It's both Insecure Writer's Support Group day and D-Day for the A-Z Challenge. Alex J. Cavanaugh is definitely working us hard today along with his co-hosts for the A to Z Challenge.
Determination is what aspiring writers need to keep writing without any promise of a paycheck or publication. But it's not all we need. We need support, faith, and discipline. We need to work on our craft by doing it day after day and by accepting feedback from others even though sometimes that hurts. We need to keep writing no matter what gets in our way (puking kids, aching backs, migraines, car accidents...not that I've experienced any of that).
I just started writing after about three weeks of not being able to sit for more than a few minutes (car accident). When I returned to my laptop this week, I worried I wouldn't be able to find my Muse or that my Muse may have moved on while my fingers were off the keyboard for so long. I initially decided to go into edit mode, an easier and safer mode for me than writing first drafts.
But all it took was reading my last chapter to get me back to where I was when I left off. Although I lost three weeks, I returned to it with fresh eyes. I've added 3,500 words this week and feel more determined than ever to get it done. My new goal for completing the first draft of this WIP is June 1, two months from now, a goal I think I can realistically meet. I know I can do it one thousand words at a time, more or less.
For those of you that are writers, especially the aspiring kind like me, how determined are you?
Great post, I think we all can use a dose of determination to get to where we want to be. Sounds to me that you have the drive to get there. So never loose sight of your goal....wishing you all the best.
ReplyDeleteI'm enjoying poppin into all these new blogs. Well done on yours.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I love IWSG day.
DeleteThat's awesome you jumped right back into your story. As I've had to start and start work on my third book several times now, I've worried I wouldn't be able to get into it again, but all it takes is reading a little of where I left off and I'm on a roll again.
ReplyDeleteI was much easier than I thought it would be. Good that you're rolling now too.
DeleteSome days I'm more determined than others, it has to be said. I definitely won't be giving up though :-)
ReplyDeleteI definitely have days when I'm not determined at all.
DeleteThat's fantastic you were able to get back into writing after such a long break. Yay!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lynda! It feels great.
DeleteDetermination is my middle name. some people call it stubborn.
ReplyDeleteI also do stubborn well too.
DeleteYes determination - I need a spot or two of that. Good idea to go back and read a bit. That's just what I should do. I hope you're feeling better, a car accident even a small one can knock you for six.
ReplyDeleteI'm still feeling it. Thanks.
DeleteDetermination is essential for sure. Glad you hopped back into things despite the accident.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteDetermination is one of my favorite words - such an important component to writing. I think it's great you were able to get right back into writing! :) I do hope you're okay from the car accident!
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteGood word. My level of determination wavers some. But I do keep writing. It's the editing and revising where I get weak.
ReplyDeleteI like editing until it gets to the point of being overwhelming. Polishing a chapter is great fun. Doing huge revisions, not so much.
DeleteHow nice that you could jump right back into it. I've heard, but haven't tried, that you should leave your last sentence half finished, so it's easier to get back in the writing mode. But any successful writer must have determination - and thick skin. I'm glad you're alright after the car accident. Very nice D-Day, Tonja.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I could leave a sentence half-written. That's like leaving a puzzle half-way done. I have a problem stopping mid-chapter. I'm sure there's a diagnosis for that.
DeleteI'm worried it might take me awhile to get back in the habit of writing everyday when I get back, but I'm determined!
ReplyDeleteYou're doing research, so your trip should count as writing. And you do seem very determined.
DeleteI'm very determined. And frustrated at the same time. I'm tired of rewriting, but I'm going to still do it, because I want my work bought by a traditional publishing house! Good luck to you!
ReplyDeleteI hope you're successful. It seems like so much of the process is out of our hands - except the writing and rewriting.
DeleteI'm not lacking in the determination department - I'm the type who will persevere until the bitter end!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome.
DeleteSorry to hear about your accident. I hope you're ok.
ReplyDeleteThere are a few lucky writers out there but most of us need to grit our teeth and keep going to reach our goals.
I think we have to work hard and have some luck too. :)
DeleteMore determined than I was five years ago. Time passes quickly with each year.
ReplyDeleteGet better. Accidents take their toll.
Thanks. I agree with your comment about time. I'm more determined each year too.
DeleteCongratulations with your progress. You sound really determined. I think your post is just great. Every writer definitely has to have a lot of determination in reserve and I think I am pretty determined, but I still have a long way to go, so only time will tell. Good Luck with the rest of the challenge.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Murees. :)
DeleteI'm glad to hear your back is improving, Tonja. Determination is right. Spades of it. I just had to determine my way through the end of my ms. It was determined to be stubborn, and so was I. Made for an ugly week...
ReplyDeleteIt was better, now not so much. Your week might have been ugly but I bet it was worth it. If it was a fight, you know you gave it everything you had.
DeleteLooks like the time off (planned or not) gave you a fresh outlook and a new determination. Life hurls obstacles at us, like you described above, and those who can overcome them as writers will eventually succeed. I believe you have the right attitude and the will. Good luck, my friend!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement.
DeleteI love this post! Yes, determination is a huge thing for me. The only thing I know for certain, when I fear I lack talent, when I wonder if it's too late to learn everything I need to know, is that I will keep writing. Sometimes I'm not sure if I'm determined, or just stubborn!
ReplyDeleteI'm so impressed that you found your way back to writing so soon after a car accident. Take care of yourself!
I'm definitely stubborn too. I read your post and started to comment but had some technical problems. I'll try again tomorrow. Loved your post. You should do what Margo said.
DeleteThat is great! I'm glad to hear some good news!
ReplyDeleteHeather
Thanks, Heather.
DeleteI'm not a writer, just a blog babbler. Good luck to you! :)
ReplyDeleteWell, that's writing too. Thanks. :)
DeleteAs the author of two published novels, I, not exactly aspiring I guess, but kind of, having had severe writers block for a good 8 years- since I gave birth.
ReplyDeleteI read a lot before I had kids. And then nothing until my oldest was eleven. Isn't that crazy that I didn't have a minute (or wouldn't take one) to do what I wanted to do for myself for eleven years? I like writing with my kids and sharing my stories with them. My tiny person and I have an idea for a series of children's books. My oldest is going to be the photographer. :)
DeleteDrtermination is the key to fulfilling your destiny. Love the post.
ReplyDeletedreamweaver
Thanks.
DeleteI'm glad you were able to pick up were you left off. Lots of people wouldn't have been. Some days I can't.
ReplyDeleteI was very surprised. I still haven't been able to pick up my NaNoWriMo novel. It's overwhelming to try to get back into it.
DeleteNew follower btw.
ReplyDeleteThanks. :)
DeleteYes, determination, a never say die attitude! Inspiring post!
ReplyDeleteIt takes a long time to write a novel, just the first draft. I think we all have determination if we are writing or editing one page after the next over time.
DeleteDetermination is truly what every writer needs, to stay the course when it can be difficult and challenging to say the least.
ReplyDeleteHere's my link
http://creativeminds-tamirisc.blogspot.com/2012/04/d-d-d-d-is-for.html#comments
It doesn't matter how imaginative and talented you are, if you don't finish the WIP we don't succeed! Lovely post.
ReplyDelete