I've decided I need to spruce up this blog a little bit.
I haven't worked out exactly what I want to do as yet, but you can expect some new weekly features, and more helpful sidebar links for starters. As I mentioned before, while I haven't been writing, I've been reading and I've seriously come across a whole wealth of information that I will be sharing.
Stay tuned!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
Top 20 Things You Should Know About Me
So I decided to get a little more personal on my blog (still no names though ;) ), and to start things off, I am going to list the top 20 things I think you should know about me.
Ready?
Here we go - in no particular order:
1. The first one you already know - I want to be a writer!
2. I am 26 years old
3. I believe that family comes first, before anything else
4. I am a moviebuying-holic (yes, it may not be a word, but the condition exists)
5. I would love to lose at least 40 pounds
6. I love food - all food - particularly sushi & dark chocolate. Together? Not yet, but this does sort of make point #5 much harder.
7. I think I could very happily live in any one of the four parks at Disney World
8. I have an ongoing love/hate relationship with American Idol - I hate that I can't stop watching it and how much time it wastes each week during the season!
9. I love 50's & 60's music
10. Sometimes I wish I were more outgoing
11. I've only been to a beach twice in my life (and the first time I nearly drowned)
12. My favorite subject throughout school was English
13. I love watching musicals - I've seen The Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia & The Sound of Music -- to name a few
14. I can fit into the kid sizes at the shoestore
15. I still sometimes watch movies on a VCR
16. Occasionally I eat TUMS as a snack
17. I wish I had continued taking piano lessons (I made it to Level 4)
18. I really enjoy glow-in-the-dark bowling (even though I'm not very good)
19. I hate missing the previews at the movie theater
20. I think I'm developing a serious crush on one of my Male MC's ;)
That's all I can think of for now. I hope this helps you to get to know me a little better. :)
Ready?
Here we go - in no particular order:
1. The first one you already know - I want to be a writer!
2. I am 26 years old
3. I believe that family comes first, before anything else
4. I am a moviebuying-holic (yes, it may not be a word, but the condition exists)
5. I would love to lose at least 40 pounds
6. I love food - all food - particularly sushi & dark chocolate. Together? Not yet, but this does sort of make point #5 much harder.
7. I think I could very happily live in any one of the four parks at Disney World
8. I have an ongoing love/hate relationship with American Idol - I hate that I can't stop watching it and how much time it wastes each week during the season!
9. I love 50's & 60's music
10. Sometimes I wish I were more outgoing
11. I've only been to a beach twice in my life (and the first time I nearly drowned)
12. My favorite subject throughout school was English
13. I love watching musicals - I've seen The Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia & The Sound of Music -- to name a few
14. I can fit into the kid sizes at the shoestore
15. I still sometimes watch movies on a VCR
16. Occasionally I eat TUMS as a snack
17. I wish I had continued taking piano lessons (I made it to Level 4)
18. I really enjoy glow-in-the-dark bowling (even though I'm not very good)
19. I hate missing the previews at the movie theater
20. I think I'm developing a serious crush on one of my Male MC's ;)
That's all I can think of for now. I hope this helps you to get to know me a little better. :)
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Help! This Book Is On A One Way Track To Nowhere!
So in my spare time--while I have NOT been writing--I've been reading. And I have come across some amazing blogs with very, very useful information.
I feel like I've woken up from a really deep coma or something. I have been on this one mind track for so long, and I've only been thinking about the negatives. For example, no one is going to want to read my book, it's been done too many times, my characters seem too much like others, my story seems to be going nowhere, I'm never going to finish it, etc. Just to name a few. Now I'm realizing that I probably haven't been giving my manuscript a chance to breathe and grow because I've stuck it in this unconstructive box with my brain.
I just wanted to point out a couple of the sites that provided significant contributions to my wake up call:
Aprilynne Pike, author of YA novel Wings, made reference to the new/fresh concept on her blog. You can read it here.
I know this is something that I have been struggling with (along with my many other issues) for quite some time. It's an age old question. "What if my idea isn't fresh/new enough?"
Chances are--your idea probably won't be fresh or all that new. It may have been done many times before. And as Aprilynne pointed out, that's okay. It's really what you do with that idea, and how you resell it that makes it appealing to an audience. Go ahead and write what you want to write, just give it your own unique spin.
