I read Ann Cannon’s lovely blog post this morning, and I wanted to clap. And cheer. And say “Amen.” But since everyone around here is still sleeping (except Kid 4, who is [coincidentally] reading a book by the same brilliant Ms. Cannon) I refrain from noise. I will just link to her post about enjoying the writing part even if there’s no publishing part. JUST CLICK THESE BIG LETTERS if you want to gain some insight and glean some wisdom. Or, read below. Because sometimes that extra click is too much work. But, in the interest of full disclosure, I should tell you that Ann’s blog is one of the very few I check almost daily, because she is wonderful. And hilarious. And also, wonderful.
So last night at the WIFYR mingle at The King’s English (I love you, The King’s English), Claudia Mills and I had a conversation that inspired me. (Not unusual to have that type of conversation with Claudia. She IS inspiring.) Here’s what we decided.
1. While publishing is very nice, of course, you can have a satisfying writer’s life w/o it. You can go on writing retreats with writer friends. You can join and enjoy critique groups. You can host a reading. In other words, you can introduce those parts of a writer’s life you think would be fun into your own life.
2. And speaking of fun, what’s the point if it isn’t? There are published authors (with a LOT of titles even) who can still grumble with great bitterness, “Look at everything I’ve done and what did it get me?” Where’s the joy in that?
Let’s have fun, you guys.
I love, love the idea of making The Fun a part of the writing experience. Because it should be fun, indeed. (And also work.) (But also fun.) This is why we choose to be writers, instead of paralegals or plumbers or tap-dance instructors — because writing and the write-y lifestyle can be so much fun. [1]
On that note, writing is happening here. (Insert happy noises.) A little at a time, and complete with some fun. The words come, the ideas come, the story grows, the word-count increases (why, why is that so important to me? oh, yeah. i’ve become one of those type-A types.) and It Is Good — the doing part. I’m not yet sure about the actual words. But that is not to be decided now. This is a first draft, remember?
[*DING*] Oh, look. It’s time to get outside with the kids and dig up more bulbs.
(Pray for us.)
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[1] I am certain that paralegal work can also be fun. And tap dancing. Plumbing? I’m receptive to arguments either way. But for me, it’s all about the writing. And the reading. Oh, the good, good reading. (Ha! Made you wait!)
(6) Comments for this blog
I need to find the joy again. Thank you for the reminder, my friend.
I need to find the joy again. Thank you for the reminder, my friend.
Publishing is still the most fun for me, but the fun you’re talking about is almost tied for first.
Publishing is still the most fun for me, but the fun you’re talking about is almost tied for first.
I think once we find our niche or our passion we need to remember to have fun. Otherwise it just turns into production and results, which are decent motivators, but kind of unfulfilling ends.
I think once we find our niche or our passion we need to remember to have fun. Otherwise it just turns into production and results, which are decent motivators, but kind of unfulfilling ends.