Thursday, January 7, 2010

Blog Chain: 2010 Writing Resolutions

It's the first blog chain of the new year, and Bonnie asks:

What are your writing resolutions for the year 2010?

I actually almost asked to skip this round. Yesterday was a particularly bad day for Amanda, the writer, and I thought about resolving to introduce my laptop to the snow-covered front yard. It was that bad. I almost resolved to pack it in: Put a fork in me, I'm DONE.

But after the sobbing and a manic desire to eat many bags of gummy fruit snacks, I pulled myself together. I put my cell phone minutes to work and I leaned on the shoulders of the fabulous friends and kindred spirits I have in the writing community. What an awesome feeling to connect with people who live thousands of miles away. I feel blessed that I can dial someone up, someone I've never talked to in person, and dive into an instant conversation that lasts over an hour.

I vented, I whined, I bitched and I moaned. And--I feel better. My friends pulled me from the ledge. And even though I'm still a little shell-shocked, I feel like I can sit at my computer and write this post about what I resolve to do in this fresh, new year.

I will listen to my peers and heed their advice. I will crit as many manuscripts as I can possibly read. My friends deserve it. I will continue to query my current novel, because I BELIEVE that it will find a home. I resolve not to neglect my two works in progress and I will finish them both by the end of 2010.

And last, but not least: I won't let this industry beat me down. I won't fall apart because of one bad experience. I won't let someone dash the self-confidence that I have fought two years to acquire. I won't allow a rejection or negative feedback to crush my spirit.



Check out Rebecca's resoltions before mine, and Sandra's resolutions tomorrow.

13 comments:

Windy said...

Great resolutions! Hope your day is better today!!

Elana Johnson said...

Good for you, Mandy! You are an amazing person - I know I'll get to read your books in hardback one day!

Unknown said...

Good for you! I'm glad you had support when you needed it too. The writing community seriously rocks! Good luck! You can do this!

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

Great resolutions! Writing can be very frustrating at times, so it's important not to let that get to you. It's great that you've found other writers to support you on your journey.

Cole Gibsen said...

Oh, girl, preach on. They always say that everyone's journey is different - I just wished I would have signed up for the snorkling instead of the mountain climb.

But I have no doubt we'll make it. This is our year.

Christine Fonseca said...

You are amazing Amanda - an inspiration...because this industry IS hard...and it does beat us up - often more than w let on. So, good for you for not letting it "beat" you!

Hugs - and if you ever need anything, let me know!

B.J. Anderson said...

Wonderful resolutions, and please, don't give up! This business can be so tough, but you'll thank yourself six years from now when you're still writing. Good luck on those resolutions. :D

Unknown said...

You go Idaho.

S

Eric said...

You've just summed up every good story. The MC starting out with conflict, deciding to overcome it, and working towards a satisfactory end. Here's to you not deciding to give up. Good luck with your goals and keep your chin up.

Shaun Hutchinson said...

Some days I wish I had snow so that I could introduce MY laptop to it. The one thing you have to remember is that taste is subjective. No one person's opinion matters. A dozen agents and editors passed on Harry Potter before it found a home.

This business is brutal. But it's also amazing. The people I've met have made the bad so worth it. You're amazing and I can't wait to have the opportunity to buy your books.

Kate Karyus Quinn said...

Awesome resolutions! And I'm sorry you had one of those days - I've had those days too and they are why the word "suck" was invented. Glad you were able to pick yourself up - and that you are not giving up on yourself or your writing!

Unknown said...

*hugs* That is all.

Kathryn Hupp-Harris said...

Remember: It's always darkest before the dawn. Keep your head up.