tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746050382328975047.post634386926403868183..comments2024-03-28T22:20:16.362-04:00Comments on Literary Rambles: Support GroupCasey McCormickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02787815672519189433noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746050382328975047.post-38539809166225154202010-04-15T13:41:50.613-04:002010-04-15T13:41:50.613-04:00Thanks so much, Beth! I like to think this is jus...Thanks so much, Beth! I like to think this is just a minor hang up as well. Doesn't feel like it at present, but I trust all my lovely writer friends and they seem to think it is!<br /><br />Kirk, thank you so much for sharing your troubles. I'm so sorry to hear things have been rough for you. Is your daughter doing well? The best you can do is to write when you can (and I would say not to force it in your case, you have enough going on!) and give it more time. Sucks, I know, but I think it's better to draw it out a few more years than to burn out. Best to you! <br /><br />Thanks Cassandra! I've considered taking a blogcation, but I don't feel it's necessary... yet. I might get to that point though. Thank you for your support!!!Casey Somethinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596079290053524103noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746050382328975047.post-41401252190646365422010-04-13T23:48:21.758-04:002010-04-13T23:48:21.758-04:00I'm all for what Scott said on the 12th at 8:5...I'm all for what Scott said on the 12th at 8:56am- <br /><br />"Put the project to rest, send it on a vacation and . . . take a walk in the park, have a glass of wine (or adult beverage of your choice), have a Starbucks w/an extra shot of espresso, read a good book . . . or do anything. There are times I go for weeks, sometimes months without writing. Then, wham, I'm right back at it. Sometimes, we just need a break from the writing. Or, maybe you just need a break from that project, and there's some other project out there waiting for you.<br /><br />Don't quit!"<br /><br />Put a couple of your best posts (though I don't know how you'd choose, they're all great) and schedule them to post for a week or two and just take a break. Even if it's more than two weeks, the best thing about the writing community is that we are loyal and we will be here when your joy returns.<br /><br />::hugs::Editor Cassandrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09575298681582664196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746050382328975047.post-69212469137511224412010-04-13T19:46:09.767-04:002010-04-13T19:46:09.767-04:00It's so wonderful to see such encouragement fr...It's so wonderful to see such encouragement from fellow writers and honesty from those struggling. As for me, I'm having difficulties carving out adequate time to write...at all. While I try to utilize my breaks at my "day" job, it's for such a brief time it seems I am progressing in fits and starts.<br /><br />To provide a little background, I picked up writing again almost two years ago after a 10-year hiatus for marriage and kids. I really thought at the time maybe I wasn't supposed to write and I shelved everything. <br /><br />June of 2008, I returned with a vengeance, thanks in part to my studies in college. As a 40-year-old first time college student I found myself energized from writing papers and figured I would give it another go.<br /><br />Since then I have been working on my fantasy novel as well as some picture books. In the interim my youngest daughter had to have a liver transplant almost one year ago. To say our lives have been a been disrupted is an understatement. The thing is, I have gained so much inspiration FROM this event, and it has created some stories I would have never written. There are stories I have to tell, even moreso than before. <br /><br />I know every writer needs to maintain discipline and find a routine that works for them in order to truly succeed. So, I'm not moaning about the lack of time, I'm just telling you because Casey asked! LOL.Blazer67https://www.blogger.com/profile/17954340249076836708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746050382328975047.post-90849674192119004762010-04-13T18:31:42.100-04:002010-04-13T18:31:42.100-04:00Hope it isn't too late.... The best thing abo...Hope it isn't too late.... The best thing about writers is how we're always here for each other. And when one of us is down, it's amazing how quickly the others rally around. You've helped us all on our journeys, and it's a privilege to be able to help you in return. Don't give up -- you are a woman of incredible skill and resources. This is just a minor blip.Bethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01681732058311386672noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746050382328975047.post-71246189015982886172010-04-13T11:34:25.021-04:002010-04-13T11:34:25.021-04:00Nope, I missed a few.
