Support. It's huge. It's easy to think of Olympians just now. They have to practice, practice, practice. So do writers. They have trainers and coaches. Writers have how-to-books, conferences, and critique groups. Hopefully. But who is there to cheer them from the stands before anything gets in print?
Most writers I know have a day job or are busy mothers. Making the time to write takes initiative and passion. Somewhat like Olympians. We need our own milestones to spur us on like an athlete who wins a heat. It could be a contest we enter, positive feedback from a critique group or judge, or a husband who gets the kids to bed for you so you can write an extra hour. Set your own doable goals for some self-motivated support. Sometimes you're all you've got. Don't forget the rest of us in your same shoes who want your success almost as much as their own. I'm rooting for you!
Don't forget the biggest truth of all -- giving up never got an athlete or writer to the finish line. We all need support, but it often comes in spurts. How do you get Olympic-sized mileage out of small spurts to keep you going? It takes more than luck and dreams. Let's make it; we can do it!
6 comments:
Great post! There's a commercial I keep seeing while the Olympics are on that shows how supportive their families are and how their achievements are actually somewhat of a collaborative effort. I think of writing that way. Even though it's a solitary art form, there's an element of collaboration that goes a long way toward success!
Right. Those that see that collaborative effort and bask in it are blessed. Thanks, Liesel.
Boy, I tell you, I need all the support I can get!
Don't we all, Amy. Thanks for the new follow!
So true. We all need cheerleaders. My family offers me my biggest support. Without my husband's encouragement, I wouldn't have time or means to do half I do.
Hurrah for helpful hubbies! For those that don't have this kind of support, please read my next post.
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