Literally the only thing on my mind today is writing. So, I’m going to write about that.
There are three main things I work on daily. One is my blog…I may not type it up until Monday or Thursday morning but I am thinking about it all week long. I try to come up with a topic early so I can ponder it on non-blog days and have it ready to go when it’s time. The problem lately is that I haven’t got much to say. Sometimes 45 or someone does something utterly crazy and I want to write about that…though I often deter myself because I don’t want to give that man any more time in the spotlight than he deserves. Sometimes I will have a tale to tell about my weekend or the kiddos or Hubs. Sometimes I will think about writing about my fishing expeditions, as I learn how to master the craft. Most of the time, though, I have so many thoughts that it is hard to choose just one.
The second thing I contend with on a daily basis is my novel. I will admit I have not touched it since December, and really need to get on that. It’s in its 4th draft. I sent it to some folks to read but haven’t really gotten any feedback. I am thinking screw it…just do another edit. Add some stuff that you’ve made notes on in the past few months. Take out what you feel weird about. Hope it’s still long enough, and then go find yourself a publisher!
Publishing, to me, is a slightly less daunting task than it was 2 months ago. I know a novel is a whole other situation compared to a poetry collection, but I have a very “I did it before, I can do it again” mentality going.
Finally, there’s poetry, my first true love.
I haven’t written one in weeks. Not for lack of trying, it’s just that I am not feeling that poetic inspiration right now. Most of my daily poetry work has to do with hyping my book on Twitter and begging people to leave reviews. My book, I hope, is doing well…three 5-star reviews in a month, which is nice. I get my report at the beginning of July, and am realizing I’m more excited to see how many copies I sold than to get my check. I just want my work out there. Money is a secondary gift.
Oh, but I did have FIVE poems published this week and you should definitely check them out here.
Anyhoo, next to my desk there is a table. On that table is something my dad made me: my first paycheck, framed, with the book cover in the background. My final proof sits next to it. I look at these items and remind myself that I can do this. I have always had the talent, and now I have the drive, also. My first collection is about how mental health has affected me over the past twenty years. But the biggest thing it did was shut down my writing: long stretches of block due to meds that worked wrong…and that ever present voice whispering “You’re just not good enough.”
Now, I have slayed those demons, and while their injured voices still appear from time to time, I know I am stronger than they are, now. The proof is in the proof.
Anyway, happy Monday. And happy writing, to all those struggling with thier pens right now. You can do it, too.
Ham 'N Eggs 