Christina, I go through th...Nope, I missed a few. <br /><br />Christina, I go through the same phases. I'm trying to remind myself this is just another back funk. I also get that feeling that I'm running out of time. Weird, huh? I also feel like it's all-or-nothing sometimes. Like I either have to be a committed writing machine or I should quit. Oh, the mind games! Thank you for the support. : )<br /><br />Thanks Cat. I love all Holly's advice. Maybe I'll read through her articles again. <br /><br />Kris, I love National Hug Your Critique Partner day. What an awesome day you've made and celebrated! That's a day I could definitely celebrate, too. I have some awesome critique partners.Casey Somethinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596079290053524103noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746050382328975047.post-86446786605936426462010-04-13T11:28:49.658-04:002010-04-13T11:28:49.658-04:00Angelina, I'm thinking about going to the SCBW...Angelina, I'm thinking about going to the SCBWI-LA national conference, but I don't want to spend all that money if I can't pull myself together. Perhaps, though, it would be the kick in the butt I need instead. Jay Asher's story is inspiring. There is a "give up" post by him on the Verla Kay boards he posted not too long before succeeding. Thanks for the reminder!<br /><br />Ann Marie, it makes me smile every time you call my "Dishy Bird." Tell Matthew he's a constant source of cheer for me. Thanks for being part of my early "fan club." I'll try not to disappoint you but no promises! <br /><br />Brandi, I think you're right. I've been realizing stuff about my writing lately and maybe it's just that pain of growth that's messing me up. Thank you for sharing that you're struggling as well. I hope you're able to recharge your batteries too. This isn't fun!<br /><br />Lexcade, I would probably miss it too. Maybe I should pretend to give up just to freak myself out. Ha! I'm glad you're back in the groove. Thanks!<br /><br />YAY Alexandra, congrats on coming out of lurkdom. I love your idea to print out the comments. I have a pin board above my desk that's just waiting for all this love. I have read several books on writing. I find them inspiring as well. Right now I'm reading Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott and The Scene Book by Sandra Scofield. I have several others I refer to a lot, too. I haven't read the one by Gail Carson Levine though. I will definitely buy a copy. Thank you so much for the advice and the lovely quote. That is encouraging!<br /><br />Thank you, Kathryn. Writing is hard work. I think I'm letting that get in the way of the fun. I'll try to be thankful for these lows that will eventually make the highs that much more triumphant. <br /><br />Thanks Jonathon! I love the "co-worker" concept that you, Heather, and Tina have. One of you should write a guest post on that. I think it's brilliant. Maybe I'll start joining you guys for those unplug hours.<br /><br />Jenna, I think it would be cool to make book purses! I have it in my head to make some writer jewelry, actually, so maybe I can do that for awhile. I'm sorry to hear about your close call. If one agent was interested, maybe another interested agent isn't too far off. Hang in there! It'll happen (as long as you work hard and don't give up!). I'm trying to remember that as well. Thanks!<br /><br />Suzie, I'm both sad and thankful that you can relate. I certainly don't think you're too old! But, if it's really a concern for you, try to find a place you can volunteer like a school, library, or non-profit organization that has a lot of kids running around. It would be a ton of fun and you can see what kids are like these days. I have a lot of people I don't want to let down either. Let's try to hold on to the dream together, okay? We can do it!<br /><br />Thanks Kelly! I will definitely recharge and make my comeback. Thanks for the support!<br /><br />Martina, thank you for believing in me. I think something new is the way to go. I'm in an ugly loop and I have to realize that, even if I love the book. <br /><br />Woo! Did I get everyone? I hope so. Thank you, again, for all the belief, love, encouragement, support, hugs, and fabulous advice. I'm going to print these out and also add the post to my "memorable moments" label because I think it's exactly that.<br /><br />XOXOCasey Somethinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596079290053524103noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746050382328975047.post-22202747600504272972010-04-13T11:25:56.696-04:002010-04-13T11:25:56.696-04:00Thanks, Tabitha. That means a lot to me, especial...Thanks, Tabitha. That means a lot to me, especially since what you read wasn't that great. : ) I'm sorry you're going through the same thing, but I'm thankful for the companionship!<br /><br />Thanks Laura! *Hugs back*<br /><br />I know, Wen, I know. *sigh* It is very tempting but I would hate myself later. I know that. I'm sorry to hear you're having a hard time with your new WIP. One of these days, maybe I'll have an inspired experience like you have (though, it sounds like it comes with its own set of mind twisties!). Good luck!<br /><br />Come on in, Alison! We can overcome being overwhelmed together. Thanks for sharing how you're feeling. *Hugs*<br /><br />That's awesome, Emily. I'm hoping I'll be able to trick my mind into something like that. Fun, yes. I'm going to try to find the joy and fun in writing again. Thank you!<br /><br />Laura, it really does help me when I can talk through a story but I've talked through this one again and again. At least I know I've given it every chance at success! I'm glad you were able to figure yours out. I'll do the same somehow!<br /><br />Cheree, it does come and go a lot. I wish I had a really good trick for shutting it down. I suspect the power is somewhere inside me, but I haven't found it yet. <br /><br />Thanks Lindsay, I've been reading and plan to do a lot more. That inspires me the most but music and movies do too, so maybe I'll indulge in several forms of escapism media and get inspired. Ha!<br /><br />Thanks so much Janet! It helps just having your support. <br /><br />Good advice, Helen. I should probably focus on the little steps rather than the journey. Sometimes it's hard!Casey Somethinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596079290053524103noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746050382328975047.post-73718807781217997162010-04-13T11:08:23.785-04:002010-04-13T11:08:23.785-04:00Casey,
