So here we are, five days into the new year, and I'm already banging my head against the wall. I created a list of things I want to accomplish this year, and I get hit by the bug of doubt. Can I really do what I planned? Will my muse play nice and help keep me motivated? Will my cat leave me alone long enough to write my daily goal of 1000 words?
What I want to know is how do you guys do it? How do you get over the daily worries of whether anyone will really like your writing? I can't be the only neurotic writer out there who has this fear. But then, maybe you're like me and take that fear and use it to prove those naysayers wrong. I have to admit that I absolutely hated high school. There were a few wonderful memories, but mostly I couldn't wait for the school day to end, to get away from the teasing and snide remarks. I wasn't hideous back in those days, but I acted like an idiot, couldn't keep my mouth shut to save my life because I had no verbal filter--still don't most days. And there were a fair number of people I thought were my friends who told me I would never make it as a writer.
Now I don't consider myself a vindictive person, and I can only hold a grudge until I fall asleep then I get over it and move on. But being told I would never achieve my dream chaffed my ego in a big way. Yes, I had a ton to learn about writing mechanics, but I knew I could tell a mean story. Egotistical? Maybe. But if I didn't believe in myself, who would?
With graduation well over 15 years behind me, I can look at those naysayers, shake my butt as I dance around my office and proudly say "PPPLLLLLLTTTTT!"
Ehem, so back to 2010. I have a list of goals for 2010.
1) to lose 20 pounds (I know, I have this resolution every year)
2) stalk agents for representation
3) complete three short stories
4) submit previous mentioned short stories.
Now that list (with the exception of #1) may not be daunting but for me, let's just say I always have great intentions, but my follow through sometimes sucks big time.
So, what are you goals for our bright and shiny New Year?
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
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1 comment:
Great post, Jo.
Now, it doesn't get easier even if you are multipublished. Sometimes just a word or two can make you doubt the whole darn thing over again. Sigh. Eventually, it doesn't matter what they say because you know you can do it because the story is so good. And you just have to tell it.
My list is usually comprised of about ten things and my list has things much like yours: Get An Agent, Learn More, Write More. Some are big and some are small and every year I have accomplished at least one more thing on the list as some are carry overs.
This year, I'm looking forward to having them all done.
Lynn
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