One Day Closer

I subscribe to the Writer’s Digest online Ezine / newsletter, wherein they send a shortened version of the magazine—sans ads—to my inbox where I can read the articles that interest me at my leisure. With the exception of a distinct lack of pictures, it’s a pretty sweet set up. I mean, yes, I miss the pictures (especially when my friends are featured). But I always have the option of picking up a copy at a bookstore.

The other day, the newsletter arrived in my inbox with this headline:

6 Signs You’re Getting Closer to Publication

It’s articles like this that make me glad I subscribed. When I read the list, a realization hit home—this is me. Not just wanting to believe a similar something could happen, but actually where-I-am-in-the-process ME.

If you’re not a writer, this is likely not a concept you will understand, so I’m very sorry, you can feel free to ignore my rambling and move on with your life. But if you are a writer, you probably understand the significance of what I’m saying.

This is huge.

Granted, I’m not packing my bag to go on a world-wide tour yet. But I am preparing myself in other ways. My day is coming. And whether it happens tomorrow, or in six months, or six years or ten—I’m making progress. And that, my friends, is all that matters.

I. Am. Getting. Closer.

And so are you. Get ready.

An Offensive Four-Letter Word

Well, okay. Some of you might say it. But you better NEVER say it when I’m in the room. I might have to hurt you.

Can’t.

Seriously? In my opinion, this four-letter-word is worse than the worst curse word. It’s self depreciating, self destructive, and just plain wrong because there is no such thing. So just don’t say it.

If ever you find you need a different word with which to replace this other naughty one, try these instead: Won’t, shouldn’t, am not allowed, illegal, it’s wrong, I’m afraid, incapable, don’t want to.

The truth: 

YOU CAN.

Doesn’t matter what it is, it can be done, and by you. But first you have to believe in yourself.

That is all.

Floodgates to the Return of Brilliance

Do you ever feel like quitting something you love? I did. This summer, I decided to take a break from writing. Summer is crazy busy. Especially July. And I just wasn’t motivated to write at the time. I had no good ideas, no thoughts on how to continue with certain works, nada. Zip. Zilch. So. I did it. I quit.

Wouldn’t you know it, during the craziest, busiest months, months when I don’t even have much reading time, I end up with my best ideas. New ideas, ideas on how to fix old manuscripts, ideas on ways to cut in more polished ones…IDEAS! Hooray and yay and happy dancing for ideas.

The notebook by my bed has been recently used in the middle of the night, without a light (also with a pen that ran out of ink, apparently). The notes feature on my phone, my voice recorder, and also napkins and receipts in my purse have been handy. And I have had some computer writing time. Just not as much as I want.

Three weeks ago, I told my critique group, some family members, and a number of other people that I was taking the summer off from writing. And when I made that claim, I meant it. I needed a break. My brain was stressed. Fried, even. So I gave myself permission to stop (temporarily).

And I did stop. For like, four days. And then the floodgates opened. And now that I’ve scheduled myself almost no writing time, I really wish I had some.

The moral of the story? The next time you’re tempted to temporarily quit, do it. Sometimes all it takes is to relieve a little bit of pressure before the brilliance returns full force. And let me just tell you now—that brilliance is as bright as the summer sun.

*sings praises to the elements* Hallelujah!

Gotta go. I have manuscripts to work on.