Wednesday, June 2, 2010

I Can See Clearly Now The Rain Is Gone

Last week was a whirlwind adventure - one that I won't forget in a long time. I have good news, but I'm not quite ready to announce it. But along with all the good luck, I learned some very valuable lessons that I would like to share with you all:

1. Writing is like playing the piano. If you don't practice regularly, you get rusty and don't sound so good.

2. Revision is a writer's best friend. Sometimes you get mad, have a fight and never want to see it again, but you'll always be best friends.

3. Rejection is a growth process for the writer. It weeds out those who are serious from the ones who aren't.

4. Even in the meanest critique, a kernel of useful feedback can be found or a valuable lesson can be learned, like never ask the meanie to read your work.

5. Venting and whining can be cathartic, as long as it doesn't take over. Feeling sorry for yourself is fine - but always give yourself a time limit. No more than 2 days maximum whineyness allowed.

6. Always support and cheer for the successes of our fellow writers.

7. Don't let the naysayers poison your mind.

8. Perseverance is the key to success.

9. Good critique groups and beta readers are priceless.

10. My Mom was right. I'm not a chicken. I'm an eagle. Cue the cheesy 70s music.

27 comments:

out of the wordwork said...

So happy everything is coming up roses after the rain! Go, ello, go!
Nelsa

Jenn Reese said...

I had to laugh at this one: "Even in the meanest critique, a kernel of useful feedback can be found or a valuable lesson can be learned, like never ask the meanie to read your work." SO TRUE!!!

I am so happy for you. This entry made me a little teary-eyed. (But don't tell anyone.)

Cheering for the success of my fellow writer,
Jenn

Charles Gramlich said...

Good things to learn throughout. Sometimes it's harder to practice all that though. but I know it even if I don't always follow it.

Bernita said...

Am so glad, Ello!
(You can only mean one thing!)

laughingwolf said...

grats, el!

no cheese for you, just fly!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnlTrq6wLf0

DanielleQ.Lee said...

I really needed this today. Thank you. :D

Sarah Hina said...

Ooo...Ello, does this mean what I think it means?? If so, I'm incredibly happy for you!! Yay!!!

Your lessons made me laugh, but there is truth in every one. Awesome.

Kay Cassidy said...

Loved this. :-) Congratulations on your upcoming news, Ellen!

jjdebenedictis said...

Yay, Eagle!

Rena Jones said...

Can't wait for your news!

Richard Levangie said...

I don't know what it means, but I'm happy for you anyway!

Anonymous said...
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Ghost Girl (aka, Mary Ann) said...

Awesome! What fabulous points to remember! Congrats on your good news...can't wait to hear more!

Dana Elmendorf said...

Oh I can't wait to find out. I'll stay tuned for sure.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, and thank you for the encouraging post. I needed it today.

Anonymous said...
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Martha Flynn said...

No Naysayers, for realz! Yay!

Christina Farley said...

Yeah! So pleased to read your post. I love those bright sunny days.

TerryLynnJohnson said...

new follower from Adventures in Childrens publishing blog. Great post! (I also have news I'm about to announce. Can't wait to hear yours)

Anonymous said...

WOOT!! I can't wait until you can share your news!!!!

Sherrie Petersen said...

Great list. Not only do I look forward to hearing the good news, I'm looking forward to hearing Summer's reaction to the good news :)

Kay Bigelow said...

Thanks for taking the time to create this list. A number really resonated with me. Congrats on your news - whatever it may be.

Kay Bigelow said...

Thanks for taking the time to create this list. A number really resonated with me. Congrats on your news - whatever it may be.

Kay Bigelow said...

Thanks for taking the time to create this list. A number really resonated with me. Congrats on your news - whatever it may be.

Kay Bigelow said...

Thanks for taking the time to create this list. A number really resonated with me. Congrats on your news - whatever it may be.

Anonymous said...

What is it? What's going on? Will it make that grumpy marching pig smile?

playbazaar said...

Satta king
i like this blog post

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