"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..." (Charles Dickens A Tale Of Two Cities)
I really believe Mr. Dickens was thinking of writers when he wrote that. Being a writer himself, he knew all the ups and downs of sitting at a desk every day, waiting for inspiration to come. I'm sure he had his fair share of times when he would rather have been anywhere else but staring at a blank piece of paper.
Most days writers can calmly stroll along, confident in our belief that we have a gift within our writing. We sit in front of our computers and the words fly across the screen in our eagerness to tell the world our stories. Nothing can stop us as we create our magical worlds. Our readers line up to hear what comes next in our endless array of creative tales.
But then, when we least expect it, out comes...THE BEAST. Chains can't hold back the occasional self-doubts which might plague a writer. Am I really good enough to do this? Will I ever get my stories published? Will anyone ever read them? Some writers put their thoughts and stories down merely for their own amusement, but most of us seek the validation from others that we have something worthy to say. A legacy of words to pass down to future generations who will hopefully appreciate all the blood, sweat, and tears which went into our work.
I think the next time THE BEAST tries to rear his ugly head, I'm going to invite him to take a trip on that slow boat to somewhere else. I will tell THE BEAST that he's not welcome here. I don't have time to listen to his ranting about how bad a writer he thinks I am, nor will I allow him to shred my current work in progress to pieces. I will simply wish him well on his new adventure and send him packing. Then I won't give him another thought.
You know why? Because I have tales to tell. I will be too busy celebrating the accomplishments of myself and all my writer friends as we journey on this adventure together. Thank you, Mr. Dickens, for the reminder of what we writers have to deal with when we choose to be a writer, but don't you worry...WE GOT THIS!
Donna -- The "beast" creeps up quite a bit in my life. He makes me have thoughts of doubt all the time. He makes me think that my pursuit of publishing a children's book is crazy! I am able to push him away by successfully posting something to my blog or reading one of my stories to my kids.
ReplyDeleteI think I am going to send him a slow boat to somewhere else! I like that! Hopefully, he won't find his way back. Thanks for the inspiring post!
Thanks, Eric, for stopping by! Every writer has doubts sometimes about their writing. It's what we DO at that moment that builds our writer character. Have a good day and come back any time!
DeleteWell said, Donna. This is so true! That's why we writers have gotta stick together and encourage each other. ; )
ReplyDeleteMelissa, I completely agree! Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!
DeleteI hope everything goes well submissions for your story.That's so exciting that you got that awesome ranking from "Rate you Story." Bid the beast goodbye and fly!
ReplyDeleteAwww, Hannah, THANK YOU! I'm working on revisions now so hopefully it will be polished soon and ready to fly! Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!
DeleteI can not imagine anyone who reads your blog will still harbor that "beast". What an inspiration you are to writers.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Janet, for stopping by! I really appreciate your kind words and support. I hope that my other followers feel the same way because I try hard to give writers a positive reason to keep writing! Come back any time!
DeleteDonna:
ReplyDeleteI don't have doubts because I don't think of myself as a writer. I've always been a storyteller, either with paint or with words. The struggle comes from trying to figure out the best way to express something, but so far my muse hasn't abandoned me.
Thanks, Stephen, for stopping by! I think true storytelling is a dying art. It's so nice to know that you consider yourself one...that makes you special in my book! Have a great day and come back any time!
DeleteI just love your visuals...they move the post along so well! Yes, I have my beasts. Worry that someone else will get to an editor before me, or someone will come up with a similar blog theme, etc., etc., etc.
ReplyDeleteI'm learning to leave it all up to God...He knows the right timing, so I will put the fears and worry in His hands...
Hi, Jarm and thanks for stopping by! I understand where you are coming from concerning your "beasts", but it also made me wonder...with all the potential writers out there and all the editors or publishers, chances are very likely that there WILL be stories similar to yours maybe being submitted at the same time. You have no control over that. You DO, however, have control over how great YOUR story will be and then that editor or publisher or agent will have NO PROBLEM seeing which one to choose!
DeleteRight now there is literally one other blogger out there with the same blog name as mine. ON THE WRITE TRACK. I don't have the time to wonder what type of posts they do and no disrespect to them, but I have to believe that I have the better blog...otherwise, what is the point of even having one? ;0)
Have a good evening and come back any time!
Beautifully said, Donna!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Annie, for stopping by and your kind words! Come back any time!
DeleteTell that beast where to go! Too much to accomplish to listen to him!
ReplyDeleteJust stopping by from the Campaign. :)
Thanks, Lady, for stopping by! You are right...I have too much on my plate to worry about a little ol' beast like that! Come back any time!
DeleteGreat Post Donna. I so have to keep telling that beast to get out of my life..... Slow boat to China is definately where he needs to be heading..... thanks.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you like it, Diane! Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!
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