I've read your blog, so I know you can...Casey,<br /><br />I've read your blog, so I know you can write. I know you are actively working on your craft. But I also know from my own writing that sometimes what you are working on can take over your life. Try writing something completely different for a while. I took a break from YA to do a Chapter Book, just because I needed something lighter. I also love critiquing and judging because it lets me get out of my head for a while. Don't EVER give up. Try something new. Go play with words and rediscover your joy.<br /><br />Hugs--and sympathy,<br /><br />MartinaMartina Boonehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03358736828122139189noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746050382328975047.post-23191988946784724762010-04-13T09:31:52.293-04:002010-04-13T09:31:52.293-04:00Don't quit, Casey! Everyone does feel like th...Don't quit, Casey! Everyone does feel like that sometimes. This is such a tough business. If you feel you need to step away from it for a while, that is fine to do. Use the time to recharge. Take a week, two weeks, even a month if you need. But be sure to come back to it. Good luck to you!!Kelly Polarkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10968381456100611120noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746050382328975047.post-62616176715722169512010-04-13T08:04:11.648-04:002010-04-13T08:04:11.648-04:00Casey - you'll bounce back. Sometimes you jus...Casey - you'll bounce back. Sometimes you just need to recharge. I celebrated National Hug Your Critique Partners yesterday (a holiday I made up my little old self) to celebrate the writers that help me through those slumps. And Sometimes you need someone to tell you it IS worthwhile -- in person (or at least by phone), not electronically.Kristine Asselinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18257286523945921891noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746050382328975047.post-46669820099498252462010-04-13T06:23:07.397-04:002010-04-13T06:23:07.397-04:00Sometimes, you have to give yourself a break - not...Sometimes, you have to give yourself a break - not from writing but from the project you are currently doing. Maybe, you should write a short story or two to take your mind off or you could read a good creative-writing books (I suggest the ones by Holly Lisle, she's got great advice on her website and in her shop). When you return to your project you will be surprised to find that there had been a problem you didn't notice and in your absence your Muse (creative side) has already sorted it out. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.Katharina Gerlachhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00223722392075669331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746050382328975047.post-13720317267380524032010-04-13T06:18:01.254-04:002010-04-13T06:18:01.254-04:00Don't give up girl! You're a fabulous writ...Don't give up girl! You're a fabulous writer and the world needs to read your stories. <br /><br />I go through streams when I think everything I write is just awful. Like a bad funk. Then I'll turn around and I realize it isn't so bad and I can even make it sound better. Wow! What a feeling. <br /><br />Sometimes I get the feeling like I should hurry up and write faster. Like I'm running out of time. I have no idea what the rush is. Silly I suppose.Christina Farleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03459203755170266842noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746050382328975047.post-71722543806437666212010-04-12T23:11:52.512-04:002010-04-12T23:11:52.512-04:00Oh, Casey I can so relate to what you're going...Oh, Casey I can so relate to what you're going through. I'm ready to quit myself. Wondering if I'm too old to get into the writing/querying/publishing game. I wonder if kids will be able to relate to my characters or if I'm beating my head against the wall (figuratively, of course ;) I wonder if I'll ever finish one, just ONE manuscript before giving up and starting something new - which makes me feel like a total failure at times. I wonder if I'll ever have enough courage to join a critique group. The list goes on and on.<br /><br />But then I think about the few people I've trusted with my secret - that I'm writing for children and hope to be published one day. And I think of their encouraging words and their belief in me. And I think of my own kids who think it's cool that their mom is writing. They're the ones who keep me going when I can't see past the words on the screen,the words that haven't moved in weeks. I don't want to let them down by giving up. <br /><br />And I remember the dream, my dream. If I give up then I'll never know. If you give up now, you'll never know if that book is in you. Take a break if you're feeling stressed, but don't give up, Casey. We're here for each other. We're here for you.Suzie F.https://www.blogger.com/profile/09560250678212373878noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746050382328975047.post-82980231520157263972010-04-12T21:58:43.823-04:002010-04-12T21:58:43.823-04:00We're here for you! Hang in there...
