Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Feeling Good about Writing

Holy cow! Can you believe it's already May? Wow, the year has really slipped by for me. All things considered, it's been a good ride so far, and thanks to all your support last month, I'm feeling much more positive about the impending move. So, when I was thinking on my post for today, I decided to dedicate it to a few words of encouragement instead of the usual angst. I'm hoping to repay your kindness with encouragement that will hopefully made you feel better. At least for today.

The path to create something subjective like art or novels is a difficult one. Not only are we confronted by our natural need of being accepted and loved, but we receive constant negative or derogatory comments. It seems the world thinks writing books or painting watercolors is as easy as changing socks. Every-freaking-body thinks they can write. I keep hearing from non-writers how they wished they had the time to write a book, 'cause they have these great ideas! Some of those ideas are actually great, but you and I know writing a book takes a whole lot more than time. We know because we do all kinds of time-bending and soul-gymnastics to write from the deepest, most personal nooks in our minds. And even if it were only about time, I usually wonder if these people think I do nothing but stare at my computer all day. Who raises my kids, cleans my house, cooks? And that's just because I'm lucky enough not to need a day job (thanks to God and the hubby for that!). While non-writers daydream and complain, every writer I know squeezes every last second of the day to manage a few words more.

So there. Give yourself a pat on the back!

But that's not our only daily triumph. We keep pounding the keyboard without any certitude that the many hours we've poured into our fictional worlds will ever see the light of day. And when we finish, we are confronted with the terrifying reality of searching for acceptance out there, in the real world. We send our babies to agents and publishers, hoping for the best and dreading the worst. We receive harsh criticism on a regular basis. And yet somehow, every time we find the strength to do it all over again. Just the fact that we've written THE END on something is a big accomplishment. Do you know the failure rate among wanna-be-writers? You have given a HUGE step forward. Your ms may seem like garbage to you now, and it is far from finished, but you have accomplished what millions before you have not.

So, there's another reason to think you're awesome!

And like I was saying just now, if you have send anything to a publisher or have queried innumerable agents seeking for representation, you are brave. It's not easy to put yourself out there and open to being rejected--which you most probably have experienced at least once. That requires courage! And to send your story to a new publisher/agent after it was rejected once, twice, or a million times requires not only courage, but tenacity. Those are the steppingstones to success.

So take a drink on your name, eat a celebratory donut with sprinkles on top, or a sunday. Recognize the strength in yourself on a daily basis, that way when your insecurities come a-knocking, you'll know what your heart and mind are made of. What you are writing/feeling/going through may not be good, but as long as you remember there's a grain of greatness in you, you'll find your way to the top.

Thanks to Alex for giving us this great outlet to vent/find support. Don't forget to click on the IW Support Group page on top this blog to visit more writers and keep spreading the good vibes!

22 comments:

Rachel Schieffelbein said...

What a great post! You're right, it does take courage and tenacity. And those who have that, and are willing to keep learning new things as they go, are the ones who succeed!

Cherie Reich said...

Exactly! The difference between writers and non-writers is we take our ideas and do something with them. We don't wait around for the right time to do them either.

Chemist Ken said...

You've just reminded me how long the writing process really takes. Thank goodness I didn't know all this at the beginning or I never would have started writing.

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

I feel better about myself already! Thanks for a great post. Made me think of all those times I've heard someone say, I could write a book, heck it'd be a best seller. I'm patting myself on the back.

cleemckenzie said...

And what I hear from writers a lot is how hard it is. I don't hear that from people who don't write. Now why is that?

M Pax said...

Woot for a fired-up speech of support!

I wrote many projects that have never seen the light of day. Someday they will.

Georgina Morales said...

Well, thank you all for the warm response! I'm glad this post helped remind you how great you all are. In my experience, writers are nice fellas and gals, tough as nails, and always trying to help others. I'm honored to be part of such community.

Unknown said...

It is true that people who've never tried to write a book think it will be easy. But there are those who do find the time and are then convinced their effort is the best book ever written. (It must be - because their mother and best friend loved it!) Worse, when they get rejected, they self-publish and crow to everyone that they're authors and it was so very easy. *sigh*

Anonymous said...

So true. I've really got to get back on the horse and start writing that seriously again. I have on two occasions in recent times gotten that first rejection for short fiction and thrown the 'failure' in the discard pile despite being told in the rejection that it's not a fit for them but I should try other markets. (They're just being nice I tell myself.) You've inspired me to reconsider.

Shannon Lawrence said...

Awesome supportive words! Thanks for the positive and encouraging post for the IWSG.

Juneta key said...

Wonderful post. Very encouraging. Thank you for that. Well done. You succeeded in inspiring.

Happy Writings,
Juneta at Writer's Gambit

shelly said...

Loved this post! Have a great writerly day!

Hugs and chocolate!

Georgina Morales said...

@Lexa: Ugh. We all have met at least one of those "writers." Sadly...

@Annehiga: I'm glad you found a little push to go back to your writing. We all get through lows and highs, but just keep pushing. You'll find out you're stronger than you thought.

@Shannon, Juneta, and Shelly: Thanks for stoping by! Glad it was worth your while =)

Unknown said...

We all deserve a nice pat on the back. :) Great inspirational post. It certainly is hard and the people who don't do it, don't understand. Publishing is not for the faint of heart.

Patsy said...

Yes, writing isn't about having the talent, ideas or luck. It's about actually writing (and keeping our lives going at the same time)

I'm not totally messing that up, so I'll give myself a pat on the back - and send one your way too.

Nana Prah said...

Your post made me smile. Thanks for writing it so well. Changing socks- funny and true.

Georgina Morales said...

Thank you, Patsy and Nana. We all need años ocasional pat in the back for keeping up the good fight ;-)

Micheal, you're so right! With all the adrenaline and ups and downs, I'd say writing is a extreme sport!

Nicole said...

Ha, we definitely do squeeze every moment out the day. :) Pats on the back to everyone!

Nana Prah said...

Well said. Writers get it done.

Mina Lobo said...

That "soul-gymnastics" bit is brilliant - and I can SO relate!!! :-)

Georgina Morales said...

@Nicole: yep! Every. Second. Counts! LOL

@Mina: I'm telling you! After some writing sessions, parts I didn't know my soul had hurt! ;-)

emaginette said...

Thank you :-)

Anna from Shout with Emaginette