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Thoughtful Thursday: A Heartfelt Thanks
Today, I feel even more pensive than usual. To date, I’ve received four critiques of my novel from fellow writers (that is, not family and friends). Their assessments, while positive in tone and greatly appreciated by me, indicate that I have a long journey ahead – too long for me to see clearly at the moment.
On days like this – when I wonder if it wouldn’t be better for me to be a park ranger than a novelist – I think about the one person who has stood by me throughout this insane process, the one person who’s believed in my writing abilities (even when I don’t). As Strange Fiction expressed more than a week ago, I’d like to dedicate today’s post to the “long-suffering soul” who’s experienced more than his fair share of my “day-to-day craziness.”
That’s right, Danny – I mean, you, my boy. It doesn’t matter that being a published novelist has been my dream since I was a little girl – long before I knew you even existed. You’re the one who’s kept me on the path, kept my hopes alive, and supported me every step of the way – and I’m blessed to have you in my life and on my side. Who else would have brought me a dozen roses yesterday – for no reason at all?
Today, I feel even more pensive than usual. To date, I’ve received four critiques of my novel from fellow writers (that is, not family and friends). Their assessments, while positive in tone and greatly appreciated by me, indicate that I have a long journey ahead – too long for me to see clearly at the moment.
On days like this – when I wonder if it wouldn’t be better for me to be a park ranger than a novelist – I think about the one person who has stood by me throughout this insane process, the one person who’s believed in my writing abilities (even when I don’t). As Strange Fiction expressed more than a week ago, I’d like to dedicate today’s post to the “long-suffering soul” who’s experienced more than his fair share of my “day-to-day craziness.”
That’s right, Danny – I mean, you, my boy. It doesn’t matter that being a published novelist has been my dream since I was a little girl – long before I knew you even existed. You’re the one who’s kept me on the path, kept my hopes alive, and supported me every step of the way – and I’m blessed to have you in my life and on my side. Who else would have brought me a dozen roses yesterday – for no reason at all?
28 comments:
Awww. Those are beautiful!
Someone once said we write because we can't NOT write. (Double negative irony!) Certainly there are easier ways to make a living...everything is easier, pretty much. But we feel compelled to do it. I think we all go through phases where we have doubt but just keep pushing through, one day at a time, and you'll get better and better.
Your Danny boy is definitely one fabulous man... and I only know him from afar!
Writing well comes with time and practice. Only a lucky few have it from the start. You are a great writer, you've proven that here on your blogs. You just have to find your stride in the book... :)
Steph - You're totally right. That IS why we write. Not for money or fame or accolades. We write because we must - we write because we can't quiet the muse within. That compulsion keeps me going, too, but I've finally realized that sometimes it takes more than that. Having someone on my side really does help - and it's taken me a long time to accept that that's okay. That it's okay to need my hubby - and not just love him.
But you're also right that we must keep pushing through - and take it one step at a time. Today, I just don't feel like going anywhere. I feel like standing still and putting the novel aside a little while. And that's okay, too. :-)
Martha - Yep, he is one fantabulous guy! I can vouch for that.
As for writing, yes, you're absolutely right. Time and practice - then more time, more practice. The revision just seems never-ending sometimes. I was on the brink of quitting it today - but Danny, as usual, pulled me back from the ledge. Before him, I had a dream. With him, I have a goal... and there's a big difference between the two.
P.S. Thanks for the warm and fuzzy thoughts. They are much appreciated.
In guy terms, sometimes we need a cornerback's memory, in gal terms, sometimes we need Dorey's memory -- just keep swimming.
Ahhhh! That's so sweet. And I know how you feel. Based on my critiques, I have a long journey ahead of me, too. We're on it together, friend. We're on it together.
Bane - You said it. Course, I had to look up what a cornerback's duties are... but the Dorey analogy made sense immediately. ;-)
Susan - Yay! Compatriots in revision purgatory! Glad I'm not alone. :-)
While I'm sure you'd make a fine park ranger, I hope you stick w/ the writing...and good luck w/ the edits. You'll get there!
