk, looking fierce and making that all important turn.  Will he win against the skateboarding zombies or teenage vampires?  He can't introduce you to the undead, but he can sure tell you some sad stories.  Come on journals, give the ol' guy a break.  He's paid his dues.  Accept him.