Remember...We're here for you! Hang in there...<br /><br />Remember that really cool purse made out of a book? Maybe you could find a creative outlet like that, combining your love of books, but away from the pressures of writing for a little while.<br /><br />And, yeah, I could use a support group right now. I thought I was *this* close to finding an agent, but after several rounds of revisions, she passed. Ouch. Back on the query train.Jenna Wallacehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07591399291903261245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746050382328975047.post-77806719135511059622010-04-12T21:52:52.403-04:002010-04-12T21:52:52.403-04:00Casey!!!! Tina, Heather, and I have support group...Casey!!!! Tina, Heather, and I have support group written all over us, come on in!Jonathon Arntsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17366218140886892757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746050382328975047.post-2956933067762963092010-04-12T20:59:56.944-04:002010-04-12T20:59:56.944-04:00Casey, I hope you won't quit just because the ...Casey, I hope you won't quit just because the process isn't joyous at present. Writing is work, hard work. It takes stamina and it isn't always fun. <br />Every journey has highs and lows. Give yourself a chance to ride out the valleys or you'll never truly enjoy the peaks.<br />Wishing you well.<br />;-)kathrynjankowskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16708011523767228663noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746050382328975047.post-50221023082511594012010-04-12T20:37:09.060-04:002010-04-12T20:37:09.060-04:00Hi Casey, I am *finally* commenting! Please don&#...Hi Casey, I am *finally* commenting! Please don't give up. As so many of your other loyal readers have said, your blog is tremendously valuable (just look at your amazing following!) and is itself proof positive that you ARE a talented writer with much to contribute. I have 2 ideas for you. First, I hope you will print out all the comments from this posting today, and highlight your favorites. Then put them up on the wall above your computer monitor so whenever that little voice of self-doubt rears its ugly head, you can glance up and remind yourself of all your fellow writers and fans who think you're GREAT and have what it takes to get to publication! <br />Second idea - have you tried reading any books about writing? I have been reading some lately, and often I am surprised by how inspired I feel after reading a great one. One I really enjoyed is by an author I admire greatly, Gail Carson Levine. She wrote it for a young, student audience, but the lessons apply to all writers. In it there is a chapter on your exact topic. If you can, I'd really encourage you to find this book and read that chapter, she has several really great tips for when you're stuck. I will leave you with a quote from Gail Carson Levine: "...some of them get discouraged and stop writing, when they could have kept on and become future Newbery or National Book Award winners".Alexandra Loewenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13308323879803479012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746050382328975047.post-87099341507725081442010-04-12T20:19:43.905-04:002010-04-12T20:19:43.905-04:00i went through a phase where i didn't write a ...i went through a phase where i didn't write a single word for 3 months. nothing. i didn't even think about it. and i missed it so badly after a while that i couldn't stop myself from writing. even if it sucked, i still wrote because i missed it. <br /><br />breaks can be good, because breaks help you see the value (or lack of value) in something. if you really love it, then you'll come back to it when you're rested.lexcadehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18094072290983267178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746050382328975047.post-62209691986669320992010-04-12T19:54:44.890-04:002010-04-12T19:54:44.890-04:00Casey, I have been going through the EXACT same th...Casey, I have been going through the EXACT same thing. At the end of the day, I think it's just a form of "growing pains". <br /><br />It will pass. And when it does, you will be super-charged and ready to go like you never have before. Just give yourself a break right now. This is your minds way of recharing its creative batteries. <br /><br />Take a few steps back and focus on other things you may have neglected. Before you know it, your fingers will ache to be turned loose on your keyboard!