Measuring Success

I love writing. I love rewriting, fixing loose bits, brightening the fuzzy spots, clearing out the rubble. It is a habit and a hobby, and I can spend blissful hours lost in the worlds I'm making. But I've never had one thing published, ever. I don't count blogging as publishing and I don't care if other people do.

So why go on writing?

Point #1: There are people in the world who go their whole lives without finding a lasting passion for something. Work, eat, sleep, love your loved ones; repeat. Life is busy, but is it full? I count it as a tremendous success to find something you love to do. The passions that drive us to excel come from something unique within us. We have to work to find them.

So, if you find something you love, you're an explorer who's found a place worth planting a flag on. Celebrate your success.

Point #2: Once you've found something beautiful, you really do want to share it. In comes the idea of publishing. The only thing is, it shouldn't be the very next thought. Publishing is hard. There are lots of little steps between finding and sharing. Steps that might make it easier to go on writing when you feel discouraged.

Point #1a: Find a writing group. That may not be so easy, so if you do it, remember to celebrate that success, too. The PlotSisters met in a writing class and we just never stopped meeting. If you want to meet other writers, you have to go to events and talk to people. If that gives you hives, then it's a big success when you get out there.

Good writing groups will give you praise and criticism. If you find a group that only does one or the other, ditch them. They won't help you. If you feel discouraged after a critique, think clearly—are you being too sensitive, or is your group a bunch of jerks? This is an important point. Critique can hurt, especially if the critique is spot-on.

Point #1b: Sending things to editors or agents is hard. First, you worked to make your stuff good. Then you had to write a cover letter. Groan. After that, a synopsis and bio. Oh, and I forgot to mention everybody has different formatting rules. Groan again.

So when you actually manage to send something in for consideration, you've accomplished something. It's worth celebrating, really.

Point #1c: While you're waiting for the probable rejection that's coming, remember that you love writing. Everybody gets way more rejections than acceptance. Receiving a 'no' is part of writing. Keep trying. The things you love are worth it.

Happy Writing!

~Jen