My, how the days—weeks—are flying by. Feels like Christmas just ended, but we’re staring at St. Patrick’s Day.
They say time moves faster when you’re busy. That might be why I can’t believe how fast this year is blowing by. I’ve been very busy—writing, editing, blogging, releasing a new novella, touring other sites, outlining and starting a new project. It’s a whirlwind, every day.
Which brings me to this week’s inspirational quote:
I don’t know about you, but what that guy’s doing is a little scary to me. Work is a little scary for me, too. For most writers, I suspect. Putting yourself out there, welcoming feedback even though you know it might sting… not the most comfortable things to do. Sure, I could be a cashier at a grocery store, but I have no passion for that. My passion is writing, so that’s where I put my time and effort. And yes, the climb is hard and the road steep, but reaching the top must be so satisfying. It’s got to be worth the effort.
What about you? Have you been working hard this week, or have you been looking for reasons not to start that scary climb? Let’s talk about it.
Until then, here are this week’s links:
Posts by me, about my work, or at sites I contribute to:
- The Villains of Gamble | Joan Hall
- An Oscar-Winning Performance | Story Empire
- A Blast from the Past | Romance University
- The Gemini Connection Cover Reveal | Staci Troilo
- Backing Up Social Media | Story Empire
- Regency Travelers | Romance University
- Nightforce Security Guys on Lisa Burton Radio | C. S. Boyack
- Friday Writing Question: Tools | Story Empire
- An Accidental Series | Romance University
Posts by others in the industry:
- 12 Tips for a Healthy Writing Life | The Write Conversation
- Concepts | Story Fix
- The Assault Rifle (for fiction writers) | Nicholas C. Rossis
- Deepening Theme | Writers Helping Writers
- Inventing a Fictional Language | Standout Books
- Emotional Core | Fiction University
- Perspective vs. POV in Fiction | AutoCrit
- 10 Things Successful Kobo Authors Do | Kobo Writing Life
- What One Successful Author Does to Earn His Living | Fiction University
- Avoiding the Info Dump | A Writer’s Path
- Free Photo Sites | Under Construction Page
- Song and Poetry in Fiction | Standout Books
- Three Brainstorming Methods | Well-Storied
- The Connection System | Booklaunch
Reblogged this on Anna Dobritt — Author.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the reblog, Anna.
LikeLike
A great quote, Staci, and very true too. I am getting feedback from two editors at the moment on While the Buzz Bombs Fell. I definitely feel this process makes my writing and books better.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It really does. I’m an editor as well as a writer, and I wouldn’t dream of skipping a step in the process—including editing. All the work is definitely worth it.
Best wishes with While the Buzz Bombs Fell!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the inspirational quote, Staci! It’s so true. Thanks for all the great links.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love it when a quote resonates with someone. Thanks. (Glad you liked the links, too.)
LikeLike
that quote is incredible. I don’t know how you do it all. I dabble along, I’m more tortoise than hare, but I manage a project or two along the way. I have to think about gearing up for another release, and I’m not feeling it right now. I want to work on my new project.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Athletic quotes are often the most motivational of all. And as I married an athlete and raised two more, you can be sure I’ve heard a lot of them.
Releases are emotionally and physically draining. I know how hard it is to deal with them. When you’re ready, let me know how I can help.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll get as much ready here as I can. Then I’ll make a plan and hit people up.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March is slipping away at an alarming rate, considering I have a deadline looming. I have been productive the last two weeks though, fitting pieces of my WIP together and actually generating word count. I try not to think about all of the other things hanging over my head that also need doing (promo for an upcoming release, story fodder for a synopsis that will soon be due). Writers are simply insane with all we undertake. Every once in a while we get to make it to the top of the mountain and savor the view.
Then it’s time to start the climb all over again 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
We are insane.
I know you’ll hit your deadline, but sending positive thoughts and good-luck wishes anyway.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll so take them. I need them badly at this point!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had a guest this week, but managed a blog post, some edits, and to make the blog rounds.
