I’ve just returned from a fabulous few days in Black Mountain, NC. Great little town, cool shops (love that) and gorgeous mountains and weather. Somehow I always forget how much good a break can do for you. I’m one of those ’stick with it till it’s done’ types that will still pull all-nighters when necessary, but then I remember lessons from my past. Like, oh yeah, if I take a break and get a little rest and perspective, this project will move forward much more quickly. I don’t really believe in writers block, but I do believe a break can serve your work and creativity (not to mention your life) very well. Now back to work!
Is it just me?
I like to think that other writers are as neurotic as I am. Or maybe it’s mid-life onset ADD. When I start to write a post, or do something to publicize myself or my own company, I hear my grandmother’s words in my ear ‘fools names and fools faces always appear in public places…’ Aaarugh! It’s funny when I back up enough from that to see what is happening. Years ago when I was first trying to decide if I could make a living as a freelance writer, I got a call from my ex-roommate from New York. We’d become great friends during those years and still kept in touch even though by that time she was living in CT and I was in NC. She had been planning a trip to visit me, but was calling to cancel her trip. ‘It’s kindof funny,’ she’d explained. She named a popular TV show at the time, and told me she’d come up with an idea for an episode and ‘on a lark’ had written it up and sent it into the network. They bought it and she would be going into the City to sign papers to wrap up the sale the same time she’d originally been scheduled to come down to see me.Now, part of me was genuinely excited and pleased for her. It was a chance in a million, and she’d done it. That was great. But to be honest, there was also a part that was PEA-GREEN! Then I realized, the difference between Bev and me was that she didn’t stop to evaluate whether or not she could do it! So if that speaks to where you are as a writer, on the sidelines but dying to play… get busy writing. I did.
Welcome Writers!
After helping others write, edit and market I’m finally taking the plunge myself with this blog. It’s for all you writers who are established, aspiring, or somewhere in-between. We’ll talk about tips, techniques, how to get published or self publish and how to keep going even when the silence of the writing life is deafening, or the roar of distractions… essentially, all things writing. Here’s to good writing….
