Have you reviewed your writing progress in 2010? In this and another post or two in the next two weeks, Ill take a look back at the highlights of mine. When I looked back at all the posts for this year, I was surprised at how many twists and turns I took.
At the beginning of the year, I thought I had a finished novel in query status, so I turned my attention to short stories. I wrote a post, Writing vs. Crafting, in which I vowed to not only read more short stories, but to write and submit for publication some of my own. Nothing to report on my stories, but I did read more of those written by others, including fabulous debut collections from Robin Black and Tracy Winn.
Next, I jumped out of the box and started my year of living dangerously. (Even though I lost sight of that along the way, it may explain the way my writing year will end. Stay tuned.) But back then, I dared myself again by trying a writing challenge: a micro flash story. And I wrote it from a prompt, which is something I hadn’t done for decades. It was so much fun I invited my readers to take the challenge too.
And then, I fell apart. Rejection spawned dejection and in barged the Blue Muse. From the bottom there’s no way but up, so I went into warrior mode and wrote a new query letter and opening paragraph for my novel; entered two contests; and dissected a Flannery O’Connor story for a discussion group.
The decision to edit my novel again reminded me of a good beating and then, continuing with new experiences, my novel spoke aloud. I discovered frigid fiction, but soon I became blinded by the words. To my rescue came the fabulous Kayla Olson who volunteered to read and critique for me.
Again I needed to be reminded to wait for the words. Before long I had reason to panic over platform, but as the end of the first quarter of 2010 came to a close, I was riding the train of eternal optimism.
Your turn: Have you charted your writing progress this year? How did you fair?
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I haven’t charted my progress through my blog, but what a great idea. I definitely chart through spreadsheets, but that doesn’t give the big picture that you illustrated.
I loved the blue muse, and now I’m intrigued to go back and re-read some of your other milestones.
What a great post and great suggestion for this reflective time of year.
Thank you, Cathryn. If I could do spreadsheets, I probably would.
Linda! I love this post, and I love that I can remember all of this as it happened. Wow! What a year, right? I’m tempted to do one of these posts, too.
Oh! Thanks for the shout-out, by the way!
It has been an interesting year, Kayla. And more a roller-coaster ride than I realized before looking back at my blog posts. Those ups and downs are continuing right to the end, too.
You’re more than welcome for the shout-out.
Wonderful look backwards, Linda
In 2010, I wrote each and every day
And re-cognized all I have to say
As the path unfolded, work became play
And I enjoyed every step of the way
Thank you, Nancy. And YAY my first comment in verse!
I’m glad to hear you enjoyed your year of writing.
I’ve been stuck in rhyme time all day.
I’ve been thinking about it, but the sheer magnitude of the task overwhelms me. At this time of the year, I just want to loll about in a boneless manner and wait for Christmas
Well, enjoy your bonelessness, Merrilee.
NO way – not this year. Baby baby baby baby.
If I did, would I be disappointed or surprised??
What a great way to end the year, optimism.
In my book, you created the ultimate this year, Jennifer.
Your post inspired me to consider the past year, and make a couple resolutions. Thanks!
You’re welcome. And good luck on fulfilling your resolutions.
Great post Linda! I haven’t done this for my writing this year, but have for some other items I’d promised myself to complete. Like FINALLY getting to the NaHoCleMo project of my bookcases this weekend. I’ll have to take pics and write an update blog. I’m also reviewing the 2011 goals list I wrote a few months ago and getting ready to gear up and go.
Yay! You finished the bookshelves.
I hope you reach all your 2010 goals.