Thanks, Bane... now guess what is stuck in my head??? Just keep swimmin', Just keep swimmin'... Ah! LOL!
Thanks, Kristi. I WOULD make a fine park ranger - that's what I keep telling my hubby... but he doesn't believe me. :-(
Course, I'd rather keep writing (or editing, in my case), but right now, the end seems far, far away.
Oh, Martha, there are worse things to get stuck in your head!
I am trying to get my WB to watch Nemo. He needs to see that movie, haha.
And awwwww... nice flowers! It's so nice to have a partner that supports the dream. I often feel that it's crazy, and he comes along (along with all of you) and helps me stay on track :)
Sorry, Martha -- just popped into my head...
Laura, the cornerback reference is this: a good cornerback is one who, like Dorey, has a short memory. Anyhoo, props to Dan for doing a good job.
A man with flowers? Very nice.
Good luck with your revisions!
L.T. - Good movie, that NEMO. Yes, and it IS wonderful to have a partner who supports my dream and keeps me on track. I'm grateful for him every day.
Bane - Got it! And, yep, that Dan o' mine is one awesome dude. Other hubbies could learn from him (wink, wink).
Thanks, Angie!
A sweet man, for a sweet lady. For me, the journey is a fun adventure with so many things to learn and discover, along the way. Bon voyage!
Aw, shucks, Marguerite. Now, I'm blushing... thanks for the positive vibes!
Laura, you are so blessed to be with a man who is so supportive of your dreams, and who even buys you flowers!
It's been a long time since I've gotten roses for any reason, but in DH's defense, it seems that every time he buys any, they die the next day, so he's so fed up he won't spend money on them anymore.
P.S. I know just how you feel about the novel writing process. Keep going! Never give up! The worst that can happen is that it keeps getting better.
Dan's a "keeper" for sure! And I could tell you some crazy park ranger stories. Any career has it's ups and downs. Hang in there!
Very nice post. And congratulations. Certainly made me think of those that have put up with me, and my many frantic moments.
Ah, what a great guy! You hang onto him with one hand and keep your pen firmly clutched in the other :)
Not only that, but he is a great cook!! And a real nice guy. It is a privilege to know you both.
Christine - I am surely blessed... for my hubby, as well as for the pretty flowers. He's definitely a flower kind of guy. I manage to get mine to last a week or so - they're a fleeting beauty, for sure, but so are lots of pretty things... sandcastles, ice sculptures, etc.
Thanks for the pick-me-up re: writing. You're so right about never giving up. In fact, now I have that GALAXY QUEST line stuck in my head... "Never give up. Never surrender!"
Becky - Yeah, you right! (to quote a New Orleanian) Dan IS a "keeper" - and I have no doubt that you have some crazy park ranger stories to share. No career is perfect, that's for sure. Best to stick with what I love, right?
P.S. Lunch was fun - glad we could meet up!
Thanks, JM! It sure is nice to have people on our side, huh? Glad to hear that you have your own loyal supporters - we probably couldn't pursue such crazy dreams without them!
Deb - Hubby in one hand. Check. Pen in the other. Check. Now, where does the cat go? On my head?
Cindy - That's right! You've had his grub firsthand. That sure was a yummy dinner. Yep, I got lucky - good food and lotsa love are always guaranteed. :-)
Aw, what a lovely tribute to a man who definitely sounds like a keeper. (I remember that he cooks for you too.) And too funny that you and I have two blog post tags the same on a similar meme.
I hope you keep going with your writing. It can get discouraging at times, but then, that's true of all worthwhile things. Bet there was a time or two even the sainted Danny Boy almost wore his dessert, but you kept him around. :)
Anyway, wishing you are heartful of gratitude, a husband who continues to put it there, and a muse who is cooperative for 2010.
Yup, he's indeed a keeper. And, yes, he's quite the little cook, too. Lucky me!
I WILL keep going with my fiction - just not right now. But thanks for the encouragement, Jan. I really appreciate it.
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