You know, I forgot. Between granting myself some maternity (and morning sickness) leave, having a baby, and grueling months of editing/reworking/rewriting, it’s now been almost a year since I’ve started a new writing project.
I forgot how hard it is.
Even when you’ve done it, it can be so easy to catch yourself thinking “Easy peasy! I can slam this out in six weeks!” when you open up a new document. I mean, I’m not intimidated by a blank page. (It’s the words that are hard 😉 .)
Writing is one of those forms of art that the pinnacle of achievement can be looking effortless. Like dance or gymnastics. Except few people sit through a competition or performance and walk away thinking “I can do that. I’ll start tomorrow.”
Writing? Pfft. Everyone writes. All the time. Emails, notes, shopping list. How hard could a book be?
Hard. And long. Especially when your time is limited.
But it isn’t impossible. It’s work—but we’re not trying to cure cancer, here!
I’ve married into the MacCallum clan*. The clan motto is In ardua tendit. Translations include “he attempts hard things” and “I strive for the heights” (and various combinations).
Because I can do hard things. And so can you! (But first, a little more research….)
Where do you find yourself getting discouraged in the writing process?
Starting Friday: the dialogue series! Guest post volunteers?
Picture from this site
*At least, we think we’re part of the MacCallum clan. As far as records go, our McCollum ancestors apparently sprang out of the ground in 18th century Tennessee, so we can’t tell what part of Scotland they came from.
Hey I love your clan motto! I’m experiencing some of those same feelings of discouragement with my writing because I’m following your footsteps (having the baby and all) but I’m also trying to give myself a break. I think the mere fact that you are still working and thinking about new stories puts you light-years ahead. Once we get back into the groove, we’ll be churning out pages left and right—right? 🙂
good luck!
Looking forward to dialogue!!!
Discouragement creeps in after I’ve revised a piece several times and then decide it really needs a total rewrite. I’m never sure if the energy will be well spent or if I’ll end up shelving it anyway. So far the results are 1-1. I’m always enthusiastic about getting started on something new. I know it’s going to be hard work, but I love figuring out how best to tell the story.
Have you heard of “baby brain”… that frustrating mental quagmire that pregnancy and postpartum hormonal changes can cause? I’ve read it can give you “significant difficulty with memory issues, specifically for things that required extra effort” so, as much as I love your family motto, maybe if you’re really finding a new start too daunting, you have to give yourself a break for a little longer. Maybe? It’s something to consider anyway.
Thank you, Carol. You may definitely be right—and it’s good to get “permission” to go easier on myself.