The race to publishing is the most frustrating, the most daunting and the most exhilarating experience imaginable. One week you’re a champion, ecstatic after receiving news your short story reached first place. The next week, you’re devastated your novel was rejected … All experiences I understand too well.
How can I balance out this manic depressive roller coaster ride called a Writing Career?
photo Salvatore Vuono
How can I make my writing moods and reactions more resilient?
• Think of yourself as a marathon athlete in training. Write every single day. Develop a pre-race plan.
• Keep extremely busy. Finish one writing project, enter it into several competitions then start another.
• Turn rejection letters around. Rethink. Rewrite. Resubmit.
• Exercise not only curbs your stress but helps to percolate ideas.
• Be positive. Smile, visualize your success until its real.
• Achieve realistic goals. Always have plan B, C and D.
• Keep grounded. Build strong personal relationships with family and friends.
When I’m down, dejected or rejected I turn to my writing pals for comfort and solace …Who but a writer understands? … Chomping on a chocolate bar and guzzling a glass of Shiraz certainly helps too.
How do I continue the Writing Race with strength and determination?
1. Believe in yourself and your writing. Visualize yourself as a *WINNER* signing books. Venture into book shops and locate a slot on the shelf where your books fits in … It’s not IF, it’s WHEN.
2. Conquer that ‘little voice’ of self-doubt. Self-doubt can pressurize and paralyze a writer. Say STOP to fear and excuses. Replace negativity with positive thoughts and emotions.
3. Rekindle your first passion and joy of writing. Relive every personal success. Tap into this JOY as a motivating force.
~ Redirect the substantial energy of your frustration and turn it into positive, effective, unstoppable determination. ~ Ralph Marston
With determination, I entered a new story into a writing competition this week and I visualized myself as a champion, winning the ultimate prize …
‘I propel myself over the finishing line, my chest thrust out to the roar of the crowd. I done it, I’ve won. On the podium I stand, my heart pattering as I accept my gold medal.
With my lips stretched into an almighty grin, I read the engraved words, Karen Tyrrell Author … my supreme victory.’
*Winning* is all about attitude and VISUALIZING the dream.
We can ALL be Winners at something 🙂
Hi Karen, enjoyed reading your post on the Publishing Race. You really made me think about how to conserve and direct my energies. Thanks.
Thanks Darlene,
I wrote this Blog in three different metaphors until I was finally happy with “Running a Race” analogy. Wishing you all the best with your writing:))
What a great piece of writing…so very very true. You are an inspiration! x
I’m more of a marathon walker than a runner, but great post 🙂
Thanks Nicky, Glad you enjoyed my post and got something out of it for yourself :))
Thanks Charmaine, Glad you liked it.
Yes I’m probably more of a marathon walker than a runner if I really thought about it.
Just the last few weeks, I’ve added a little pace to my writing race.
A great post and attitude Karen! Your determination is always so inspiring. I have no doubt that you will make it, as I’m sure many of your friends and family would agree. It does feel like running a marathon. I’ve had to stop with a stitch, tie my laces, and pick myself up out of the gutter occasionally or from the letterbox…lol.
But like all of aspiring authors, determination and passion will get us there and girlfriend- you’re definitely in a winner! Never ever give up!
Sorry about typo… You’re definitely a WINNER!!!!!!
Hi Renee, thanks for commenting. Thanks too for ‘running’ with the marathon analogy. Something all writers can relate to.
Hope 2011 will be a *winning* one for both of us. Good luck, Renee :))
I’m going to keep this comment. LOVE that last word. LOL :))
Thanks Karen, I need a pep talk like that this week. xx
Thanks Michelle, I needed that PEP talk too. Visualization helps me to keep focused on my dream. Good lucK with your writing/ publishing race :))
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Thanks Blue Dingo for including my blog in your Blogging Minis. Ang always appreciate your support :))