Quote of the Day: You must be like the tree and trust in Me. I will take care of all your needs. See how I give the tree a time to rest. That time is called winter. It is a time for one to reflect and relax. When the time right, the tree is given a new beginning. This is called spring, it is a time to try new ideas and take risks. Summer is a time of being. There may be some storms and pain, but, mostly, it is a time to just be content with where one is in life. There is always celebration in one’s life, a time to be happy and shout out to others. For a tree, this season is autumn. Colleen Badrica from her book Tree Spirited Woman.
I’m in a time of transition. The nest is empty. I have three boys in college and one on his own already. The winds of change are blowing. My branches are reaching towards the sun and my leaves are scattering. I’ve always been drawn to trees, their beauty and symbolism, and the strength and hope they represent.
Today is another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. You can also visit the founder Alex J. Cavanaugh for more info and links.
The question of the month is: What publishing path are you considering/did you take? Why?
When I finished my first novel, I tried a few times going right to the editors of a couple houses. Rejection. I produced my own play. Success! But, it still isn’t published anywhere. I have numerous articles published in local/regional magazines. Success! I wrote a short story for last year’s IWSG Anthology contest, and my story was selected. HUGE Success!! So grateful. Now, I’m working on a novel and short scripts. I have some ideas on where to send the novel when it is complete, small presses. And, the short scripts are for a specific audience/use. They can be done as readers’ theater in a senior living facility, or with small groups of any age. I’m planning on writing about a dozen and see what happens with that. I’d like to see it as a collection that can be used in a variety of ways.
September is a different month for me. I don’t really feel insecure. This posting is always on or near my Birthday and the start of a new school year, which makes me feel hopeful. I’m in transition, finding myself with time on my hands and fewer daily distractions, so I don’t have as many excuses not to pursue my writing career. Although, I do have plans most weekends to see my boys in their various colleges and performances as well as view and review theater. So, I always have something to look forward to! And, of course, with 30+ piano students and a part-time job at a local senior living facility, my days are full.
Go. Create. Inspire!
Journaling Prompt: What changes are happening in your life right now? What season are you in?
There are seasons in life. Some sneak up on us, not being on any calendar except our hearts. Happy Birthday come or gone. I wish you best of luck with your novel and short scripts. Wow! Your story got selected last year. Are you submitting one this year? I am. Never surrender. Never quit. Ah, I have to stop watching Galaxy Quest so often. 🙂
“Never Surrender,” that will be my new mantra. Thanks, Roland!
You just sent your last one out, I’m about to send my first. Still, as a home schooling parent who has always had all her children nearby, this is going to be a BIG change.
Success is really defined by our individual needs or desires. I’d have to say you’ve seen some great successes on your path.
Thanks, Crystal. Everything changes when that first one leaves the nest!
Happy birthday (either coming or belated)! Good luck with your writing and yay to those successes! My oldest two have moved out, so I’m halfway there. The increased quiet should make my writing time more productive, but I’m letting myself get distracted too easily.
The time gets filled in with other things. We have to claim our time!
You’ve discovered your strengths and had success. Keep after it!
Thanks, Alex!
It’s nice when you don’t have an insecurity post! Congrats on your small successes and good luck with the rest.
Thanks, Melissa! We need to celebrate all the successes, big and small.
I think the script writing is a real strength of yours and I’m sure success will follow with your novel. You sound determined to keep going, which is half the battle!
Thanks, Nick. A little success helps to fuel the fire.
Sounds like you’re multi-faceted and busy! Keep at it. I hope you continue finding success.
Thanks, Shannon!
I do love the beginning of school each year. It does signal a time for me to get going on my writing or editing! Hope you have a fantastic fall filled with lots of inspiration!
Thanks, Jennifer! Fall IS inspirational.
Great post Mary – you certainly have lots going on … and you’ll pick up loads more ideas as you visit your sons in their colleges, and then senior facility- so much to draw from there … love your Go Create Inspire! … cheers and enjoy the Fall – Hilary
Thank you so much, Hilary!
You’ve had success in so many areas. What will you do next? At least now you have the time to decide and do it.
Yes. Thanks, Diane.
Belated Happy Birthday, you’ve been busy. Happy Belated IWSG Day.
Hi Mary,
Thank you for allowing me to test my signature link on your blog. Hope it works!
Sample One:
Writers Supporting Writers
Sample Two:
Writers Supporting Writers
Looks good!
Good for you for keeping busy and pursuing your interests, Mary. I’ve heard of many parents who collapse when their kids leave the home–their marriages fall apart, etc.–and I find that so sad. Sure, kids are important and a big focus while they’re growing, but they shouldn’t become their parents’ entire lives. Talk about pressure!