Two steps forward, one step back.
That's the natural flow of things.
So, I should be ecstatic when I manage several steps forward before the setback. And, I am learning to recognize when that happens.
In personal matters, this has been more challenging, especially as of late. But, as far as my writing career goes, I'm improving.
As I mentioned last week, I was grateful to have another piece picked up by Scary Mommy – but their new website redesign failed to display my bio, so I didn't get the "exposure" which is the main reason for syndicating. The editor was kind and apologetic and offered a work-around but I gained zero new page views.
I also had less writing time this week and I didn't send a single query, but I was pleasantly surprised when TODAY Parents featured a piece of mine from the end of August.
I did gain a few new Facebook page followers over the past couple days, thanks to a meme – then promptly lost one with this morning's post. Typically, I'd overlook the new follows and obsess over why that one chose to unfollow. But, today, I'm doing a much better job of rolling with it and of giving proper weight to those who have stayed.
I've spent nearly all my writing time excitedly working on my latest project, only to run into some technical difficulties with layout, but I'm not letting it sidetrack me too much.
I just keep moving forward.
25 September 2019
18 September 2019
#WIPWednesday
I've continued passionately working on my latest project and I have a draft of the cover, the introduction, and basic book outline to show for it – which is super exciting. I've also researched formatting and explored publication options. I'm feeling really good about finishing this project, maybe even before the end of the year!
I didn't spend much writing time on other things this week, but I did send one syndication query and was grateful to have it accepted by Scary Mommy.
I didn't spend much writing time on other things this week, but I did send one syndication query and was grateful to have it accepted by Scary Mommy.
11 September 2019
#WIPWednesday
I hesitate to even share this because it seems like speaking of my projects is a death blow to my motivation to finish them. Believe me, I know how many projects I've started, excitedly announced, and then quietly all-but-abandoned (I have not actually abandoned any of my projects, I just haven't finished them.. yet).
Still, I found myself passionately engrossed in a new project this week. And it is one I feel hopeful I will see through to completion in a timely manner.
tumbling: poetic thoughts from an anxious mind will be a short collection of my poetry (and possibly some prose) centered on the theme of anxiety and mental health. Obviously, most of the writing is already completed in previous works of mine, both published and unpublished, so I've spent time this week working on layout and design.
Beyond working on this new project, I also completed a second round of edits for my short story set to be published in At Death's Door next month, submitted an essay for syndication consideration, and I made a few images for social media.
I also began to feel extremely disheartened at just how rampant and widespread plagiarism and improper crediting are on social media as I saw several examples this week of huge pages blatantly stealing words for their own use without mentioning the original creator OR crediting someone who had already stolen it from the original creator. Ugh.
If you like a meme, image, or story don't crop out the person who created it. If you want to use those words to make something of your own, you need to clearly credit the original creator. It isn't that hard. It should not be such a problem.
Still, I found myself passionately engrossed in a new project this week. And it is one I feel hopeful I will see through to completion in a timely manner.
tumbling: poetic thoughts from an anxious mind will be a short collection of my poetry (and possibly some prose) centered on the theme of anxiety and mental health. Obviously, most of the writing is already completed in previous works of mine, both published and unpublished, so I've spent time this week working on layout and design.
Beyond working on this new project, I also completed a second round of edits for my short story set to be published in At Death's Door next month, submitted an essay for syndication consideration, and I made a few images for social media.
I also began to feel extremely disheartened at just how rampant and widespread plagiarism and improper crediting are on social media as I saw several examples this week of huge pages blatantly stealing words for their own use without mentioning the original creator OR crediting someone who had already stolen it from the original creator. Ugh.
If you like a meme, image, or story don't crop out the person who created it. If you want to use those words to make something of your own, you need to clearly credit the original creator. It isn't that hard. It should not be such a problem.
04 September 2019
#WIPWednesday
September is my favorite month of the year – the change in weather, crisp cool air, the anticipation and beginning of my favorite season, the settling back into routine, and the calm before the crazy. After the unfettered schedules of summer, September is the breath of fresh air before we plunge into the holiday season and, for me, personally, before the stress of all my annual exams and follow-up appointments.
It is also the start of a new quarter. Yesterday, my 3rd quarterly newsletter was delivered. I have a blank slate to fill in with new works and publications over the next 3 months.
Best get started.
It is also the start of a new quarter. Yesterday, my 3rd quarterly newsletter was delivered. I have a blank slate to fill in with new works and publications over the next 3 months.
Best get started.