We've been taught since we were infants to reach for the stars and work our butts off until we succeed. Knowing this, I've set many short and long-term writing goals for myself.
Now that I've hit the murky middle in my WIP, I've been feeling, well, a bit sorry for myself for not achieving more at this stage of my writing career. I question if I have any business writing a book. I studied Music Education in school. Am I kidding myself? This is my third novel. I really hoped my last MS would be The One. But despite the partial and full requests, it now lies restlessly inside a jump drive collecting dust while I lounge in a sea of self pity. *cue Debbie Downer tones Womp Womp*.
Now that I've hit the murky middle in my WIP, I've been feeling, well, a bit sorry for myself for not achieving more at this stage of my writing career. I question if I have any business writing a book. I studied Music Education in school. Am I kidding myself? This is my third novel. I really hoped my last MS would be The One. But despite the partial and full requests, it now lies restlessly inside a jump drive collecting dust while I lounge in a sea of self pity. *cue Debbie Downer tones Womp Womp*.
When I'm feeling down like this, it's difficult for me to stay focused. (Think Doug the dog in the movie UP.) So last week when I sat down to write and instead found myself surfing the Internet, I swam across a life preserver. Yes, in the black hole of wasted time, there was a giant plastic doughnut in the form of a blog post I swear was written just for me! The post reminded me that I'm not alone and that every single writer--both pre-published and published--have felt the same anxiety.
So readers I share this wonderful post with you if you haven't
already read it. It's written by amazing author Dahlia Adler. Thank you Dahlia
for reminding me that I'm not alone.
*Squirrel!*
Thank you so much for this, Marlana! I'm both glad and sorry that it resonated so strongly :)
ReplyDeleteLOL. Right? But no, it was exactly what I needed. Thanks so much again. :)
ReplyDeleteMarlana, you are not alone!! *hugs* Thanks so much for sharing this post! I feel the same way at times. And I love the squirrel. :)
ReplyDelete"When I'm feeling down like this, it's difficult for me to stay focused."
ReplyDeleteI am so there with you. I'll hop on the internet, which is like jumping down a rabbit hole and before I know it I've lost valuable time. Then I feel worse! Next time I just need to jump HERE before I flounder around too long. :)