*That's my awesome husband, daughter and son in the first two cars!*
Who's along this roller coaster ride with me? My husband, giving me support, and room to write--he is the rail that keeps me airborn. My crit partner Robert, whom I am going to see IRL SOON, is the seatbelt that keeps me in the ride. Without his early confidence, it would be a completely different ride.
My daily meetings with my coworker Tina keeps my train on the rails, as does chatting with my other coworker Jon. Last week I met Kris for caramel apple cider (yum), and that added speed to my chugging up the hill. Thanks Kris!! Kris is thoughtful and kind, and down to earth--we had a fantastic time talking about writing and books and everything!
All the unpluggers at Tina's The Practice Room give me support in real time--which is invaluable. Thanks practice roomers! (Oh, and if there is anyone out there who is scared of the practice room--give it a whirl. It's an incredible tool.)
And when I need to tighten the bolts, I turn to all you and your fabulous blogs. To give me food for thought and laughs.
And places like WriteOnCon, (go over today for EPIC giveaways!!) and the Blueboards. A lovely collection of people!
Who knew it would take so much to keep me on the rails?? So, if this post seems disgustingly sweet, well, sometimes you just have to say thanks. So THANKS!!
What are you up to this week? Any goals? What kind of roller coaster ride are you on right now? Who keeps you on the rails?
And, if you're having one of those days--remember the most famous train of all: I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.
I'm on that funk ride right now.
ReplyDeleteBeen working nearly every day for weeks (you know where they pay me real money for what I write which is software and not fiction).
Recovering from a critique where one person wrote - twice - that my ms had no audience and no one would want to read it. Only one of seven people who said that - why do we get stuck on the negative?
So yeah, funk. But our Working Writer's Retreat will be here in less than 2 weeks and I will pop out of this for sure.
I'm chugging along too!
ReplyDeleteIt is a roller coaster ride, but they are fun and little scary, right? But mostly fun! And after you get off you are sure glad you went on it!
Lovely post. I am glad I am still helping you, even though I am rarely around. I have the easy position of giving deadlines. Maybe I really should become an agent.
ReplyDeleteSarah--that's a bummer of a critique--did the person think they were being supportive? I'm sorry that is in your head right now. Working Writer's Retreat sounds like such fun!
ReplyDeleteKelly--And once you get off, you just want to go again, and again, and again... :)
J--You'd make a wonderful agent! But you'd still be required to be my crit partner.
Great post. I'm chugging along the final stretch of a first draft. My goal is to show up every day, and work thru the confusion.
ReplyDeleteHave a great ride:-) :-)
We thank YOU, the den mother of this corner of the blogosphere!
ReplyDeleteBeen working on my first try at a Paranormal Romance. It's very different from what I'm used to writing. I'm about three-quarter of the way through. For some reason, I find myself having to research a lot of topics for this novel. Good luck with revisions!
ReplyDeleteYes, it is quite the roller coaster. Loved your theme of keeping on the rails. Kinda off-track right now, but this post is inspiring me to get those wheels aligned before my next crit. group.
ReplyDeletePaul--Good luck getting through the confusion. That's a great way of looking at a first draft.
ReplyDeleteRobert--I'm so thankful to have such thoughtful and caring crit partners. Thanks for always keeping me on track!
LVW--Paranormal romance sounds delicious! And it sounds like you're in a great place--three quarters of the way through--rockin' and rolling! Good luck with the research and getting through that ending!
Lori--I'm trying to trick myself back onto the tracks after a whirlwind summer. I'll let you know how it goes!! And glad that you identify!
Glad to hear you are jumping back in! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI have just recently picked up my revised book again so I can do the edits but man, what a process. I really love the comparison to a roller coaster ride.
ReplyDeleteYou can do it. Keep on keepin' on!
I've got to survive 2 14 hour days tomorrow and Friday and then I can get back to my revisions. 50 pages from the end and already exceeded my goal of getting down to 70,000. Then I'll have to read one more time and maybe I'll be done with my first manuscript for awhile.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what I'd do without my support system!! Thank GOD writers are such an amazing lot of people.
ReplyDeleteI'm at the point with a new project where I'm feeling speed and momentum gaining, which is a thrill, but I have to remember to open my eyes and let go of the bar if I really want the full experience of the ride. Not always the easiest to do!
ReplyDeleteAnother great post, Heather! See you sometime soon?!
Laura--Thanks!
ReplyDeletePatricia--What a ride, indeed! Thanks for the support!!
Natalie--It sounds like you have a lot going on, and you still find time to revise--go you!
Lisa--It's such an amazing community. I feel so blessed to have found it!
Martha--Yes, let go. Risk is so necessary!! And, let's get together soon!
I missed this post, Heather! It was awesome sitting down and talking to you too! and I totally relate to the roller coaster. Sometimes all we can do is hang on!
ReplyDelete