Not long after that, I 25 with my first agent. Then in 2013, after parting with my first agent, I was again faced with the 26 for representation. This time I submitted to three agencies and got two 27 . Over the span of 20 years, I've got 18 completed manuscripts and was 28 almost 350 times. It took me 12 years to see my first book 29 the shelf. You could look at these numbers and get pretty 30 . I can look at these numbers and feel the same. I know plenty of people with a 31 apprenticeship(学徒期). I have friends who have been more 32 . All sorts of authors I 33 with in 2012 have published far more than I have. But here's the 34 thing I've learned in the last 20 years: My process is mine. My journey is mine. Each book finds its way on its own.

　　The writing life is a long-term journey. There is no right way. There is no 35 fix. There is no easy road. There is a lot of frustration and disappointment, but there is joy and satisfaction, too.

16. A. submitting B. lending C. keeping D. presenting

17. A. soon B. back C. already D. later

18. A. appreciation B. entertainment C. anticipation D. embarrassment

19. A. publisher B. newspaper C. reception D. competition

20. A. initial B. casual C .innovative D. subjective

21. A. criticized B. processed C. received D. distributed

22. A. followed B. concluded C. ensured D. confirmed

23. A. correcting B. polishing C. monitoring D. reviewing

24. A. agent B. client C. instructor D. fan

25. A. signed B. bargained C. dealt D. reasoned

26. A. excuse B. affection C. hunt D. request

27. A. offers B. substitutions C. professions D. complaints

28. A .registered B. rejected C. defeated D. deserted

29. A. under B. beside C. off D. on

30. A. amused B. inspired C. touched D. frustrated

31. A. longer B. heavier C. shorter D. newer

32. A. famous B. intelligent C. enthusiastic D. productive

33. A. debated B. mixed C. cooperated D. disagreed

34. A. key B. handy C. funny D. lively

35. A. temporary B. quick C. possible D. flexible