Writing fiction for publication is like throwing pennies in a fountain for wishes. Either one is a long shot. Often, beginning writers think that all they have to do is write it and then sell it. That’s like saying all you have to do to become a major league baseball player is to hit a ball in the backyard and boom—there you’ll be. (Should I be snide here and say you’ve forgotten a necessary component—performance-enhancing drugs? Sorry—cheap shot.)
Even knowing it’s a long shot, I still remain hopeful that I’ll be one of the lucky few, the princess whose fairy godmother shows up and restores her rightful place in the kingdom and ensures her “happily ever after.” I’m not optimistic about winning the lottery or waking up thin or a Nigerian prince giving me a large share of his wealth, but I do hold a spark of hope that someday I will see my novels on the bookshelves of Barnes and Noble and Borders.
I like January. It’s a time of establishing goals, making resolutions, mentally cleaning house. If I were ever going to quit writing, I would probably do it in January, swearing it off like chocolate milkshakes or cigarettes or a joy-sucking relationship, But this year I’m diving headfirst again, wallowing, giving myself permission to be giddily hopeful that this, this might be the year!
So, what about you? Do you feel the need to do some mental housecleaning, to throw out the junk that weighs you down or holds you back? Is it a time of re-defining yourself? Does January fill you with hope?
Guess I'm about the opposite about January - maybe it's the lull after the high of Christmas and such. I just sort of keep afloat in January, and it takes the first peeking sprouts of daffodils to really set me to feeling renewed and ready to go! Actually, in January and February Iusually go by spurts. I need a little of your winter spice! Thanks for spurring me. Maybe I will see the sunshine of a January thaw!
ReplyDeleteI find peace in January. The pressure of the holidays are over. I feel relaxed in January.... I like the fact that it is dark early. More time to relax. When it's light so late I feel the need to still do projects and work. It's ok in January to lay in bed at 7pm and watch TV or read a good book. No pressure. No lawn to mow, no flowers to tend, no garage to clean... it's dark out and I relate that to relaxation. So excuse me - I have to go read a good book...
ReplyDeleteHope to a writer is like a pacer to a marathon runner. Hope helps a writer keep his pace, counters the defeating questions, talks him out of the pain, helps him see the finish line. Hope keeps a writer from spinting and quiting.
ReplyDeleteTo think I'm the one who's supposed to write romance...
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