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The pains, struggles, and joys of a writer's life. Discover writing tips, reviews of writing conferences, and the progress of an aspiring novelist.
With some people in my life, I've spoken at length about my writing dreams. But what many people don't know is that I'm haunted by them. I think it's actually quite common, to be haunted by your unachieved dreams. However, that's not all I'm haunted by. I'm haunted by story ideas, characters who beg to be written, and feelings that need to be given a home on paper. These ghosts are incessant. They are always behind me, tapping me on the shoulder. When I turn around, they're waiting for me. Silently waiting. Watching me. Making me remember that they're there and they will not be ignored. But as friend and fellow blogger, Amanda Creasey from Mind the Dog Writing Blog, told me earlier this week, "There are worse things to be haunted by." And she's right. I'm not bothered one bit by the hauntings. I'm only bothered that I haven't figured out to make it come to life, how to bring my dreams to reality. So, this weekend, Amanda and I both agreed to write a post about our writing dreams. So, make sure to check her blog and read her post. My Writing Dreams
Writing is Painful Just because I enjoy writing doesn't mean it's easy. And many times, it's not even enjoyable. In fact, it can be downright painful. But you know what's more painful? Not writing. I participate in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) every year. Those 30 days are difficult. Beyond difficult, actually. I still work my two jobs and then somehow find time to write a novel. And when I'm ripping my hair out to meet word counts and to fit everything in or even if I'm trying to figure out what my character wants to do next, my husband has asked why I keep writing if I hate it, if it's hard. I don't hate writing, but it is hard. I write because it's my soul's calling, if you will. My soul needs it. The only way I can explain it is that I feel I'm meant to write, and only then can I find peace...until the hauntings start again. But you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way. Writing on my own terms brings me fulfillment, peace, and joy. It gives me a place that I feel I belong. It gives me some of the missing puzzle pieces inside me. It helps me better understand myself, my experiences, and the world and people around me. It makes me more human. But the only way for me to achieve those writing goals and bring my writing dreams to life is to just go for it. I have to make sure I make progress and push myself. Otherwise, I'm just going to get stuck where I am, being haunted forever by the what-ifs and what-might-have-beens.
What are your writing goals? Have unachieved dreams or characters haunted you?
3 Comments
9/17/2016 05:40:50 pm
This was so much fun to read. I share your compulsion to write, and your sense of urgency at giving the stories and characters a home. I also share your dream of getting paid to write on my own terms, on my own schedule, about my own interests and imaginings. What a life! May all our writing dreams come true!
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Mindi
9/25/2016 02:22:59 am
Love this post! It makes me ache because I feel like I'm only vaguely aware of my hauntings occasionally, & even then, only through a thick haze. I'm afraid that not being haunted enough, is just a sign I'd be rubbish. I feel like I've squandered one too many windows of opportunity. My greatest fear is that when I finally get around to writing, I won't have anything to say. "If you don't use it, you lose it," come to full, sad life. I totally get this doesn't need to be a permanent state of things. I'm just overwhelmed, baffled, & afraid to start. I know what perky things I'd say to someone else, about just getting started. I just don't know how to actually move my leaden feet...err fingers...
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12/19/2016 05:39:40 pm
Hey, Mindi!
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AuthorI'm an adjunct creative writing professor and freelance writer, but I dream of being a published novelist. This is my journey. Archives
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