Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Balloons


There are many days when I feel successful in my writing: adding 2, 958 words in one day, making it into a contest, reworking a section of my ms leaving it far superior to its previous version, getting a request from an agent, writing THE END on a project, the list is long. These are the days when I'm floating along with the rest of the writers out there. Ascending higher in the craft and hopefully my writing life.

Then, something happens.


It could be a rejection, writer's block, a sick child, reading 2, 958 success stories from fellow writers, losing a chunk of unsaved writing, lack of sleep, not getting into that contest, life-sucking co-workers, negative feedback, a crappy soccer game, questioning the merit of my writing, another rejection, the list is long. Often, it seems like this deflated feeling won't leave, making it impossible to rise up off the ground. I know it can't last forever. Knowing doesn't help.

So what helps you? What do you do when you find yourself here? How do you lift your spirits?


A lot of times, I just need to ignore my writing and step outside the writing world. Not for long. Sometimes it's just an hour or two, long enough to get some non-writing things done like laundry or dinner. Other times, I might have to turn my back on my computer for a couple days. Sooner or later, I'll be back. And when I am, fellow writers are there to remind me to KEEP ON TRYING, DON'T GIVE UP, YOU CAN DO IT!


Thank you fellow writers! Thank you blogging friends, commenters, and followers! And thank you a million times CP's :) I would not have made it this far without you. The journey is long, I have many mountains to climb and will need you ALL along the way. You lift my spirits and help me soar!


I hope I can return the favor :)



14 comments:

  1. Whoo hoo! Me first, me first :)

    LOVE the ballon tie-in... especially the last pic... that was great and the post was brilliant (the first part I thought you did all the positive things in one day... I was going to quit writing :)

    Thanks for sharing, and as for me, I pick myself up and get out of the writing community by playing with the kids.... honest-to-goodness, when we play water fights or hang out at the beach, I don't know who has more fun, me or them :)

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  2. (Duh to me for not spelling "Balloon")

    Ps... Does anyone know what a "Ballon tie-in" is?

    Speaking from a man's perspective.. it sounds painful :)

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    1. I almost just spit out my coffee! Thanks for starting my morning off with a laugh, Mark! ;)

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  3. Those deflated days suck. Usually, I do the same as you. Step away for a while and come back refreshed and ready to rock!

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    1. This blogging community is fantastic to come back to, too! Someone is bound to inspire me or make me laugh or give me some tough love :)

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  4. I think there's lots of people feeling a little deflated lately. Stepping back and getting perspective about what is truly important does help immensely. I'm lucky because I have a good job (even if I don't like it all the time), a great husband, fabulous kids and a house and a car and food. I'm rich! The writing is a dream, and a hope and a desire, but not absolutely necessary. It should be fun, and when it isn't, I know it's time to lighten up a little and do what you say you do - step back for a little bit!

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  5. You guys are what allows me to air up my balloon again and get back in the game. Oh and I want to go on a hot air balloon ride now. ;)

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  6. We all have those days, for sure. I know they are fleeting, so I usually find something else that makes me happy until I'm ready to jump back in and try again.

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  7. I had this thought yesterday; If you really want your dream, fight for it. :) I know that it's hard to read all of those success stories - even today I saw a friend shopping and she just got married and has a great new job. I served her coffee and I'm single. Gah. Frustrating. We just have to remember that all of us have different paths and we can do this. :)

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  8. This is such a perfect analogy. Definitely have these feelings and I'm so glad I have you and others to 'blow me up'.

    Hmmm...that sounds violent :) haha

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  9. Oh man, those days are rough. Especially rejections. Rejections really do get me down, and there's not much I can do to make myself feel better. However, in the end, I always keep going, because that's what we do.

    I also agree that it's hard to read other writers' success stories....even if we're happy for them, there's always a small amount of jealousy buried beneath.

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  10. I was going to say something that was going to be all sweet and stuff about helping you get blown back up, but then my mind went incredibly dirty and I'm not sure how to say it now, lol.

    But it's all taking this day by day.

    I'm gonna start signing High School Musical to you.

    "We're all in this together." :D

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  11. 'A lot of times, I just need to ignore my writing and step outside the writing world. Not for long. Sometimes it's just an hour or two, long enough to get some non-writing things done like laundry or dinner. Other times, I might have to turn my back on my computer for a couple days.'

    Ebb and flow, my dear. All part of it. But you already knew that.

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  12. Today is my blogging anniversary. This was a perfect post to read today, thank you :-)

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