<br /><br />Keep your chin up!<br /><br />:o)<br />BrandiBrandi Hallhttp://www.BrandiHall.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746050382328975047.post-75573711377468514912010-04-12T18:59:45.106-04:002010-04-12T18:59:45.106-04:00HEY HEY DISHY BIRD - What's all this going on?...HEY HEY DISHY BIRD - What's all this going on???<br /><br />Look, whether you want to give up or not is really not up to you to decide... HA HA - didn't think you had a HUGE FAN CLUB out here for nothing did you???<br /><br />WE<br /> WILL<br /> NOT <br />LET <br /> IT <br />HAPPEN!!!!!!!!!<br />Self doubt and self dislike comes with being creative I'm afraid. As many others have said, your blog alone is FUNDAMENTAL PROOF that you ARE a fabulous writer.<br />YOU are also one DISHY BIRD as Matthew keeps repeating...sos about that!Ann Marie Wraighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14524746255813452836noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746050382328975047.post-84139687529177148872010-04-12T18:41:45.044-04:002010-04-12T18:41:45.044-04:00Wow, Casey. Look at all this love!
I just got bac...Wow, Casey. Look at all this love!<br /><br />I just got back from the best SCBWI conference ever this weekend (W. WA)and saw so many people energized and charged up. Conferences can definitely help.<br /><br />I'm on my own writer roller coaster. More highs and lows in the past couple of months than I've experienced since I began. My stomach is queasy, but I press on. Last month I finished the rough draft of a novel that I wrote JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT! No pressure. This month I went ahead and started three new projects, even though that's crazy. In the meantime, I'm waiting for news on a submission. Waiting. Yes. Waiting and waiting. And more waiting.<br /><br />Jay Asher was one of our keynote speakers this weekend. Just a tidbit: Twelve years on the path to publication, 13 Reasons Why was rejected by twelve editors before it found a home. Just a few months before he finally got the big news, his wife had to convince him not to quit. Hmmmmmmmmm...<br /><br />"Never, never,never give up!"--Winston Churchill.<br /><br />((((((((HUGS)))))))))))Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00769602845843608247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746050382328975047.post-47737930193087395512010-04-12T18:05:16.706-04:002010-04-12T18:05:16.706-04:00When I feel this way, I don't look forward. I ...When I feel this way, I don't look forward. I just tell myself I'll plod through this day and go to sleep. Then I can just concentrate at things I have to do now. I think it's because if I do look into the future, then I will anticipate all the rejections, all the disappointments that will come--and that are best left unanticipated. <br /><br />HelenHelen Irenenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746050382328975047.post-23982890045053726152010-04-12T17:19:57.451-04:002010-04-12T17:19:57.451-04:00I'd guess you have enough advice, so I won'...I'd guess you have enough advice, so I won't add to it. But I'm sure you'll come out on top, whatever you decide.<br /><br />Good luck!Janet Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12688012956157161889noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746050382328975047.post-75118541390695842722010-04-12T17:15:30.478-04:002010-04-12T17:15:30.478-04:00Don't quit Casey. Just take some time for your...Don't quit Casey. Just take some time for yourself and then just write. I find it helps if I'm going through a blah time to just listen to some music, watch a movie or read a book (I do the last one a lot) and the need returns. <br />Good luck:)Lindsayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04313619484424363895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1746050382328975047.post-54520245369076215702010-04-12T16:56:36.093-04:002010-04-12T16:56:36.093-04:00I know that feeling. It comes and goes (a lot), th...I know that feeling. It comes and goes (a lot), the one thing I've learned is that you can never give up. Just sit down and start writing, it doesn't matter what it is or if it makes sense, just anything so you can remember the passion of writing.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01677563505368503476noreply@blogger.com