It's the first Wednesday of the month, which means it's time for the Insecure Writer's Support Group, created by the ever amazing Alex J. Cavanaugh. (Click the link to find the rest of the blogs on the list.) But actually, I'm feeling pretty darn good about life right now.Yesterday was my birthday. In the aftenoon the kids and I baked a cake, rainbow chip. :) I got to go to the bookstore and get some new books (to add to the awesome pile of books I got for Christmas) and go out to dinner with my husband. All in all, a pretty great day.
And as far as writing goes, I have some good news to share on that front soon.
I've heard many times that if you keep reading, learning, working, writing, eventually thing will start to move forward with your writing career. It may take a LONG time, but it will happen.
We've all heard it, right? Of course, if you're anything like me, there's always that voice in the back of your head saying "Yeah, okay. But aren't there thousands of people who try and try and never ever get anything published? Haven't we all heard of those people, too?"
Yes, but I think I may have gotten a clue into what the difference is.
If you write all your life, but stay in a vacuum, it may never happen for you. Without other people to help support you and critique you, you may never get better.
Of course, if you're reading this, then that's not you. :) You are out here in the blogosphere, connecting with other writers, which is a really wonderful thing.
Since I started this blog a little over a year ago I've met so many wonderful writers. I've gained critique partners, I've had things critiqued on people's blogs, and I've learned a lot just from reading other people's blogs and other people's critiques on blogs.
That's why I've been improving. That's why I'm feeling pretty darn good about life and how things are going.
So, yeah. If you keep reading, keep learning, keep working, keep writing, it really can happen.
Happy Insecure Writer's Support Group day everyone!
Wise words, Rachel! I hope you had a great birthday, and Happy New Year to you! :D
ReplyDeleteI love to hear that you are doing so well. It's a great ISWG post when someone has nothing to be insecure about. Good luck continuing this trend!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! And I can't agree with you more! Not only does writing in a bubble frustrate, it is also a very lonely road and quitting out of discouragement is too common.
ReplyDeleteI firmly believe that as well. And it's scary putting your stuff out there, but it's the best growing and learning tool of all. Happy birthday to you!
ReplyDeleteYour year has got off top a great start. Hope it continues just as well.
ReplyDeleteI agree we do need to connect with other people and get feedback in order to improve.
Aw, big giant, Happy Birthday Rachel!! I'm glad you had such a great birthday. You are an amazing writer who will only improve in 2013, because you have the drive, determination and talent to do it. I know success is heading your way, it's only a matter of time.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!!
What a great birthday! Glad you had a good one.
ReplyDeleteAnd great post! Best wishes in 2013.
IWSG #137 until Alex culls the list again.
Happy Birthday to you!!! Here's to an awesome and amazing 2013 to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthday! It sounds like you had heaps of fun--no surprise, since cake and new books were involved! ;)
ReplyDeleteAlso, can't wait to hear about your writing news! I love what you had to say about the journey. I completely agree. All creative types need to keep learning and connecting if they ever hope to grow!
Belated happy birthday!
ReplyDeleteYou were growing before - now you've hit accelerated growth!
I love this post :D You're always so positive, I love it!
ReplyDeleteI think I already told you Happy Birthday, but I'll say it again!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
And yay for all the exciting things happening for you :D
Glad you had a special birthday. We need time to celebrate us.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree. To be a good writer means constantly learning and that doesn't change. You're always honing the craft and should be. I have to read. It's my main form of relaxation and I learn from the fiction I read while being entertained.
Looking forward to hearing your news!
Happy Belated Birthday and very wise words, thanks for sharing them!
ReplyDeleteAh, so true! I had to ask myself a thousand times with my last submission, "How bad do you want it?" My answer, really bad. Writers have to keep at it; it's the only way to get there! Happy New Year!! And Happy Birthday!!
ReplyDeleteI agree, if you're out there and trying your best, you will succeed! Love this!
ReplyDeleteI saw you commenting on like EVERYONE's blogs so I hopped over and followed :)
Great advice and so true. Looking forward to hearing your news :-)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteand I heard another bit of encouraging advice, someone mentioned that you aren't trying to out compete all the other writers. Publishing houses always have budgets for brand new writers, so you just have to beat out all the other n00bs. I find that encouraging because, if you're learning, you will. Good luck and enjoy the new year!
Great start to the new year hope it continues well for you. You are right we can learn so much from others and even though the life of a writer can at times be lonely there is always someone out there ready to give you some much need support.
ReplyDeleteSo true! Happy birthday!!
ReplyDeleteAllison (Geek Banter)
Couldn't agree more! If you're going to make it at this crazy writing thing, you have to leave that bubble at some point, whether you like it or not.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday!
Great words to live by! We support each other and that's how we make it. :) Happy belated birthday!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Rachel! Never give up and never quit learning. You have a new follower--ME! Thanks for visiting my blog.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post! Happy Birthday Rachel!!! Happy Writing!
ReplyDeleteThat is the trick, to never remain static. You always have to keep moving forward, taking the tiniest baby steps. Any movement is progress. I'm glad you;re making some and feeling good about it. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI agree! If we keep pressing forward, anything is possible! Happy New Year! I can't wait to hear your good news! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday. It's so much fun baking a cake with the kids. Oh, and getting to go to the bookstore is what I do on my B-day, too.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday - this post was a wonderful start to the New Year!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday - late! :)
ReplyDelete