The second major issue I've been muddling through is that I've restarted my manuscript four times. I mentioned before that I made it up to 200 pages on my second draft right before I decided that it didn't make any sense at all and I needed to begin again. I've been trying to write it since I started in February 2009! And at this rate, what conclusion did I come to? Exactly - I must be a horrible writer because I can't seem to finish the thing.
To that effect, YA Author Elana Johnson made a very inspiring post here to remind all of us that this too is okay! You may restart your book a gazillion times and feel like everything you write is completely dreadful. It's not true and it does not make you a bad writer. We have to remember that. Perseverance goes by many different names and there is no time limit on what you can achieve.
So... the moral of today's story?
You should never give up on doing what you love just because you feel that it's going nowhere. Everything goes somewhere, and eventually we will all get there.
I'm looking at the writing process in a whole new light, and suddenly I'm very excited again! :)
Check out these blogs - you will not be disappointed.
I feel like I've woken up from a really deep coma or something. I have been on this one mind track for so long, and I've only been thinking about the negatives. For example, no one is going to want to read my book, it's been done too many times, my characters seem too much like others, my story seems to be going nowhere, I'm never going to finish it, etc. Just to name a few. Now I'm realizing that I probably haven't been giving my manuscript a chance to breathe and grow because I've stuck it in this unconstructive box with my brain.
I just wanted to point out a couple of the sites that provided significant contributions to my wake up call:
Aprilynne Pike, author of YA novel Wings, made reference to the new/fresh concept on her blog. You can read it here.
I know this is something that I have been struggling with (along with my many other issues) for quite some time. It's an age old question. "What if my idea isn't fresh/new enough?"
Chances are--your idea probably won't be fresh or all that new. It may have been done many times before. And as Aprilynne pointed out, that's okay. It's really what you do with that idea, and how you resell it that makes it appealing to an audience. Go ahead and write what you want to write, just give it your own unique spin.
The second major issue I've been muddling through is that I've restarted my manuscript four times. I mentioned before that I made it up to 200 pages on my second draft right before I decided that it didn't make any sense at all and I needed to begin again. I've been trying to write it since I started in February 2009! And at this rate, what conclusion did I come to? Exactly - I must be a horrible writer because I can't seem to finish the thing.
To that effect, YA Author Elana Johnson made a very inspiring post here to remind all of us that this too is okay! You may restart your book a gazillion times and feel like everything you write is completely dreadful. It's not true and it does not make you a bad writer. We have to remember that. Perseverance goes by many different names and there is no time limit on what you can achieve.
So... the moral of today's story?
You should never give up on doing what you love just because you feel that it's going nowhere. Everything goes somewhere, and eventually we will all get there.
I'm looking at the writing process in a whole new light, and suddenly I'm very excited again! :)
Check out these blogs - you will not be disappointed.
Monday, February 8, 2010
What is wrong with me?
Alright, not only have I not been posting as much as I should be, I've also run into another roadblock with the book.
I hate my book. Again. Yes. Again.
I'm currently at almost 16,000 words and I'm re-reading it and thinking to myself... what am I thinking?? No one is going to want to read this, I don't even want to.
It's so weird--like the story is there--I know what I want it to be, but it is soooo jumbled in my brain and I don't know how to make heads or tails of it. I've been suffering with this problem for months!
Second problem? I think it's been done before, in some way or another--it's been done. It's tired and not unique. And I just don't know what to do. Coming up with a fresh new idea is not as easy as it seems! Sometimes I wonder if the key to success is just revamping an old idea into something people want to be a part of again.
I've been sitting at my computer for hours, just staring at the screen, and trying to figure out whether or not I should start over. Again. Yes. Again.
And... I think I'm going to. Besides all of the above, one my characters is just too overbearing, and I think people may hate him. But he's a great guy, he really is. He is just having trouble expressing himself. Sigh. Like me.
So much for my resolutions. I'm sorry that this is such a down post. I'm not giving up yet though. This will be my fourth revision of this book, but I hope it will be worth it.
What do you do when you fall into this rut? Do you ever?
I hate my book. Again. Yes. Again.
I'm currently at almost 16,000 words and I'm re-reading it and thinking to myself... what am I thinking?? No one is going to want to read this, I don't even want to.
It's so weird--like the story is there--I know what I want it to be, but it is soooo jumbled in my brain and I don't know how to make heads or tails of it. I've been suffering with this problem for months!
Second problem? I think it's been done before, in some way or another--it's been done. It's tired and not unique. And I just don't know what to do. Coming up with a fresh new idea is not as easy as it seems! Sometimes I wonder if the key to success is just revamping an old idea into something people want to be a part of again.
