Keeping the Fire

Do you remember when you rushed eagerly to your computer? Had ideas for your book bursting from your fingers? I do. And sometimes, it still happens. Not as often as I wish. Sometimes, I feel what is the point. Do you? Hopeful, I am not alone.

So many possibilities, then. But the hill to publication is steeper. ‘They say’ it’s wisest to write with finishing your novel, short story, poem the goal, and that does make sense, but I don’t think any of us writers can squelch that desire (need) completely to be published.(The somebody likes me, they really, really like me thing.) It hangs around in the back of our minds like a noisy crow. (Or is that just me?)

Keeping our passion is vital, but keeping that particular fire burning bright can be as much of a challenge as the writing. We all know those writers who tossed sand on that fire and turned to another. Passion comes from the heart and sometimes, that heart needs something else or it can't stand up to failing.

We, also, know writers who just keep trying. Sometimes with amazing success. Those are the ones you hear about, but there are those others. The ones that keep trying and never make it. I wonder about them. Don’t you? What do they end up doing with all their work? Where does it eventually end up? I know, every writer knows how much work, heart and tears must have gone into their writing. It makes me sad, but it makes me proud too.

Writers are their own leaders, cheerleaders, bosses. They work alone, mostly. They get inspiration from other writers. Writers they read or meet, writers they read interviews about. A writer is responsible for their own best advice, their own drive often gleaning it anywhere they can find it, a lot like they ‘find’ their stories.

Strangely, I’ve been finding great advice in the business section of my local paper. As my son’s music business struggles in this economy, I’ve taken notice of not just the publication business but also the struggles of all business and the economy.

Here are some strategies that seem to me applicable that I have gleaned:

·       Acknowledge your desire or goal either by writing it down or talking about it. In doing this, you are embracing the challenge.

·       Write down the why. It’s easy to forget that ‘real’ reason. Make a list for why you want to write. Include making money, being published.  Then put that list in order of importance to you. Not what will show your friends, neighbors, husband… (Although you really ought to acknowledge that on your list in order of importance. You should know where you stand.) Hey, and list what kind of impact you want your book, poems or short stories to make on your readers.

·       Go back to the why often. To remind yourself. You will forget as you are caught up in the doing.That's why writing it down is so important. Set goals. Clear, definite goals that reflect where you are in the process. Visit this strategy often.

·       Do something that makes you a little uncomfortable. We get bored; the monotony of the same, same each day can cloud the finish line. Do something that scares you a little or shakes you up. Smile while you're doing it.

·       Reach beyond yourself. Help someone that is struggling with their own writing goals. Actually, helping someone with any goal, not even connected with writing brings surprising results for you, but do, without yourself in mind. It’s amazing the joy, the renewed energy that seeps into your heart. Or think about a cause you love and do something for it. (I hope someone will read this and be helped just a little. Just one someone.)

·       Take a class. In writing or in some other thing you love. Get your brain and 'juices' working For me, maybe, a puppy, soon?

What I know for sure is that no matter where you stand right now—on a hilltop, in a gutter, at a crossroads, in a rut—you need to give yourself the best you have to offer in this moment. That is it. Rather than depleting yourself with judgments about what you haven’t done, who you could have become, why you haven’t moved faster, or what you should have changed, redirect that energy toward the next big push—The one that takes you from enough to better. The one that takes you from adequate to extraordinary. The one that helps you rise up from a low moment and reach for your personal best. —Oprah