Nothing is truly wrong, I'm just kind of in a funk. I'm DESPERATE to spend hours on my manuscripts, to plot, plan and write like I did over the weekend. Trouble is, I can't. I've got an allergy attack and I'm so physically exhausted I can hardly keep my eyes open. Then I panic about all the day job stuff I could be doing, but then I remind myself there's a reason it's called a "day job". Add to that, I got another agent rejection today. It wasn't a shock, quite honestly. It's for the old draft of FP. After my chat with the editor at Nationals, I figured out what was wrong with that manuscript and I'm working on correcting it. I know I've come so far with the current WIP. It's 100 times better than FP (and FP is still an awesome story!) But, I'm in a frame of mind where another rejection still hurts. Maybe I'll go look at my pictures from Scotland again to cheer myself up.
In other news, my blog buddy Kerry Blaisdell is doing a poll on her blog about books and swearing in them. Go check it out! She's deciding whether or not to have a contest too, but you should go vote anyway.
As for my 100 words a day for 100 days challenge, I'm doing well. I haven't missed a day in the 16 days we've done it. 3 of my 25 students have already dropped out of their 50/50 challenge. Another one told me today that he didn't think it would be hard when we started but now he's having trouble remembering to do his words every night. Tomorrow is our day to discuss our progress. Maybe I'll give them a few days of in class writing time. It only takes them about 4-5 minutes to write at least 50 words for their stories. Maybe that will inspire them to keep going. (And me since I free-write with them.)
Thanks to all of you who ventured over to offer your opinion to my Scottish blog buddy Meggie MacDougall. I know she'll be tickled to see comments from someone other than me!
Okay, I'm feeling better already. I know I really have no reason to be down. I'm making as much progress as I can each day on the books. I'm submitting and getting my work out there so that one day my books will land in the right hands and I'll get published. I've still got great students who make me laugh and ease the tension out of me. Plus, I've got a great support system with all of you, my chaptermates and my non-writing friends who can't wait to see my books in bookstores. So, thanks for "listening"!
7 comments:
I listen to the podcasts of will write for wine. www.willwriteforwine.com Samantha Graves and Lani Diane Rich are a hoot. If all their giggling doesn't cheer you up, nothing will. Anyway, today I was listening to their 50 ways to feed your muse. I have 't gotten all the way through it, but I did absorb that you sometimes need to give them a chance to rest. Go read, watch some tv, see a movie, take a hot bath, clean your house (if that works for you) and relax. Your muse will return when they've reenergized. I figure muse and "energy level" are the same. Sometimes you've just got to reprime the pump.
Exhaustion isn't good for writing. Take care of yourself first, get some sleep and then worry about the words. It does no good to try to write when you can barely keep your eyes open.
So sorry about the R, but you have such a positive attitude. Just the fact you already know the story is better because of your changes shows how far you've come. It's only going to be a matter of time. Think about all those big-name authors who suffered rejection after rejection. Unfortunately, it's part of this business, but the persistent ones are the ones who end up making it. ;)
So proud of your kids and their challenge! That is totally awesome!!!
Nothing worse than a rejection on a blue funk day! Hope you're feeling better.
Cat, my muse (I've named her Caitlin) is fine and flittering around in my head. It's all the other crap going on with day to day life that suddenly feels overwhelming! But I will persevere! Thanks.
Elisabeth, you're right. I went to bed early last night and it made a HUGE difference to my day.
I'm so proud of my kids, too! We talked about the challenge today and some of the ones teetering on the brink of dropping out are going to give it another try.
As for the writing, I know I'll make it some day. I'm too stubborn to give up. Sometimes I guess I just need a little whine. Which could be good with a little wine.
Thanks!
Kelly, thanks. I do feel much better today.
Woman, I understand the dragging allergies. I've been feeling the same way. DEAD TIRED every single day - even when I go to bed at 9:00 PM. Sheesh - it's annoying.
It's probably only natural to come down off of a high like our great retreat and then hit a little valley. The weekend is ahead and it's calling your name!
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