I've been sitting at my computer for hours, just staring at the screen, and trying to figure out whether or not I should start over. Again. Yes. Again.
And... I think I'm going to. Besides all of the above, one my characters is just too overbearing, and I think people may hate him. But he's a great guy, he really is. He is just having trouble expressing himself. Sigh. Like me.
So much for my resolutions. I'm sorry that this is such a down post. I'm not giving up yet though. This will be my fourth revision of this book, but I hope it will be worth it.
What do you do when you fall into this rut? Do you ever?
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to one and all!
It's time to revise/put into action those resolutions and get our plans moving.
My top resolutions for this year:
1. Finish my new (old/refurbished) book (currently at 10,000 words)
2. Go back to the gym (yes - I signed up last January and went all of 7 times)
4. Try to have more creative moments
5. Spend more time with my friends
6. Read more! Of everything!
7. Get more sleep
Hmmm, that's all I can think of for now, but I know there are tons more. I always make too many then end up doing almost none. At least all of these ones are attainable.
How about you? What are your resolutions for 2010?
It's time to revise/put into action those resolutions and get our plans moving.
My top resolutions for this year:
1. Finish my new (old/refurbished) book (currently at 10,000 words)
2. Go back to the gym (yes - I signed up last January and went all of 7 times)
4. Try to have more creative moments
5. Spend more time with my friends
6. Read more! Of everything!
7. Get more sleep
Hmmm, that's all I can think of for now, but I know there are tons more. I always make too many then end up doing almost none. At least all of these ones are attainable.
How about you? What are your resolutions for 2010?
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Nomad November
I am bone tired. Honestly. It's the end of November and I have been shirking everything (personal) in the worst way possible. Not only am I not writing or blogging--I even signed up for NaNoWriMo for the first time ever--but I am now not sleeping as well. Not that the latter is anything new.
Ah--I hate and love my day job. It pays the bills. But it just doesn't compare to the feeling I get when I'm writing. In addition, there have been some recent changes for me that I have not quite made up my mind about. Ultimately--it's requiring more of my time, because it's an area that I am not exactly familiar with.
November Word Count: 0
The glaring number is continuously taunting me. I will not be defeated however! I am everywhere right now, doing everything - except what I truly want and need to be doing. I am going to start writing again - as soon as things settle down, and I have a sad, sad feeling that it won't be until December.
I refuse to give up. I've started jotting down my ideas in my notebook on the train in longhand, but have not had a chance to type anything up as yet. It's like this story is living in my head, taking shape and staking its claim, constantly there, keeping me awake at nights (and on the train ;) ), and I won't get any rest until it's out. I've grown extremely attached to my characters - even now, when I have not visited them for so long. They are waiting patiently for my return, and I truly hope I don't let them down.
I think about it constantly, and it's almost painful that it can only exist in my tired mind for now. I'm anxious to get my new ideas formulated and down on paper.
December... It's just around the bend....
Bye for now!
Ah--I hate and love my day job. It pays the bills. But it just doesn't compare to the feeling I get when I'm writing. In addition, there have been some recent changes for me that I have not quite made up my mind about. Ultimately--it's requiring more of my time, because it's an area that I am not exactly familiar with.
November Word Count: 0
The glaring number is continuously taunting me. I will not be defeated however! I am everywhere right now, doing everything - except what I truly want and need to be doing. I am going to start writing again - as soon as things settle down, and I have a sad, sad feeling that it won't be until December.
I refuse to give up. I've started jotting down my ideas in my notebook on the train in longhand, but have not had a chance to type anything up as yet. It's like this story is living in my head, taking shape and staking its claim, constantly there, keeping me awake at nights (and on the train ;) ), and I won't get any rest until it's out. I've grown extremely attached to my characters - even now, when I have not visited them for so long. They are waiting patiently for my return, and I truly hope I don't let them down.
I think about it constantly, and it's almost painful that it can only exist in my tired mind for now. I'm anxious to get my new ideas formulated and down on paper.
December... It's just around the bend....
Bye for now!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
And so it fizzled...
What day is today? Today is the day I was supposed to have completed my book. And where are we instead?
It's come to a complete and total grinding halt. I don't know what happened. Not only do I not like it any longer, but I can't seem to get myself psyched up to write about it anymore.
Remember that rogue chapter I was telling you about? It became the end of me -- well, at least the end of my current manuscript.
