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I've been browsing through the blogs I follow and I see that the words VICTORY and VOICE have been used by other bloggers for the letter 'V' today. My original idea for a posting today was going to be the writers' Voice, but I think I would rather reflect on writing Victories.
If you're like me, sometimes it's hard to reflect on day-to-day victories throughout the writing journey. Sometimes it seems like the only real 'Victory' is if one gets published--we put in all the work and energy and now the goal of publication has been reached. However, I find thinking this way sets me up for defeat.
When I believe that true Victory can only be achieved through publication everything in my writing journey becomes an obstacle instead of an instance to feel grateful. For example, I have two young children. Sometimes it feels there is just not enough hours (or personal energy) in a day to write. I instantly get down on myself ("I should at least be writing for 2 hours a day" or "I should be brainstorming throughout the day when I'm making lunch, or changing poopy diapers, etc"). It becomes frustrating when I can't achieve my writing goals, and instead of reflecting on my small victories throughout the day, I see them as not good enough.
Recently, one of the ladies in my writer's group received a contract for publication. I was so happy for her. What a Victory! This is a person who tries to aim to write at least 1000 words per day, attends writers' conferences, belongs to various writers groups, etc. Part of me wishes I had more time to do all of this, but right now it is just not practical for me while raising children. But, I have other Victories to be proud of!
- Doing this A-Z Blogger Challenge
- Trying my best to write and edit something per day
- Networking with so many interesting writers online
- Continuously educating myself in the craft of writing
- Teaching my children the joy of reading
These are my Victories. Even if I am never to be published I am a victor because of all of the passion the writing journey has brought into my life.
What are some of your Victories?
My victory will hopefully be that I have completed the challenge :-) I am stopping by for the A-Z challenge.
ReplyDeleteThank you for not writing about Voice! It's an excellent topic, but seeing so many had made my head spin today lol!
ReplyDeleteMy latest victory is finishing my WIP! I am so happy!
Just doing a quick fly-by with the A-Z. Victories, huh? Great topic. I'm getting to the age where every day I open my eyes and find my hubby and I are still breathing is a victory. Not what you're talking about, huh? Well, I sold a story to a magazine last year. It made good money, but I wasn't thrilled with the editing job the mag did on it. And now, I'm darned near to the end of the A-Z challenge. Woo HOO! Nice to meet ya. Count me in as your newest follower.
ReplyDeleteMy writing victories are that I joined a writer group. Two, I write/edit everyday. And definitely completing this challenge will be a victory. My life's victory is finding joy everyday.
ReplyDeleteIf I can do my 500 word quota in a day with children underfoot that's a victory. Sadly those days are few and far between. It's not the lack of time; it's the lack of brain power.
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone for sharing your personal victories. I love to hear postive things that are happening in the lives of others.
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