I vowed my books would be Published in 2010.
With only few days remaining, it would be a cosmic miracle.
I’ve agonized over this ‘Dream’, pressurizing myself to attain that illusive Book Contract.
Why didn’t it happen in 2010?
The reality … it’s more challenging that ever to crack the mainstream publishing market. I’ve channeled my energy into my pro-active quest for publishing.
That drive has realized three articles published, a writer’s festival launched, two regular eNewsletters circulated, and a short story will be published in an upcoming anthology in 2011.
… So why do I have this empty feeling?
How do I find any Writer’s BLISS from 2010?
As a writer, I continually forget to congratulate myself for my achievements.
Instead I gloss over them and start planning my next project, not allowing myself any writer satisfaction, or even a breather.
Where’s the JOY in the simple Writing pleasures?
I must learn to pat myself on the back instead of focusing on my non-achievements.
For me, it’s easier said than done.
Calling all Writers out there …
Let’s pause for a second and reflect … What have YOU accomplished in 2010?
~ Congratulations if YOU have ~ … Please tick
- completed or started a Writing Course []
- participated in a Writing Workshop []
- created a Facebook page []
- blogged on your own Website []
- joined a Writing Group []
- attended writing events or a conference []
- networked with other Writers []
- learned how to Critique and now have critiquing buddies []
- published a story, an article or a book []
- launched your book []
- advanced your writing in some way []
- watched your story develop and spring to life on the page []
How did you go?
Did you tick a few boxes, applaud yourself and allow yourself to connect with the self-satisfaction / happiness emotion that self-pride can bestow?
These simple practices ground us in our PRESENT success.
But there’s nothing wrong with envisaging Goals for the FUTURE.
My Vow for 2011 … is to continue to write with passion, live each day as if it were my last and keep building my Dream.
What’s yours?
Hi Karen,
Us writers as a group are very tough on ourselves. You’re right about that.
Keep doing what you’re doing and you’ll get that book published.
Thanks Michelle. Its just that I promised myself I’d do everything possible to get published. I suppose I have done that. I really thought it would happen in 2010. Now I have set New Goals for 2011 … Karen :))
You’ve got the right attitude there, Karen. Keep it up, and all the best for 2011. Be kind on yourself too! 🙂
Thanks Sheryl, I’ve worked my butt off this year and hoping 2011 will see the fruition of my dreams. All the best to you too for 2011. Cheers, Karen :))
it will happen Karen. keep that chin up, the pen down, and keep trying. i believe all things happen for a reason, and maybe in fighting for this book to be on the shelves, you need some other doors to open first.. so keep peeking behind any you stumble across!!
2011 will be your year, Karen. Just wait and see 🙂
take it easy on yourself, Karen . steady persistence pays off
GOSH! What a good post. I was feeling like you. Though I did manage to get my book published I started fretting over the future of the drafts I’m working on believing they’re rubbish and I’m a one hit wonder. And yet I ticked all but one box, which proved I was busy working away etc. It’s so true, Karen. Often, we writers dwell on what hasn’t happened when so much has. And if we keep working towards the goal, attending workshops, writing groups and writing, of course eventually we’ll see some fruition.
Thanks Kelly. I like your idea about peeking behind those semi-opened doors. That’s what I’ll be doing in 2011. Cheers, Karen :))
Ooh Carol, I hope you’re right and you can foresee the future Cheers, Karen :))
Thanks John, so nce to see you here. Like your words too … “Steady persistence.” That’s what I’ll be doing. Karen :))
Hi Olwyn thanks for dropping by, glad you like my post. I love the freshness of your writing and your new book “The Importance of Being Cool”. But seems many writers go through the same suffering , concentrating on what hasn’t happened. So its time we TICK OFF what we’ve achieved … Karen :))
you dont have a box to tick for inspiring me to write more xxxx
Thank you and a prospering new year
xxx
Thanks Nicky, I’m glad you’re inspired to write too. Wishing you all the best for 2011 … Karen xx
Hello Karen,
It is not only writers who do not stop and congratulate themselves as they move forward with their writing, we all do it in every aspect of our lives, most of the time without even realising it!
May I suggest that you take note of this little saying from my own writings –
Step forward and accept your talents and abilities without judgement or attachment. Be proud of who you are!
My book has been underway for 6 years now and I stopped beating myself up about not finishing it years ago.
It is the journey that counts and I have found that the way I originally began is not the path it was meant to take – it has changed and evolved in the most amazing ways and I have learnt so many things.
Writing does indeed take on a life of it’s own and this is what determines the time it is meant to reach the reader. Mine has become relevant now and and that is why it is important that I finish it asap and self publish in 2011.
Thank you for sharing your journey and keeping us inspired!
I wish you a wonderful Christmas and every success for 2011.
Angelika 🙂
Thank you Angelika for stopping by to share your thoughts and philosophies. I like your saying about “Stepping forward and accepting your abilities without attachment”. Lots of wisdom there. I wish you every success in completing your book and getting it out there in 2011. Thank you for your support too:)) … Cheers, Karen :))
You forgot to add your substantial web presence to your list of accomplishment, Karen! You’re doing a great job with promoting your name/brand, and I truly believe that’s of huge importance.
Thanks for this reminder to count our accomplishments – something I now vow to do more often!
Thanks Susan, thanks for dropping by again :)) I honestly didn’t think of my Blog. We all forget to count our every day business, don’t we?…Karen :))
Just keep on putting yourself out there Karen, like you already do. You never know what may pop up.
I ticked most of the boxes. I started the year worrying about my eyesight with cataract surgery and I ended the year getting paid professional rates for articles by Divine online magazine.
But I spent way too long writing a 20,000 word novella when I should have been concentration on editing and re-drafting a novel.
Hi Graham, Glad to hear you’ve had such a successful year. As writers, we must continue to evaluate our writing and our actions. In 2011, I’ll continue to take every opportunity presented to me. Thanks for being such a great supporter and good luck with your writing too. Cheers, Karen :))