Yes, I’m Using My Friends. Why Do You Ask?
Those of you who know me personally (or really pay attention to my blog or twitter) know that things have kind of gone into a tailspin over the last month. When I started on my current WiP, it was flying along. Then, life happened (as it so often does), and I stopped moving on it at all.
It isn’t the curse of the plot bunnies. My plot is there (and I’m still excited about it), I just couldn’t seem to write anything. It felt like life was telling me to quit, and some part of me thought “okay” was the appropriate response.
Over this past weekend, one of my critique partners received a revision request from an agent. And just today, another of my dear friends (and beta readers) signed with a fabulous agent. I am ecstatic for both of them. But I have to admit a part of me asked where that left me. Was I considering giving up because I’m not good enough or just because things have been tough lately?
It hit me that the second one was the real answer. I might not be good enough, but that’s another issue. My problem right now is one of mind-numbing pessimism. And that’s not okay.
So, today I’m saying fuck pessimism. I refuse to let myself be that person. My inner pessimist has a nice corner of my brain where she’s supposed to live behind a tightly locked door. I’m shoving her back in and adding a couple deadbolts.
And the successes my friends are seeing are going to help me do that. Yes. I am using their happiness to jumpstart my own. I suppose there’s a chance that they won’t like it, but I hope they’ll realize it shows just how happy I am for them. Because the truth is, if I was really resentful and jealous, I’d be wallowing deeper. Instead, thanks to them, I’m striving for the surface and the first breath of air in several weeks.
Then, as Dory the little blue fish reminds me whenever I need a kick in the ass, it’s time to “keep on swimming”.
By the way, congrats again, ladies (you know who you are) =)
Posted: February 16th, 2010 under Uncategorized.
Comments
Comment from julie
Time February 16, 2010 at 10:00 pm
*hugs* Thanks, Ken.
Comment from Danielle La Paglia
Time February 17, 2010 at 2:27 am
Rock on, Sel!
Comment from Jodi Meadows
Time February 17, 2010 at 8:31 am
That pessimistic feeling happens to all of us. 
Comment from Lou
Time February 18, 2010 at 11:59 am
YES! Screw pessimism. Lock it up nice and tight!
Keep on rockin’ Julie.:)
Comment from Firewolf
Time February 20, 2010 at 3:02 pm
I kind of have that same problem too 
But you will get there! And congrats to your friends.
Comment from Gareth
Time February 20, 2010 at 3:36 pm
There isn’t a writer on the planet that doesn’t have the problems or self doubt. Yes you learn to find ways to deal with it but that only comes with experience.
When you hit a dead end or I get stuck I put the WiP to one side, start something new or read some new books and then after a break reread what I’ve written. I can then have a serious look at what is working, what isn’t and then find a way to navigate whats gone wrong.
If it helps Im having to scrap a lot of what I’ve done as it just stopped moving. My major problem, what I thought was a good idea for world background put me into a rut that I couldn’t get out of. So I’ve gone back and started rewriting it. Rather than have the towns with walls, I’ve gone to make it a secretive hidden war where mankind is kept in the dark except for the few who fight against the things in the dark. A lot of the other stuff I have can still function but that one change is giving me all sorts of scope.
So now all I have to do is rejig the Outline, make sure theres enough substance and from there start again. I haven’t posted for a while in the OWG but I suspect that it might be an idea to put my outline/acts on there and see if others have an idea or two that might make it better for me. I’m not asking them to write it for me but perhaps help nudge me in the right direction.
Comment from Ken
Time February 16, 2010 at 9:51 pm
Right there with you, albeit maybe a step or two lower on the staircase. I truly believe, for you, it’s a matter of when, not if.