Okay, so that wasn't just it. I've also been working some incredibly long hours at the office (17 hour days to be exact--including weekends), and that kind of time just doesn't leave room for writing. Perhaps it was a good thing though, because when I returned to the manuscript, I suddenly just didn't like it anymore. Perhaps it was because I came back to it with a fresh eye and saw things I couldn't see when I was so involved with it everyday.
Oh, don't get me wrong. I still love the storyline. That, I do not want to change. It's just the whole setting, the way things were progressing - it was not working for me. I'm at 200 computer pages right now...
...And although it's killing me, because I have made SUCH progress in the last few months... I have to start over. I have to. I might be able to use some of it in the new manuscript - but I think as of now, it will just be mainly for reference OR possibly for use in Book 2 if I get to that point.
It's a terrible feeling - knowing that you've come so far - I thought I was on the verge of finishing, only to discover I needed to begin all over again. But I am retaining hope however - I know I will be able to push ahead with what I've learned, and hopefully the result will be an even better manuscript.
Has this happened to any of you? What did you do? I would love to hear your thoughts...
It's come to a complete and total grinding halt. I don't know what happened. Not only do I not like it any longer, but I can't seem to get myself psyched up to write about it anymore.
Remember that rogue chapter I was telling you about? It became the end of me -- well, at least the end of my current manuscript.
Okay, so that wasn't just it. I've also been working some incredibly long hours at the office (17 hour days to be exact--including weekends), and that kind of time just doesn't leave room for writing. Perhaps it was a good thing though, because when I returned to the manuscript, I suddenly just didn't like it anymore. Perhaps it was because I came back to it with a fresh eye and saw things I couldn't see when I was so involved with it everyday.
Oh, don't get me wrong. I still love the storyline. That, I do not want to change. It's just the whole setting, the way things were progressing - it was not working for me. I'm at 200 computer pages right now...
...And although it's killing me, because I have made SUCH progress in the last few months... I have to start over. I have to. I might be able to use some of it in the new manuscript - but I think as of now, it will just be mainly for reference OR possibly for use in Book 2 if I get to that point.
It's a terrible feeling - knowing that you've come so far - I thought I was on the verge of finishing, only to discover I needed to begin all over again. But I am retaining hope however - I know I will be able to push ahead with what I've learned, and hopefully the result will be an even better manuscript.
Has this happened to any of you? What did you do? I would love to hear your thoughts...
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Another Deep One
I swear, since the day I made up my mind to make some changes in my life, hence starting this blog, and returning to writing my book, the most random things have been happening to me. I'm not sure if it's a vibe I've been sending out recently because of my new mindset, but people have been subtly encouraging me without even knowing it.
"You've got a lot to offer the world, but the world doesn't get to see much of you"
A co-worker, friend and mentor said these words to me first thing this morning. For the past three years, he has been offering little tidbits of wisdom and advice in the ways of the world. I have to admit, my life is somewhat sheltered. I've never been a risk taker, I can be painfully shy (seriously), and my parents have always been slightly strict. I'm loyal to a fault - when I find something I like, no matter what it is, I will stick with it, even long after I'm done with it and I hate it. Bad, bad, bad... Since I've been in this rut, things haven't gotten any better. In fact they're far worse. I find it hard to do much of anything because either I'm scared, or I can't summon the energy, or, etc., etc., etc. Sometimes it's because it's just too out there, and "I could never do that". If you've experienced this, then you know what I mean. I, for one, am desperately terrified of failure and rejection, but I've got to learn to deal with that, and accept it as a part of life.
Back to my little anecdote:
I ran into him in the elevator this morning, and after a slightly scathing comment about my lack of social life, we got to talking. He warned me that, as he put it, I "was in the prime of my life" and I shouldn't be sitting back and watching it pass me by. Anyone can do anything at anytime, but I wasn't seizing any of the opportunities that were coming along. He was just worried that I'd wake up 20 or 30 years from now and wonder what had happened to my life. Needless to say, I was floored. Without even knowing it, he had echoed my deepest fears. I'll admit it, for the past few months, that thought has crossed my mind more than once. I can't help it. When you've reached a certain point in your and you have absolutely nothing to show for it, it's daunting. It's completely nerve wracking to think that another 25 years could go by, and you might still have nothing to show.
After his little spiel, we parted ways, and of course, I'm thinking about this for quite some time after as I go about my day. As soon I got home, I decided I needed to share this with the world, because it couldn't be more true. I'm not sure if someone else said it, or if this was just his phrasing (I can't find it on Google), but I want you to remember this--I know I will.
