I've
got all the money I'll ever need, if I die by four o'clock.
~ Henny Youngman
~ Henny Youngman
Isn’t that
the truth? If only I could live the fairytale life of a successful female executive
whose writing career was launched over a casual elevator conversation, when the
woman’s name was ‘dropped’ to a publisher who immediately purchased her first
book – before it was ever written!
Meanwhile, we work-a-day everyday writers
trudge resolutely onward with wavering hopes and withering spirit toward that
elusive literary lottery called publication and the assumption of, at least
eventual, financial success.
So, what do
you tell yourself in the meantime? How do you instill the motivation required to
keep the inspiration flowing? Do you
look at your over-flowing files and think “I could publish them all myself next
week,” only to decline in a cold sweat of insecurity?
Me, I keep
right on writing. Engaging in any form of written communication of the voices
in your head is always a good thing. Whether through poetry, essays,
journaling, short stories or blogging, it keeps those creative juices flowing
and your muse on his/her toes. You’ll
only get better and better. And don’t forget to treat yourself with dozens of
favorite books!
How’s your
journey?
Happy writing!
Founded by multi-published author and
fellow blogger, Alex Cavanaugh the
Insecure Writers Support
Group convenes on the first Wednesday of every month for news, tips, camaraderie
and overall support of writers worldwide. Won’t you join us?
It helps that I no longer work with a publisher. Self-publishing allows me to publish when and if I want to.
ReplyDeletePiper Presley
Insecure Writer's Support Group - Trust Your Process
Hi Piper!
DeleteAs this vein of thought gains popularity (and it is by the month!) I can see many new avenues opening up for writers -at last ;-) At the very least it is empowering to feel you're in charge and the dreaded discouragement of waiting for someone to 'discover' you is eliminated.
Thanks for coming by :-)
Hi, dear Diedre!
ReplyDeleteThat Henny Youngman quip made me laugh. It reminded me of a reframing technique I learned in motivational seminars. If you feel like you will never reach your goal, that you are "fighting a losing battle," turn that thinking around. Reframe it as "I am fighting a winning battle and it is just a matter of time before I win." Don't blow the whistle on yourself prematurely and declare the game over.
"It ain't over till it's over." - Yogi Berra
If there is joy for you in writing, then write on. In the end, fame and fortune are not as important as doing quality work and touching lives with your gifts.
Happy Wednesday, dear friend Diedre!
Hi dear Shady!
DeleteI really appreciate your comment and the introduction of the interesting technique. You always know just what to say ;-)
"It ain't over..." is a such an uplifting chant - especially for writers, like me, who are at their contented best when they are writing and even the slightest nod is encouraging. I feel it's much more important that my work is enjoyed, rather than simply purchased and perhaps shelved. "A writer only begins a book, a reader finishes it." ~ Samuel Johnson
Thanks again, my friend! Have a wonderful day :-)
Sometimes you just have to keep on keeping on. One day you'll make your break. But you can't get better or make that break if you don't keep working toward it. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Mandy 'n' Justin!
DeleteYou're right about that, you can't arrive at your destination if you don't continue the journey :-)
Have a terrific week!
I just keep at it, too. One word, on sentence at a time. And when it comes to publishing, well, I've taken the plunge before, so I can do it again. :) Thanks for your offer to help in promoting when the time comes!
ReplyDeleteHi Bish!
DeleteWhere would we writers be without perseverance, right?
I admire you for 'taking the plunge', and I hope the experience was and always is as exhilarating as it should be :-)
You're very welcome, I'm happy to be of assistance!
You've got the right idea. We have to keep at it and find new ways to get better, to inspire us, and patch up our wounds.
ReplyDeleteHi Chrys!
DeleteYes, along with the resources and support available through the IWSG - and of course, your most enlightening posts ;-) we can all do just that. Thanks, Chrys!
Just keep writing. That's all any of us can do.
ReplyDeleteHi Ken!
DeleteYes, and isn't it wonderful that we can?
After writing numerous books in my 20s and not having any luck, I resigned myself in my 30s that even if I never got published, I'd still write because it makes me happy. I think that's what we have to tell ourselves...because no matter what, it's never going to feel like enough!
ReplyDeleteHi Stephanie!
