Monday, October 21, 2013

Happy Writing

In case you haven't noticed, I've been participating in a lot of bloghops, cover reveals, etc lately. I love supporting my fellow authors! I've a few more scheduled in the next month, but I'm popping in to say yes, I'm here too!

My writing life is currently in this weird limbo. I'm mostly waiting on others to get back to me on different projects, and it feels like this calm before the storm of Nano. Can you feel it too? I'm struggling to draft a book while the shiny-new-idea of another keeps knocking and distracting me. Not to mention another book that's desperately calling me for a major revision. (and several other projects either started or plotted waiting for when I have more time...hahahaha)


Ugh.

This has become the story of my life, and though I'm so grateful to have so many projects I'm excited about, I feel like a child hopped up on sugar trying to sit through a church service. I KNOW what I'm supposed to be doing, but it's hard to focus sometimes and I just want to misbehave.

One thing I DO know, though, is that I'm in this writing thing for the long haul. There's something gratifying about doing what you're meant to do no matter how HARD and frustrating it is sometimes.

This song perfectly describes my relationship with writing and just plain makes me happy whenever I hear it. Whether you're drafting, revising, editing, plotting, researching or critiquing this week...make it a Happy Writing week. And do me a favor...kick my butt in gear to finish drafting this book!

18 comments:

Suzanne Furness said...

Happy writing to you too! Through all it's highs and lows writing is what I believe I was meant to do, so I'm with you on the long haul!

Kyra Lennon said...

I love that feeling of having ideas dancing around in my head! Knowing there are projects you can work on is so awesome!

Anonymous said...

Happy writing to you.
I have just started my third poetry book which is at the earliest of stages , I too think this will be a long haul.
Yvonne.

Anonymous said...

Got to be in it for the long haul. Enjoy the calm before the storm!

Unknown said...

Writing is a harsh mistress when she is ignored for long....or is that my wife...

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

It's all about the waiting.
We'll keep the energy drinks away from you for a while.

David P. King said...

Yep. NaNo is coming. Replace "storm" with "NaNo" and they're pretty much synonymous. :)

Jennie Bennett said...

Totally me and writing too! I can't give it up, even when I hate it. So much love-hate going on. I feel ya!

Shallee said...

Go, Ilima, go! I'm drafting too, and it's been tough, mostly because I've got a lot of other projects calling for attention too! Just keep writing, Ilima, just keep writing, writing, writing...

Carrie Butler said...

I can feel it! I think I might actually do NaNo this year...

Robin said...

Okay, Long Hauler, let's move, let's move. Go, fight, I mean write, win!!!!

Your commitment to moving forward and writing even when it's hard helps kick my tail. So now I'm getting off the internet and back to my MS:D

Johanna Garth said...

I can so relate. I keep getting more minor edits from my agent before she wants to shop the book that take about a week and then I have to dive back into the current WIP...I'm finding I don't switch gears as easily as I thought I did!

Rachel Schieffelbein said...

You would think a whole bunch of ideas would be a good thing! And it is, of course, but it can be really not great, too. I'm there now, as well. I don't know what to work on! Finish this, start that, revise that other thing. Blech. ;)

Emily R. King said...

You are an inspiration, Ilima. All your hard work is worth it. I know you'll rock NaNo!

Michelle D. Argyle said...

I miss hanging out with you, Ilima! I'm glad you have so many ideas, though. It really, really, really sucks not to have any. I've been in that sad boat many a time. Here's to finishing everything in the time you have, one thing at a time. :)

Kathryn Purdie said...

I have a new idea that's begging to be written, too. It's cost me more than one sleepless night so far! Good luck with your many amazing projects. You're awesome!!

Nicole said...

Happy writing right back at ya! I'm in the same spot - doing final edits on one novel, cranking out its sequel, plotting for a different series and trying to harness numerous shiny new ideas without letting them derail everything else. Whew, all in a day's work, right? :)

Livia Peterson said...

Happy writing right back at ya, Ilima! I totally get it - this writing thing can be hard and frustrating sometimes, but you will get through it. I am on this writing journey for the long haul as well.

Same here, I love supporting my writerly friends. :)