But for the Blunder of a Disenchanted Farmer...

Bear with me folks as I set aside my current theme of Arizona ghosts, towns, and legends to present to you my very first post in this unique and much needed (at least by me) support venue: Insecure Writer's Support Group. I feel better already!

Foremost on my mind today are a host of finished products; stories that sit like silent soldiers, awaiting my command. So do something, screams that insistent little voice. And this is where one of two things happen: 1. I make a concerted effort; send in a few queries, submissions (to no avail), or 2.  Insecurity seeps like a widening ink spot spreading across the light of hope (I’m not ready, I don’t know how), and I go outside and whack the heck out of some weeds out back (I’m extremely good at that, at least!).

Meanwhile a heated conversation begins in my head:

So, are you just going to shovel dirt and forget them?

Of course not! 

They’re not going to spring from their files and find an editor, secure an agent, garner recognition or publish themselves!

 I know. And I know I need to get with it. And I will…someday.

Finish what you started…

Fine! Perhaps what I need is inspiration, though I rarely have to look for it while writing. Could the word I’m looking for be motivation?  Wait! I’ve got it! The word, (How did I ever miss this?) is Support! Did I tell you I feel better already? 

In the course of all this soul-searching I ran across a legend (Ha! I couldn’t resist!):

Shake It Off and Step Up
by: Author Unknown, Source Unknown

A parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer's well. The farmer heard the mule 'braying' - or - whatever mules do when they fall into wells. After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving. Instead, he called his neighbors together and told them what had happened and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.

Initially, the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back, a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back: he should shake it off and step up! This he did, blow after blow.

"Shake it off and step up... shake it off and step up... shake it off and step up!" he repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or distressing the situation seemed the old mule fought "panic" and just kept right on shaking it off and stepping up!

He was right! It wasn't long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, stepped triumphantly over the wall of that well! What seemed like it would bury him, actually blessed him. All because of the manner in which he handled his adversity.

So, what do you think? Have you, in your writing journey, ever felt like the farmer or the mule? Do you believe support is important in achieving your goals?