DeleteThat's it in a nutshell! We write because it makes us happy. It's why we ever started and why we'll never 'finish' writing. I can live with that ;-)
Occasionally, I will be down on myself for blogging but I agree with you in one respect. Continually writing, is continual practice. Be it journal writing, blogging or writing short stories, I've been working on my writing for over 30 years. I'm certain I'm better for it. I just need to find the right mix where I can keep in practice, and yet find the time to do what I actually need to do, write the story.
ReplyDeleteHi Jeffrey!
DeleteOh, I hear you. I've had days when assessing my productivity is an exercise in self-torture! What did I do all day? Well, I tended a couple accounts and ah, mostly blogged...(sigh). Not that I didn't enjoy, but you know what I mean. One technique that might work better in numbers is accountability partnerships, where you honestly share how many words (or pages) you wrote in a day or a week (even a month).
It's so true that every new sentence paves the paths of our writing journeys. Why not bask in the light of discovery along the way?
Hi Diedre,
ReplyDeleteI can relate to that Henny Youngman quote. Although, I think it'd be a few hours earlier in my case.
You have a healthy writing balance that works very well for you. The key, of course, is to not stress yourself out. Those times of just contemplating and reflecting on the world around, are positive ways of keeping the passion for the written word flowing.
I've been rather in the background when it comes to blogging. It's been a frustrating yet fruitful time as I've been determined to challenge, to defeat my chronic fatigue.
Thank you for an enlightening post. Of course, you might of realised that, "IWSG", actually means, "I Was Seeking Gary." Did I mention I was delusional?
Take good care, I'm outta' here...
Gary
Hi Gary!
DeleteThose times of reflection for me, when the sound of a gurgling stream or the fleeting scent of wildflowers spikes my creativity - even when I'm not trying - are times I always cherish. I have a hunch you feel that way too ;-)
Gary, it is such a pleasure to have met you! I can't imagine you in the background unless as one whose very presence is inspiring. It's certainly wise to pace yourself. Lord knows I need to do that myself ;-)
"I was seeking Gary" Ha! I love it!
Diedra, regardless of one's endeavor they have to keep on keeping on. That's what I do and along they path of frustration I know I'm advancing on the road to progress.
ReplyDeleteHi Stephen!
DeleteHa! I think that path of frustration is nature's poke at having such a satisfying vocation :-) We just keep right on doing what we love as we doggedly move onward.
One thing that motivates me to keep going with the writing (even during times when it's not really "going") is to remind myself how nice it is that I have this outlet to be creative and imaginative.
ReplyDeleteHi Cynthia!
DeleteIsn't it wonderful that our own creativity can be so illuminating in shadowed times? And yes, being able to share our triumphs and tribulations in good company is always a plus! Glad you're here :-)
First off, that cat meme is everything. And I think that as long as we continue to write the best stories we can and truly try our best at marketing ourselves, we'll get where we want to be. When is a whole nother story.
ReplyDeleteHi Quanie!
Delete"a whole nother story" Ha! No kidding, huh? I can't remember just now who said "a writer should have a second life to know if he was any good" but I can relate ;-) Good thing we have resources like IWSG to keep our spirits strong as we go.
You already know I love your books, but I also admire your marketing skills. I'll just have to keep following your posts till I learn it!
Somebody once said: "Do what you love and the money will follow". That happened to me with the dog business, although it's declining now as the market has become so saturated. If financial success is the main goal, then creativity will likely suffer. Just continue to do what you love for the sheer joy of it. You never know what might happen! There's also the self-publishing route, but that may not be as lucrative or satisfying.
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie!
DeleteAw, the world can't possibly lose the need for dog lovers like you! Dogs would revolt, you know?
Thankfully, I write because I dearly love to. And because I write fiction I feel it's driven by creativity which might not be possible if I had to "write on demand" for money. Of course, who wouldn't want to get paid? I think the jury is still out on which route is more lucrative, but satisfaction tends to lean more toward traditional publication.
Good to see you, Debbie!
Simple but excellent advice, Deidre. Expressing ourselves creatively is healthy and if we get stalled by any sort of rejection or setback than the insecurities can just take over. And we should always enjoy writing!
ReplyDeleteHi Nick!
DeleteAbsolutely, we should always enjoy :-) And whenever the winds of doubt begin to blow our creativity off the table, we must get up and shut the window ;-)
Happy writing, Nick!