Hopefully next week will be much calmer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If I had that little cherub at my house, I wouldn’t have gotten anything done. Kudos to you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So much truth in what you are saying! There is never enough time for sure. Always something to do and more to learn, plus simply writing. It is a profession where one is never bored:) I can’t believe April is right around the corner…have a great weekend!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think this has been the “fastest” year yet. I’d love a moment to just breathe and enjoy the nice weather we’re having. (It finally stopped raining this week.)
Happy weekend!
LikeLiked by 2 people
The thing about writing is, there’s always something to do, isn’t there? Whether it’s actual writing, promoting, blogging, etc. And since we can do it any time of the day, it’s easy to get caught up in the workload and not take the downtime we need. Then, before we know it, March is half gone!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Right? I think I could work 24/7 and still not get to everything I want to. I was talking to my mom yesterday about everything I need to do, and she got overwhelmed listening to the list. It’s nuts!
Here’s to us taking the time we need to recharge. Happy weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
To say you’ve been busy is a bit of an understatement, I’m thinking. I’ve had a fairly productive week with the new WIP – world-building and a character break-through last night. An epiphany that explained why he hadn’t been talking to me – had his motivations completely wrong. Only a writer would understand that lol!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Epiphanies are the best! So glad you had a breakthrough. You’ll be on a roll now.
Have a great weekend!
LikeLike
I’m going through what could be a mid-life crisis in term of writing and creativity in general. I write poems and music (and the odd story here and there), but lately, something inside has felt…well, broken is the best way I can describe it. I’m 44, and I’ve been writing seriously since I was thirteen (sixteen for music). I never had any professional aspirations for music, though I did attempt scoring an independent film once. Writing, though, has been my passion for a long time.
At first, I thought I just needed a break. So I took one, and it was nice. Now, when I sit down to write, I don’t have an absence of ideas, but I have an absence of energy. I look at the page (or at my piano) and say, “Yeah, I’m going to pass on this.” And I get up to do other things.
My family situation could be a contributing factor to my lack of drive. I have two young boys, and they take an enormous about of energy. My wife and I both work, so between our jobs, the children, and various household duties, I’d rather use my free time to simply relax and not crank out a poem or song.
Situations change, and I don’t suspect I’m through with creative writing…but perhaps I need more than just a short break. Perhaps it’s time to find a new passion. Or time to raise my family, work, and get enough sleep.
I don’t know. This response was longer than I intended it to be. Thanks for listening.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, Robert. I feel your pain. I think we’ve all been there—tired, burned out. It sounds like you need a different creative outlet, or maybe you need another full-on break. I’m lucky; my kids are self-sufficient adults now. Well, they’re adults, both working toward college degrees but still getting help from us. But my brother-in-law and his wife have just started their family. My husband and I look at them and neither of us can imagine having young kids at our ages (hubby’s almost 48 and I’m almost 47). Kids will suck the energy out of you. But you’ll never have this time back, either. Enjoy your family while you can. Write your ideas down so you don’t forget them; they’ll wait for you. The kids won’t stop growing, though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Staci. My wife and I waited to have kids later in life, and that’s all right. I don’t have as much energy as I used to, but I can mostly keep up with my kids (they’re eleven and seven). Some days, it’s all I can do to get through the day and the night. Thanks for the encouragment. I will certainly continue writing down ideas and channel my creativity when I can.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Think of it this way… they’ll keep you young!
LikeLike
Amazing that it’s already Mid-March. Love the Lombardi quote.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad to know it’s not just me. I know when Christmas rolls around, I’m going to blink and wonder how we got there. The year is flying!
Have a great weekend!
LikeLike
Staci, I feel vertigo just looking at the guy…who stands so freely and with confidence! I’d be clinging on with all my might in fear … and awe! The days, weeks and months are flying past for me too … at times I try to stop and feel it more, but otherwise race along on the whirlwind of activity! Happy Weekend, my friend! 😀🌺
LikeLike
I’m not afraid of heights, but I’d need a railing or something. That’s a little too free for my taste. We went to Hawaii for our honeymoon, and my husband climbed out on this ledge that I was convinced was going to crumble and drop him into the ocean. The view was spectacular, but I couldn’t enjoy it until he was back on relatively safe ground with me. (Now I want to look at my honeymoon pictures, and I don’t have time for that!)
Here’s hoping we can both slow down and enjoy a day or two. Happy weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person