Wednesday, March 5, 2014

IWSG March 2014--Letting Go and Unfurling Your Wings


Yesterday I came up with an amazing post title and topic for today. Unfortunately, I was driving around town all day and by the time I sat down to write this post I couldn't remember what it was. So, I'm just going to tell you how I'm doing today.

Pretty darn good.

2014 has been an amazing writing year for me so far and I think I know why.

I finally let go. I mean REALLY let go. Various things in my past no longer hold me back. Whether it was hurtful words from loved ones, professional misunderstandings, impatience with myself, whatever insecurities I suffered through in 2013. They are in the past and I've let them go.

It's the most wonderful feeling ever. After almost a year of struggling to write anything and putting on a happy face in spite of it, I'm full of joy in my writing.

I have--
  • One draft complete and waiting for revisions 
  • One draft that has been through 3 revisions already this year
  • Multiple story ideas waiting to be written
  • My health
  • Time during the day to write/revise/edit
  • A wonderful group of beta and critique partners
Yesterday one new beta reader sent me a lovely email. Here's one highlight from that email (the rest would have spoilers!).
"I also loved the multiple POVs. The only other books that I have read that transitions between the characters as well as you did are the Rick Riordan Lost Hero books...One last thing, I don't know much about the writing process, but I am an avid, picky reader and know a great book when I read one. This one falls into that category. Two of my favorite authors are R.A. Salvatore and Elaine Cunningham. They both write Forgotten Realms novels. On the back of one of her books is a short blurb from Salvatore that describes her style of writing as lyrical. When I read your work, that always comes to mind. Its lyrical and flowing. And I can't wait to add this one to my book collection."

Feel good? By the hearth, yes!

Then I had a text conversation last night: 
6:30 PM
L-Ugh!!!! I never should have started your book! I will  never be able to sleep tonight. I should have started it next week during my spring break.

Me-LOL, so sorry.

L-I don't think you are. You know how helpless I am once I start a good book, and so far this has me hook line and sinker! So, my hats off to you because I haven't started a book that I just had to keep reading in a long time.

9:15 PM
L-half way done. Maybe I should just read the last chapter and go to bed. (she always reads the last chapter first but promised she'd not do that so she could make comments and critiques for me)

Me-I'm shocked you're still awake!

L-I told you I was obsessed with your book. I have to keep reminding myself to leave comments.

Me-So I'm not crazy? Is this the one?

L-This book is fabulous, just enough mystery and love... (You have to know this is my best friend who has always been honest with me. She's even shot down complete story ideas because they were stupid or cliche)


Why do I think these two things are so wonderful? Other than the obvious?

Because it's the proof that I've let go of those insecurities, opened my heart and soul and poured it into my writing.

This is a GOOD thing.

Final thought I found on Facebook this morning:
“I have come to accept the feeling of not knowing where I am going, and I have trained myself to love it. Because it is only when we are suspended in mid-air with no landing in sight, that we force our wings to unravel and alas begin our flight. And as we fly, we still may not know where we are going to. But the miracle is in the unfolding of the wings. You may not know where you're going, but you know that so long as you spread your wings, the winds will carry you.”
― C. JoyBell C
Getting published isn't the success of the story. It's unfolding our wings and taking the chance. The journey itself is more important than the end goal because once we get there we will need the courage to lift off and do it again. And again.

Here's to unfolding our wings and taking flight! Have a wonderful Wednesday! 

Purpose of IWSG: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time. I'm currently #116.

32 comments:

  1. Glad you have finally let go and can now march forward without fear! That was a great compliment from your beta reader. And knowing you are keeping someone up all night - yeah, it's a great feeling.

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    1. I think the Lord sends us these wonderful people to boost us exactly when we need it. Both of them have no reason to say nice stuff just to make me happy, so it means more.

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  2. I wish I could get to that place.

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    1. You will! Just keep reaching for it. I don't think it's anything I did other than that. I wanted to feel this way and I kept looking for it. One day it finally clicked.

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  3. I am just so happy for you. I hope that the readers you mentioned are reading FADE INTO ME. I am so intrigued by it from just what you've posted on here. Once you get that query tip top, I think it will soar!

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    1. *hugs* Thanks Robin, and they are reading Fade Into Me. I've never been so excited about a story! This month I'm going to perfect the query, write the synopsis and start my list of agents to query. *squee* I'll pitch it to one agent next month and ask him for query tips as well.

      I'll keep you posted!

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  4. Aw! This was encouraging. What a great comment from a reader that they loved your story. :)

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    1. I love these moments. If I'm lucky I can ride it through the next round of revisions!

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  5. That's a great compliment! I love it when my beta readers say they couldn't put it down!
    http://lucindawhitney.com/

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  6. Wow such great compliments! Congratulations! Also congrats on living in that space where writing feels *good*! I think sometimes we get bogged down and it stops being fun, and that's always so frustrating and sad... So way to go enjoying yourself!

    AJ @ Naturally Sweet
    An A-Z Cohost
    @ayjaylauer

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    1. It feels good. The best part is they both had some suggestions for areas I could do better in too. Those are the best critiques--the ones that build you up and still help you become a better writer.

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  7. Just yesterday I received a text stating my book kept her up all night, so I totally understand what a great compliment that is! It must feel fabulous to unfold those wings and fly!! Good Luck!!

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  8. Great post. I'm so glad this year is going well for you. Letting go is very hard. Congratulations!

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    1. It is. Sometimes we have to make the decision each new day. Just let go.

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  9. Awesome. Way to open your heart and let the emotions out. I think we have to frame comments like these and keep them in a place we pass frequently--to keep us going when the critics step in. =)

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  10. That's awesome you're doing so well. Keep it up. =D

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  11. So happy for all the great things happening for you. I want to throw off my cape and sing a certain FROZEN song. Let it go. Let it go... ;)

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  12. That sounds wonderful! I love when my betas come back with the "I got sucked into your book and can barely stay awake at work today." it's the best!

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  13. Great job! It's not easy to let those past hurts go and stop holding you back. Congrats on all your success! You've worked hard for it, and you deserve it. I hope this is only the start of a wonderful year for you.

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    1. Me too! I'm going to work like crazy while it's working, just in case, you know? :)

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  14. I agree with what your other two beta readers said. You have a great one!! *hugs* So happy that you finally "let go" and are now able to tap into your potential!! Congrats!!

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    1. *hugs* right back! I'm about to call you for a good conversation. ;)

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  15. Fly Charity fly. So glad you got positive response from your beta reader and that you are feeling so positive.

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    1. It's a relief on so many levels. I don't think I realized how crappy I'd been feeling about writing inside until I opened up and started all over.

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  16. I love that quote!
    Those are WONDERFUL comments about your story.
    And I SO agree that it's all about the journey... the destination is merely a bonus!
    Writer In Transit

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  17. Lovely, inspiring post! Good for you!!!

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  18. Congrats. It may take some time to get to the good point, but if you keep plugging away long enough, you will eventually get there.

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