I’ve been to SO many blogs lately where people are talking about being jealous. Being burned out. Being just tired of the writing process. Being discouraged by rejections.
And I get it.
Perseverance, right?
I think sometimes people are comparing themselves to other writers. To peers. To crit partners. And if they’d just write, on their own terms, they’d be so much happier.
I don’t write with the beautiful language of one of my crit partners. My grammar is obnoxious compared to another crit partner. My books are based in the real world instead of some fantastic place like another crit partner. I know a woman who has one book out, but I know right now that her next will be even more fabulous than her first, and definitely more literary than anything I plan on attempting.
But if I sat at my computer and compared my writing and my style and my publication aspirations to those around me, I might get discouraged. A good friend is signed by a big name agent and only wants publication in the big 6. She’ll get there. I have no doubt. I’m thrilled with my new agent and how much fun I’ve had with Cedar Fort in getting my first book to print. For me, that’s perfect.
I don’t want to be discouraged. I get to WRITE! I’m not slaving away over my garden for food (out of necessity ;^) and I live in a country where I’m free to write whatever I want.
Life is good.
So, next time you sit at your computer (or your notepad, you crazy longhanders) enjoy the process. Enjoy what you do, and make it your own.
Yes!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Jolene! I heartily agree with you! hugs~
ReplyDeletethank you Donna and Kari!
ReplyDeleteI've just been AMAZED at the number of people suffering from burnout and depression over something we can so easily forget to just ENJOY.
Writing IS fun! If I haven't written in a while I get this burning feeling that I have to sit down and get back into that world I've created, and stop letting my characters down. I've never had that same burning about heading over to Denny's to wait tables, or any of the other everyday jobs I've taken. Publication would be great also, but to me it's the journey and not the destination that's so much fun (although I may tell you differently if I ever get that call from an agent that says my book has sold!).
ReplyDeleteHmmm. I guess I forgot writing was supposed to be fun.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say, great post, Jolene.
ReplyDeleteTra, la, la - let's go write!