This is the month in creating writing goals and making big accomplishments. What is your greatest accomplishment -- in writing, your life or perhaps something incidental that had a big effect on you?
Michelle's post is here, and you can find Margie's post here. Check out my sidebar for the other bloggers in the group!
Obviously, my greatest accomplishment is not punctuality, as this post was supposed to go up Saturday. Instead, I spent the weekend huddled shivering under my blankets trying not to overdose from mixing too much NyQuil and DayQuil, so apologize to my blog chain members. I also apologize in advance to everyone else reading this post, since my body's been running on a combination of decongestant and Sleepy-time tea for the past four days.
But now that my head is only half-filled with mucus, I know that my greatest accomplishment ISN'T the first thing that springs to my mind when I read this question—which was getting an agent last year. Don't get me wrong, I love my agent and her wonderful assistant, but since then I've learned a lot about myself and my writing. And because of their feedback, and the crits I've gotten from my crit group and other amazing bloggers and writers, I've learned to trust my authorial voice. To write the words in a way that is truly my own, and not second-guess my own style. So I think that's my greatest accomplishment.
Some of you might think, "Well, geez, how hard is that?" But after I signed with my agent, I experienced a case of "not-good-enough-itis" about my work. It was nearly fatal. :P
I thought that I needed to make my voice more like other writers I admired, even envied. Once I gave that itis an injection of self-confidence, it vanished like Vick's vapo-rub in the night.
What's your greatest personal accomplishment, writing-related or otherwise? I'd love to hear it!
11 comments:
That's a great accomplishment!
I hope you've recovered not just from your cold, but from your case of "not-good-enough-itis." I think we all catch that one occasionally, and it's far worse than a cold!
Now that is quite an accomplishment! I've been there. Even just when reading someone else's work. It is so important to stay true to our own style. I think if you're faking, readers will pick up on it. Excellent post!
Aw, Tere. I hope you feel better soon!!
I think my greatest writing accomplishment at this point? Not giving up--and constantly pushing myself to grow as a writer. Well, that, and having pushed myself outside of my social comfort (aka never talking to anyone) and meeting such awesome writing friends. My life is so much better with all of you included in it <3
That's a good one! Still don't know what I'm going to post for mine. Greatest personal non-writing accomplishment would have to be my kids. Though we're barely getting started on the teen years, so I've still got plenty of time to turn that one into a failure of epic proportions. ;)
Hope you feel better soon! *hugs*
Feel better soon. That has to be the greatest accomplishment as a writer, finding your unique voice and sticking with it!
I actually do think that's a great accomplishment -- more than getting an agent or even selling your books. Finding your voice can be so difficult, and settling into one that you're confident in is just lovely. :)
I agree with Emy. Finding your voice and having confidence in it is a great accomplishment. It'll get you further in the long run and keep you happier. :)
Hope you feel better soon! (Oh man, your medication regiment sounds like mine when I'm sick. :P)
that's a huge accomplishment!! One that is a struggle to achieve for most of us I think :) Hope you are feeling better!
If only they made a NyQuil aimed at fighting 'not-good-enough-itis' - I would stock up!
This is my favorite post on the chain! This is something I still struggle with. Just had a long convo with my lil sister, who also writes, about WHY we write and why writing in your own voice is so important. I also just read String Bridge by the lovely Jessica Bell, which has a preface I would never have thought could snag an agent or editor's attention (very poetic prose). It was beautiful, but I was under the impression that it wouldn't be "marketable." Sometimes I get so swept up in that word that I don't let my imagination and the lovelier parts of my inner self out. I hope I can get to where you are very soon. I'm still trying to find a balance between Me and the Market.
Post a Comment