We've all got something to offer the world, we just need to stop hiding long enough to reach out and show it. I think we all have the power to make a good difference too, regardless of whether it's through your writing, your music, your artwork or whatever form of expression you choose. I know things didn't work out the way I wanted them to. I was supposed to be in a very different spot in my life by now - believe me, my plans were drastically different. One by one, I feel as though I've been giving up on each of my dreams. I'm realizing though, that just because they didn't work out the way I planned, I shouldn't have to let them go. Not without a fight.
I hope you'll do the same...
Monday, October 12, 2009
Completely Confused
Progress has totally and completely halted. I don't know what happened! Okay, I kind of do.
I haven't been writing all that much in the last few days. I'm currently just over 65k, but if you remember a few posts ago in September, I mentioned that I had left out a very significant chapter at the beginning of my book? Well, now it's coming back to haunt me. Unless I go and shape and define this chapter, I don't know if I can move forward with writing this piece.
I'm at a very crucial point in the novel that depends heavily on that chapter. Not only does it set the tone for the rest of the book, and possibly the series, but it's a huge deciding/enlighting/EVErything factor! And it has to be accurate. The problem is--you can't have accurate unless you have the information, and I don't have it!
The thing is--I haven't quite decided what I want to happen in that beginning chapter. My MC is supposed to have a serious talk with someone about what is going on with her, but I'm suddenly iffy about whether this someone should even know. Mind you, if I decide they shouldn't, this might change quite a bit of the entire book, and it's going to mean some very long nights for me to make it right again. I think it makes it better though, so it may very well be worth it. At the same time however, on the other hand, it also clarifies quite a few things and... argh... I'm completely confused!
The only thing I do know is that I can't move forward until this is sorted out. Ahhhh!
Something tells me we're not hitting that October 25th deadline anymore. I'm not too, too concerned with that--I'd rather figure out what I need to do first.
First things first... I'm going to go attack that rogue chapter... Wish me luck!
Bye for now!
p.s. Happy Columbus Day/Happy Thanksgiving (depending on what you're celebrating) to everyone out there!
I haven't been writing all that much in the last few days. I'm currently just over 65k, but if you remember a few posts ago in September, I mentioned that I had left out a very significant chapter at the beginning of my book? Well, now it's coming back to haunt me. Unless I go and shape and define this chapter, I don't know if I can move forward with writing this piece.
I'm at a very crucial point in the novel that depends heavily on that chapter. Not only does it set the tone for the rest of the book, and possibly the series, but it's a huge deciding/enlighting/EVErything factor! And it has to be accurate. The problem is--you can't have accurate unless you have the information, and I don't have it!
The thing is--I haven't quite decided what I want to happen in that beginning chapter. My MC is supposed to have a serious talk with someone about what is going on with her, but I'm suddenly iffy about whether this someone should even know. Mind you, if I decide they shouldn't, this might change quite a bit of the entire book, and it's going to mean some very long nights for me to make it right again. I think it makes it better though, so it may very well be worth it. At the same time however, on the other hand, it also clarifies quite a few things and... argh... I'm completely confused!
The only thing I do know is that I can't move forward until this is sorted out. Ahhhh!
Something tells me we're not hitting that October 25th deadline anymore. I'm not too, too concerned with that--I'd rather figure out what I need to do first.
First things first... I'm going to go attack that rogue chapter... Wish me luck!
Bye for now!
p.s. Happy Columbus Day/Happy Thanksgiving (depending on what you're celebrating) to everyone out there!
Monday, October 5, 2009
You Can't Please Everyone
This seems like something we should all know, right? True enough, but it never ceases to amaze me the amount of stress we sometimes undertake just to appease everyone.
This applies to work, family, friends--you try to please your boss, your clients, your co-workers, your family, your friends, but in the end, doesn't it seem like either everyone is happy and you're miserable or no one is happy and you're miserable? These are probably worst case scenarios--it's not to say that we aren't able find joy in making others happy, that in itself can bring us the most happiness, but where do you draw the line and just say no? I'm doing this for me...
I had one of those days today. I am currently stretched between two projects at work, and both of the individuals I am working with want me to drop the other project, and devote my full time to them. So what am I doing now? I'm working insanely long hours to try and get both jobs done, because apparently I have the hardest time just saying no, and standing up for myself. I want both of them to be happy. Not just because it's work, and I have to--this is one case where it's actually my choice.
