Monday Meeting and Going After the Candy

So, I think that friday's Friday Feature rubbed off on me a bit, and in the stylings of Laura, I'd like to share a personal story, and attempt to link it to my writing life.

Every night, during the darkest hours, my daughter, four, comes and "visits" me. She sleeps the rest of the night in my bed. Now, I have reverted back to my pre-children deep sleeping habits, and rarely wake up for this phenomenon. Except that I when I do wake up, I have cricks in my neck and little elbows in my ribs. I haven't been successful in breaking her of this routine. I've done charts and stickers and talked to her about growing up, but nothing has worked. So, now I am reaching to the very bottom--way, way, down to the very dregs--of my parenting toolbox (see how shallow it actually is!), and I am pulling out my candy bribe. If she sleeps through the night in her own bed, I will take her to our corner store, and let her pick out a piece of candy.

Yesterday, I awoke to a kiss on my cheek, and a happy child exclaiming, "Mom, I love you MORE than candy!"

Yes, the highest compliment I can imagine receiving from a four year old. I am loved more than candy!

But, it got me to thinking. And wondering about my writing. If my submitted finished draft, awesome in its awesomeness, out doing great things in the world, is my candy--which it is--then what is keeping me from getting there? What do I love, more than candy?

I must love the safety and security of a warm dream wrapped around me. A warm dream undisturbed by the rejections of agents. As long as I stay in the warmth of my blankets, the warmth of my dream, my candy will continue to also be a dream. Does that mean that I respect fear more than I love candy?

So, I continue to hide in my blankets, safe and secure, and continue to move forward slowly on my revision. I say things, at times.

"I am learning and absorbing and taking my time to make this story the best it can possibly be."

"I want my knowledge and writing skill to catch up to my ideas."

And I believe those things. But I also think that it's time to throw off the blankets, get out of bed, shed the dream, and go after the candy*.

So, for my Monday Meeting, I'd like to proclaim March my revision month. I'm going after it. I want my candy by the end of the month. Who's with me? Who can taste that caramel goodness?

I also want to invite you to an awesome interview this friday, with the incomparable Anita. Check out her blog, so you can ask her informed questions. She's going after the candy right now, querying agents. Go Anita!

So, what's your candy? What are your goals for the week? What do you love more than candy?

*Shoes. Shoes are also my candy.