Friday, September 14, 2012

Out On A Limb...



 
 
Do you ever have days when you are feeling stressed or everwhelmed with your writing?  When you feel you are out on a limb all by yourself and wondering how in the world you even got there?
 
As my one year blog anniversary gets closer I am thinking a lot about this past year...about the milestones I have achieved...and I'm taking the time to reflect on my growth as a writer.  I'm also planning on how I want 2013 to play out despite the dire warnings that NO ONE will figure out how to create a calendar after December.
 
But I don't want to be lazy while out on that limb.  I will be the first to admit many nice things have come my way...new followers, new writer friends, new critique groups, one of my stories lined up to be published in the coming year...all wonderful benefits from working hard and focusing on my goal to become the best writer I can be.


 
 
I don't want to turn my back on opportunities to learn from those who traveled this path before me.  I don't want to miss out on the challenges I know are waiting for me with the coming new year.   I have to pay attention to what I'm doing and hang on tight to my limb so I can stay grounded.  It can be scary out here all alone.


 
 
I know I will make mistakes but hopefully nothing serious and I will try my best to learn from the lessons shown.  I want to do this.  I KNOW I can do this.  I am driven to write as surely as I must take my next breath to live and I know I'm not alone in that feeling.
 


 
 
And when it comes time for my stories to make it out into this big ol' publishing world of ours, I will have made my home out on that limb.  Confident in the knowledge that I can finally call myself "author".  THAT is the day I will soar...
 






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17 comments:

  1. PT DillowaySeptember 14, 2012 at 10:35 AM

    That raccoon is so cute.

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    Replies
    1. Donna L MartinSeptember 14, 2012 at 10:03 PM

      Hi PT! I agree..the raccoon is cute...as long as he stay on that limb and OUT of my trash cans...lol...

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

      Delete
  2. AnonymousSeptember 14, 2012 at 12:19 PM

    You have to go out on the limb if you're ever going to take off. Good job.

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    1. Donna L MartinSeptember 14, 2012 at 10:13 PM

      Hi Genevieve! I just need to make sure that limb can support ALL of me! ;~)

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

      Delete
  3. janetSeptember 14, 2012 at 12:21 PM

    And Tommy will be up in the tree with you (you will have to carry him up). So you won't really be alone.

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    1. Donna L MartinSeptember 14, 2012 at 10:23 PM

      What, Janet, you aren't gonna climb that tree with me???

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

      Delete
    2. janetSeptember 15, 2012 at 5:30 PM

      My brother used to make me jump out of trees. So, no. No tree climbing for this old girl.

      Delete
  4. S.A. LarsenッSeptember 14, 2012 at 1:15 PM

    That is like the cutest picture of a raccoon I've ever seen! I'd hang with him anytime.

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    1. Donna L MartinSeptember 14, 2012 at 10:38 PM

      Hi there! I'd hang with him too, but he looks like the kind of raccoon to push me OUT of the tree first! Lol...

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

      Delete
  5. CynthiaSeptember 14, 2012 at 4:26 PM

    I'd think that many writers feel overwhelmed once in awhile. Happy almost one-year anniversary!

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    Replies
    1. Donna L MartinSeptember 14, 2012 at 10:45 PM

      Hi Cynthia! Thank you for your kind words. It's nice to know there are people out there writers can turn to for support...

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

      Delete
  6. AnonymousSeptember 14, 2012 at 10:34 PM

    And remember you have a family of 12x12ers here to cheer you on!

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    1. Donna L MartinSeptember 14, 2012 at 10:46 PM

      Hi Tina! Absolutely! I don't what I would do if I didn't my the 12 X 12ers on my side!

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

      Delete
  7. Mara ValderranSeptember 15, 2012 at 8:26 PM

    I agree--all writers feel overwhelmed and like they are out there on a limb by themselves. You can have the most amazing support group around you and still feel like that. There's a certain vulnerability that comes with writing, I think. It's how you handle that vulnerability that decides whether you will soar or fall.

    I popped over to tell you you've been tagged in The Next Big Thing (see my blog for questions) and end up getting inspired instead. Thanks! And happy almost year anniversary!

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    1. Donna L MartinSeptember 15, 2012 at 9:09 PM

      Hi Mara and welcome to my blog! Good luck with GUTGAA and I'm honored you have thought of me...I have not heard of "The Next Big Thing" but hopefully we BOTH are the next big thing...;~)

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

      Delete
  8. AnonymousSeptember 16, 2012 at 1:36 AM

    Oh lady, you are not alone thinking your out on that limb.... I am also hanging out there. But like you I am taking big steps forward, listening and learning and being helped in the most awesome way by some of the most awesome people I have met online..... You are definiately one of them..sister!

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    Replies
    1. Donna L MartinSeptember 16, 2012 at 4:57 PM

      Awwww, Diane...don't make me blush...or cry...;~)

      I know what you mean about meeting some of the most amazing people in this writing community...it's like suddenly being adopted into a huge family after feeling all alone for years and you don't know who to hug first!

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

      Delete

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