Ink Spells is taking a brief hiatus while my mom comes to visit. We will be talking about books and writing and Mighty Mite’s birthday, and hopefully not sweltering in the Chicago heat.
I leave you with this thought, until Monday, lovely readers:
There are so many different kinds of writing and so many ways to work that the only rule is this: do what works. Almost everything has been tried and found to succeed for somebody. The methods, even the ideas of successful writers contradict each other in a most heartening way, and the only element I find common to all successful writers is persistence-an overwhelming determination to succeed.
Sophy Burnham
I’ve been writing fiction for exactly 17 mos, 3 days and 10 minutes* (not counting fiction writing from my youth). I think I have a good 20-40 years left in me.
How long have you been writing? What helps you to persist?
*at the time of this posting. appproximately.
Update: Thanks to Sheri for the linkage – check out her awesome Writer’s Ally blog when you have a chance!
Well, have a nice break when your mom comes!
I've been writing a little less than a year (I don't have an exact time thingy like you though…that's cool). And I persist because I love it. It lets me be free.
~JD
@Justine I flit back and forth between love and addiction with the writing. Either way, can't really stop! 🙂 And go you, for the freedom writing give you.
I've been writing for a few years now, and have no intention of stopping anytime soon. It's become an addiction of me. It's hard when I can't spend a couple of hours with my characters. And I suffer from withdrawal symptoms when I'm gone too long form them. Heck, I even think about them when I'm not writing.
Hmmm. Maybe I need therapy. 🙂
Have a nice break!
Just over two years now. I kind of shouldn't count that first year. I was writing, but taking two classes, reading like a maniac, of course four kids, family, house, etc…I was more tinkering with words and the notion that I was writing a novel. The last year, especially last four months, have been much different. Total focus and GOAL set.
Enjoy your time, Susan.
@Stina Maybe we could get a good rate on group therapy! I'll ask my mom the psychologyist where to find a self-help group for writers addicted to their craft. "Hi, my name is Susan. I've been writing for …." 🙂
@Sheri I wish I had a fraction of your energy, girl! And goals and focus are awesome, but be careful how you set them. My first round of goals were, shall we say, a tad ambitious! I have more realistic expectations now of how much writing I can do in a given time, but the process is constantly evolving. I'm sure, with your energy and drive, you'll met whatever goals you set! 🙂
Have fun in Chicago! I think we're headed that way in a couple weeks.
I've been writing all my life, but just nonsense for myself or school work. I started writing *seriously* in January.
I can now say, "I'm writing a book" with my head held high rather than slipping it into a conversation apologetically. Progress, eh?
@Vicki Owning that "writer" title is serious progress – you have to have confidence in yourself as writer before that can start to come across in your writing. Enjoy your time in Chicago! Are you on pleasure or business?
Your time duration precision cracked me up — very engineeringish. I've got about 4 years of serious writing and 10 years of not-so-serious before that.
Happy blog break 🙂
@Bane I put that in there just for you. 🙂 I like the distinction that everyone is making between "serious" writing and previous "not serious" writing. I think "owning" that writer title is a key step in the process. Hmm…that sounds like another blog post waiting to happen.
Just dropped by after visiting Sheri's blog – I'm excited to have found it! I love the quote, it's so true! I've been thinking lately that sometimes everything I hear is junk and I should stick to my gut on some things.
I've been writing for about 16 months, and the learning curve has been steep! I write YA Paranormal Romance too, and am currently in the querying phase – yikes!
Enjoy your time with your mom!
@Joanne Good luck with your querying! Here's a post I did about that dreaded learning curve that you might enjoy. Thanks for stopping by!
自然是上帝最偉大的神來之筆。 ............................................................
Have a super visit with your mom. Love the quote. Blessings, Buffy