In doing this, although they are happy, I'm giving up something that makes me happy, and that's being able to write every night.
This is my own fault, of course and I realize that.
The thing I wonder is if we ever unconsciously apply this to our writing. I know many of us are after that ostensibly elusive dream of becoming published--I know I am. I want to somehow make my mark on the world, I suppose, but without causing a big splash. I think encouraging others to read is one of the most remarkable gifts we can give. I've always communicated best through my writing, I enjoy it and it makes me happy. If I can bring joy to others through it too, well then, that's just a double bonus.
Right now though--I write for myself. I am writing the type of story that I know I would enjoy reading. I know others may not like it, but should I be writing to please them? It is a little bit of a double edged sword. If you don't write something that people will want to read, then how will you market yourself, and where? How will you be published? On the other hand, if you start significantly changing your writing just to chase after the latest craze, are you selling out?
I don't know if I can consider writing a job as yet--I mean, I know it is, but its brings me such a wonderful feeling, it doesn't feel like work at all. I can't say the same about my current day job. If you can be in a job, career, etc. that not only brings you joy, but brings joy and satisfaction to the lives of people you touch through it, then I think you have succeeded.
The sad thing is that when we are young, we are able to escape, find new worlds, discover magic in all forms... As we get older, very little intrigues us in the same fashion. For me though, a good book will always recapture that feeling. I like to lose myself in the words, to search for something that just might be bigger than what we know.
That said, I would like to reiterate:
You can't please everyone, but you should never give up on trying to please someone... If you've reached one person (at times--even if it's yourself), you've made a difference, no matter how small. Again, I know, all common sense, but definitely something we forget to remember...
Sorry, I know today's post was a little deep, but like I said--it's been one of those days...
Do any of you ever feel this way? I'd love to hear of any examples (success stories or trying stories) where you were faced with the tough decision of trying to make everyone happy at the expense of your own sanity.
This applies to work, family, friends--you try to please your boss, your clients, your co-workers, your family, your friends, but in the end, doesn't it seem like either everyone is happy and you're miserable or no one is happy and you're miserable? These are probably worst case scenarios--it's not to say that we aren't able find joy in making others happy, that in itself can bring us the most happiness, but where do you draw the line and just say no? I'm doing this for me...
I had one of those days today. I am currently stretched between two projects at work, and both of the individuals I am working with want me to drop the other project, and devote my full time to them. So what am I doing now? I'm working insanely long hours to try and get both jobs done, because apparently I have the hardest time just saying no, and standing up for myself. I want both of them to be happy. Not just because it's work, and I have to--this is one case where it's actually my choice.
In doing this, although they are happy, I'm giving up something that makes me happy, and that's being able to write every night.
This is my own fault, of course and I realize that.
The thing I wonder is if we ever unconsciously apply this to our writing. I know many of us are after that ostensibly elusive dream of becoming published--I know I am. I want to somehow make my mark on the world, I suppose, but without causing a big splash. I think encouraging others to read is one of the most remarkable gifts we can give. I've always communicated best through my writing, I enjoy it and it makes me happy. If I can bring joy to others through it too, well then, that's just a double bonus.
Right now though--I write for myself. I am writing the type of story that I know I would enjoy reading. I know others may not like it, but should I be writing to please them? It is a little bit of a double edged sword. If you don't write something that people will want to read, then how will you market yourself, and where? How will you be published? On the other hand, if you start significantly changing your writing just to chase after the latest craze, are you selling out?
I don't know if I can consider writing a job as yet--I mean, I know it is, but its brings me such a wonderful feeling, it doesn't feel like work at all. I can't say the same about my current day job. If you can be in a job, career, etc. that not only brings you joy, but brings joy and satisfaction to the lives of people you touch through it, then I think you have succeeded.
The sad thing is that when we are young, we are able to escape, find new worlds, discover magic in all forms... As we get older, very little intrigues us in the same fashion. For me though, a good book will always recapture that feeling. I like to lose myself in the words, to search for something that just might be bigger than what we know.
That said, I would like to reiterate:
You can't please everyone, but you should never give up on trying to please someone... If you've reached one person (at times--even if it's yourself), you've made a difference, no matter how small. Again, I know, all common sense, but definitely something we forget to remember...
Sorry, I know today's post was a little deep, but like I said--it's been one of those days...
Do any of you ever feel this way? I'd love to hear of any examples (success stories or trying stories) where you were faced with the tough decision of trying to make everyone happy at the expense of your own sanity.
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