My creativity is – finally! - creeping back into the light, showing itself cautiously, slowly, much like Larry did after his very first visit to the vet.
Unfortunately, the results are less than stellar. Unlike a tortoise, my creativity cannot be coaxed out of its shell with basil. None of the stories I worked on are submission-worthy so I have to let various contests and open submission windows pass on by. Sure, I'm disappointed, but I'm also reminded of something incredibly important –
"When you're writing, no matter how hard it is,
you are more truly yourself than at any other time."
(Julie Duffy)
YES! That's exactly how it felt.
So, to keep up that momentum, I signed up for Story A Day September. (I participated in Story A Day May years ago and enjoyed the challenge.) All the information is at the Story A Day site, but the gist is to write a story every day in September. Now "every day" is open to interpretation, so I'm aiming for a story every day Monday through Friday for a total of 22 stories. The only strict rule is you have to FINISH the story. It doesn't have to be pretty, but it has to be done. (Much like every art project I've ever undertaken.)
So, here's hoping for a September full of stories. Wish me luck!
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Any plans for September, writing or otherwise? What are you looking forward to this fall?
Great! Hopefully that challenge will put you completely back in the mode.
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed! :)
DeleteThanks, Patricia!
ReplyDeleteIt takes practise to get back into the flow, but you're heading in the right direction. It's important not to rush it, so letting those submission windows pass was probably the right call at the time. There'll be plenty more! Good luck x
ReplyDeleteIt was so hard letting those opportunities pass! I really wanted to sub something, but it was definitely the right call.
DeleteThanks! :)
Oh I think that's so cool that you are getting back into your creative self! I heard of Story A Day and maybe I'll do it too. I'm not quite yet back into my creativity but it's slowly coming back. A writing pal of mine and I are doing prompts together so it helps.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nicole. It's been quite a creative slog for a while now, but it's getting better. And good for you and your writing pal, working those prompts! :)
DeleteWow. What a goal! I'll be cheering for you. And that quote...well it is simply perfect, and so very, very true.
ReplyDeleteI can use all the cheering I can get. :)
DeleteThat quote struck such a chord with me, I knew I had to share it in this post.
Sounds ambitious. Wishing you all the luck I've got. You go girl. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
I'm going! :)
DeleteBest wishes and luck! I'm sure some of those stories are going to be awesome immediately, and some will have gems in them that will polish up to awesomeness. Way to go!
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks, Tyrean! I don't know about "awesome" - I'll settle for "doesn't stink and is worthy of revision." :)
DeleteI love your determination and I wish you great success! I could never do it (the whole finishing bit). My life is compiled of unfinished works and discarded revisions. I completed a digital painting on Sunday and finished it in two days. What no one sees is my husband shaking his head when I told him "I'm starting over again" for the 10th time (not exaggerating) or the five partially colored dragons that I decided I didn't like but at least saved in my revision folder. Rather than push through to finish them, I tossed them aside and started over and over and over.
ReplyDeleteI hope the challenge works well for you, and I look forward to reading about your 22 story success!
I'm always envious of people who create art. I love colors and shapes and textures. Sssh, don't tell words. :)
DeleteThanks, Loni!
Glad to hear your creativity is creeping back. I'm sure the results will get back to submission-worthy soon.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with your September challenge!!
Thanks, MJ! I'm hoping I'll come up with at least a few stories to revise and submit.
DeleteSince you also write great micro fiction, I think that Story a Day is manageable for you.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the stories!
Thanks so much, Michelle! One of the great things about Story A Day is that the stories can be any length. So much room to play! :)
DeleteAwesome goal! Good luck with your stories. You're bound to have more than a few gems in the bunch. I'm writing everyday again! My goal is to simply puts words on the paper for my new project, be it a line, a paragraph, or as many pages as the mood strikes.
ReplyDeleteI am sooooo looking forward to fall and winter. I feel so much better and have more energy in the cool weather.
Excellent on getting back to writing! That is a great goal, Lee, and I know you can do it. :)
DeleteI'm so glad your creativity is creep back. Yay!
ReplyDeleteStory A Day September sounds like an interest challenge. Have fun with it!
Thanks, Chrys! So far, so good. :)
DeleteAwesome! I hope you get many great stories. Have a wonderful month.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteGood luck, Madeline! I'm definitely rooting for you! It's good to hear that your creativity is creeping back. I'd be terrified at the prospect of writing 22 stories in a month! I hope that you have a blast!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteI'm a little terrified myself. :)
Good luck with your story a day in September! If you feel like sharing some of the creativity, I'd take some. ;-)
ReplyDeleteWith Love,
Mandy
Thanks, Mandy! There's plenty of creativity to go around. :)
DeleteI'm absolutely thrilled to hear your creative juices are flowing again! (If basil doesn't work, try some tequila...) (Just kidding. I only said that to be funny... I'm not much of a drinker. Basil would work better on me. Or tea. Yeah, a really nice cuppa tea...)
ReplyDeleteNow that we're more than halfway through September, I hope your story-a-day project has gone swimmingly. I'm proud of you for pushing yourself to do it. Keep on keeping on!
Here's to a super weekend. Take care.
So far, so good! I'm on track for the number of stories I set for myself, and I actually have a handful that could turn into something submittable/publishable with some revision.
DeleteThanks so much, Susan! I always appreciate your encouragement and positivity. :)
Awesome! I'm so glad to hear you're sticking with it. :)
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