Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Happy 4th of July & IWSG

First off, Happy Independence Day to my neighbors in the south! Hope you have a great one!

As a Canadian, I feel blessed to live in a country where people enjoy freedom in many forms. Where people have a greater chance to feel human the way humans should feel: Free, safe and happy! I am grateful to those who fight for that freedom, risking their lives everyday. They are heroes!

WORD FOR THIS POST:


Focus (n): 1. a central point, as of attraction, attention, or activity: The need to prevent a nuclear war became the focus of all diplomatic efforts.


A big Thanks to Captain Ninja Alex J. Cavanaugh for hosting each first Wednesday of every month, the Insecure Writer's Support Group (IWSG), where writers post their doubts, concerns and insecurities without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Others offer assistance and guidance in the comments. This is what I call "the safe zone". (I just made that up)

For a full list of participants click here and hop on over to offer words of encouragement and/or assistance.

As you may notice today, my post is a little late. I wish I could come up with an excuse other than "Yes, I forgot." but I cannot. There's a reason for that:

I'm focused.

The past month I've spent concentrating on re-editing Marked and Two Halves. I'm almost done and can see the 'light at the end of the tunnel' (as cliche as it sounds), but I've been so focused, I can't remember the last time (in my life) it's happened. My work ethic has been beyond normal. 10-14 hour days (in between kids activities, and family obligations) at a computer. I don't go to sleep unless I physically cannot look at the screen anymore (I'm sure I'll need to visit an optometrist next month). I've forgotten about dinners (nicely saved by pizza), a couple of karate practices, and don't even try to talk to me when I'm at the computer. I won't hear you. But I will not stop until what I set out to do is finished.

Now, my insecurity this month is simple. In the back of my mind I'm afraid all the hard work will be in vain and I will not reach my goal which has always been to be a full time writer and support my family. It takes a long time to reach that goal (and I understand that). But, what if it doesn't happen? I would be crushed.

Do you experience that as a writer? What is your insecurity? Any excited plans for 4th of July?

6 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Who says you can't achieve that?
I'm focused right now on my third book and it's awesome.

DL Hammons said...

I admire your focus! I can only achieve that level of immersion in spurts! That level of commitment will certainly impact your chances down the line!

Happy 4th!

Ciara said...

You are dedicated so you will succeed. I just finished my 3rd book of a series and I'm working on the third round of edits for pub. Keep going, you can do it.

Annalisa Crawford said...

I don't let myself consider that my goals won't be met. If you work hard enough - and you certainly seem to be! - then you're more than half-way there.

Can I ask, why are you re-editing Two Halves?

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

My hubby goes mad at me when I forget to eat because I'm so focussed on writing. I had a late lunch today (don't tell my hubby!)

I don't think you have too much to worry about with that focus... as long as you look after yourself ;)

Unknown said...

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there are plenty of great, successful writers who still don't make enough to support a family. Bestseller status is like hitting the lottery. Write because you love it, don't write because you think it will make you rich.