Wednesday, January 4, 2017

#IWSG-Hanging on to the good

Welcome to another monthly meeting of the Insecure Writer's Support Group! We gather once a month to post our hopes, dreams, and fears- join us!

http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html


The beginning of a year is always a great time to look forward, figure out what awesome and amazing things you're going to do in the next 12 months.

For me, a big part of that is examining the good that has already happened. Writing is hard. Just plan hard. I can't imagine my life without it, but that doesn't make it any less brutal.

You are creating worlds from nothing, characters from nothing, EVERYTHING from nothing. You're forging a path that is both very well trod, but also unique to you. Even writers in the same genre, time frame, etc are not going to be on the same exact path as each other.

But there are always chances for celebrations. Last year I had some pretty awesome thing happen in my writing career. But, it could have been easy to discount them as "not enough". And in the past, I might have discounted them. I might have felt that I wasn't hitting the same goals and kudos as other writers.

Lately though, I'm holding on to each one--each good review, each time someone really loved one of my books, goals I've reached. I'm hanging on to all of them. No mater how small, each one is part of my path, part of my journey. Each one will help defend my soul from the sometimes brutal world of publishing.

So, whether you're a writer or not hang on to all the little rewards of your journey--they do count.

Happy IWSG day!

12 comments:

  1. I hear you there. We go in with grand expectations, and while we should work like they're all going to come true, we also have to realize that this is a slow industry, and a readership doesn't happen over night. Here's to celebrating the small things and never getting (too) discouraged!

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  2. Encouraging words. Sometimes we are just too hard on ourselves. Happy writing.

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  3. Awesome encouragement! Sometimes we tend to focus on the bad and don't realize there is just as much good if we only seek it out, if we actively capture it, hold on to it, and use it to improve our quality of life. Holding on to good reviews is a great idea.
    ~Decadent
    www.decadentkane.com

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  4. Looking for the good is a excellent policy. I should do more of this. :-)

    Anna from elements of emaginette

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  5. Great way to look at it! Every accomplishment is something to be proud of no matter how small it may seem. Hope you have a wonderful 2017!

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  6. I've had to be reminded about the "not enough." I'm always looking ahead and don't always take the time to appreciate what happened so far. I published my first book! My original goal back in 2010 was to write a book. Now I've done that 5 or 6 times. Then sold one to a publisher.

    Congrats on your accomplishments and your positive attitude!
    My IWSG post this month is about how to set realistic writing goals. The post is here on my StephanieScott website.

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  7. Yup, definitely best to keep your eyes and mind focused on the positive!

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  8. This is a great reminder. I am battling those negative thoughts telling me how awful I am for not reaching all of my goals last year. I did accomplish most and so many good things did happen...
    Happy New Year to you and best wishes for a bright 2017!

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  9. It's the time of the year to be optimistic! So make a list of all the good things that happen to you over the year and check it out next December. You'll be surprised. Good luck with your writing this coming year.

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  10. Great reminder to hang onto the positive! We can be so hard on ourselves, and I know I never feel like my accomplishments are enough. Thanks for the boost :)

    —Rebecca
    My IWSG Post

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  11. Dwelling on the positive and enjoying even the small successes is the way to go. It's so easy to get caught up in doubts, but harder to lounge around in positivity.

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  12. Yes! We must cling to the good things!

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