It’s not easy being July 5th. Every year it follows the excitement of Independence Day. How does a regular day compete with a holiday filled with family, friends, barbecues, and fireworks? While July 4th may sizzle, July 5th can really fizzle.
It’s much like a writer who feels the thrill of achievement after finishing a short story or book, finding an agent, winning a competition or receiving an award then has to get back to the business of writing one word at a time. It can be a letdown.
So, how do you keep the celebratory feeling while starting over? According to motivational experts there are ways to ease into a new project. First, absorb the joy of accomplishment and congratulate yourself for persevering. Additionally, soak up everyone’s good wishes and hold onto them. At this point, a brief break from writing may help re-energize and refocus your priorities.
Next, let go of the past accomplishment, release it into the world then concentrate on what needs to be done right now. As the saying goes, the past is history, the future is a mystery, but today is a gift.
Experts also stress the importance of support groups and, as most of us know, they are invaluable. This cheering section will be the first to clap and yell when you have a win, offer encouragement when times are rough and goad you into action when your pen is at a standstill.
Finally, continue to celebrate the small wins such as completing a scene or chapter. Reward yourself for reaching milestones along your path to the next major achievement.
It’s much like a writer who feels the thrill of achievement after finishing a short story or book, finding an agent, winning a competition or receiving an award then has to get back to the business of writing one word at a time. It can be a letdown.
So, how do you keep the celebratory feeling while starting over? According to motivational experts there are ways to ease into a new project. First, absorb the joy of accomplishment and congratulate yourself for persevering. Additionally, soak up everyone’s good wishes and hold onto them. At this point, a brief break from writing may help re-energize and refocus your priorities.
Next, let go of the past accomplishment, release it into the world then concentrate on what needs to be done right now. As the saying goes, the past is history, the future is a mystery, but today is a gift.
Experts also stress the importance of support groups and, as most of us know, they are invaluable. This cheering section will be the first to clap and yell when you have a win, offer encouragement when times are rough and goad you into action when your pen is at a standstill.
Finally, continue to celebrate the small wins such as completing a scene or chapter. Reward yourself for reaching milestones along your path to the next major achievement.“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” – Oprah Winfrey
I feel like the day-July 5th. Two of my shorts that were accepted for publication were returned for edits. Yes, I'm still happy the stories will be published, but on each story there were edits and questions about the stories that may change the story. Like if they didn't like the story, why did they accept it? So, I'm looking for ways to salvage my stories and satisfy them. AGH!
ReplyDeleteThat’s a frustrating place to be E.B.! It’s starting over...but not really. The “experts” write that it’s best to be Zen-like and release the project and then go on. But my preferred method is to sit in the chair with an I-will-not-be-defeated-if-it kills-me attitude and munch chocolate. I’m sure that’s not the best way. How do other people get through the July 5th feeling?
ReplyDeleteThere are so many days-after. It's as though we weren't meant to spend too much time just celebrating. The aftermath most often seems to mean more work--after the birth of a baby, after the wedding day, after a piece of writing is accepted but needs editing, and so on.
ReplyDeleteWould we be happy if we didn't have to work and lived in some kind of Garden of Eden. I'd find it boring.
I was Zen-like Kara. I let it go. Like the Terminator-they're back! Chocolate is good. Champagne is better!
ReplyDeleteThat's a good point, Pauline. Challenge keeps us growing otherwise we could become sort of stale.
ReplyDeleteMy sixth grade teacher used to tell us: One dat you're the cracker. The next day you're the crumb. I'm revising a story accepted for publication too. Luckily, the editor is good at what she does and the story will end up better than the original submission. In other cases with other editors I've felt like EB.
ReplyDelete