What Is Writing?

"Writing can feel like writing and still not be writing."

I read this today in Walking on Alligators. I, very often, feel I am spending all this time on my writing when, in essence, I am spending so much time on all the writing related activities and very little on actual writing. Market research, blog writing and reading, email communication, etc., is all well and good (and necessary in its place), but I have nothing to submit to my researched markets and no platform to foster on my blog if I've not spent any time devoted solely to the physical writing process. This is an ongoing issue for me as I seem to tackle the easy to check off items on my list of things to do before I address the more lengthy ones. I'm thinking perhaps I need to just write each morning before I even look at my list. I'll be one step ahead of the game before I even get to work! If you have any words of wisdom to share on what works for you, I'd love to listen.

Optimistic Denial

As I was catching up on my reading this morning of some of the blogs I follow, I had a major aha moment. I've said it before, and I'll say it again...if you don't follow Kristi Holl's blog, Writers First Aid, you should. Kristi is very adept at blogging and providing good, solid advice and information. Here is what I read this morning:

“There’s no difference between a pessimist who says, ‘Oh, it’s hopeless, so don’t bother doing anything,’ and an optimist who says, ‘Don’t bother doing anything, it’s going to turn out fine anyway.’ Either way, nothing happens.” ~~Yvon Chouinard, climber

Kristi talked about optimism being realistic or a cover for denying a problem. I had never considered optimism in this light before and knew immediately that I have a lot of soul searching to do in terms of my own optimistic denial.

Thank you, Kristi, for opening my eyes yet again!

You can read more of Kristi's post as well as all of her others at: http://institutechildrenslit.net/Writers-First-Aid-blog

Goal Setting

First and foremost, let me say Happy New Year! I am a bit slow this year in the goal setting realm which was reiterated quite clearly to me today as I was exploring the KidMagWriters.com website. Here is what jumped out at me...

Get Going with Goals
By Jan Fields

January is a great time to look over what you accomplished in 2009 and work out ways to go a bit further in 2010. Did you get as much done in 2009 as you'd hoped? Probably not since most of us have higher hopes than we have time. But sometimes the problem occurs when you set your goals based on the actions of someone else other than yourself. We can hope or wish for things that involve other people, but goals need to be completely under our control.

Jan offers wonderful words of wisdom in her article. I encourage you all to go take a look at http://www.kidmagwriters.com/workday/office.htm for great steps to goal setting, especially if you are a bit delayed as I am this year! I hope you find Jan's article as helpful as I did today.

Pushing Past the Limits

Do you experience limits, or hesitations, that make your writing difficult? I've a particular story I am working on that has been difficult to really sink my teeth into and to delve into the nitty gritty of it. This morning, I read the following in Walking on Alligators: A Book of Meditations for Writers.

"Stay with the line you can't finish. That's where the shame is that's blocking the revelation." David Whyte

I really hadn't thought about this story in those specific terms and just felt I couldn't quite get into it. After reading the above quote, I see how I've been preventing myself from really pushing past those hesitations and "staying with the line" that is tough. I'm going to press on and see where it takes me. I'm sure it will be a much better place, both on the paper and off.

Do any of you experience similar difficulties and want to share your tricks for pressing on? I'd love to have your input.

Tools of the Trade

Do you have a unique tool of the trade? A special pen or notebook you MUST use to write? I read the following quote from Robert Ludlum this morning, and it made me wonder if it is the same for most of us.

"I always write with a Ticonderoga #2 pencil. I started out with it, and I'll go to that Great Bookstore in the Sky with one of those in my hand."

I've been on a perpetual search for just the right pen and, thus far, no luck. I've tried many, and I just can't seem to find "the one." I'll keep looking, or maybe I'll try a Ticonderoga #2 pencil! We'll see...How about you? Do you have the "perfect" writing tool that works for you? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Happy Thanksgiving! Wishing you all the joys and blessings of the upcoming holiday season.

Editor & Agent Search

I was reading the Stories for Children Newsletter for Writers this morning and came across a piece of advice from Jennifer Carson in "How to Find Yourself a Book Agent." She highly recommeded Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Publishers, Editors and Literary Agents. Before purchasing the book, I wanted to ask if any of you have it and, if so, whether it has helped gain access to editors and/or agents. I do not have an agent but am thinking I may need to pursue one for my picture book, Bedtime Kisses. Would this be a helpful book for someone that does not yet have an agent or a published book? I have numerous publishing credits in various magazine markets, but this is my first foray into the picture book arena.

If you want to read Jennifer Carson's article or the SFC Newsletter, you can find them at http://storiesforchildrenpublishing.com/Documents/SFCNewsletter_Issue37.pdf.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Self-Publishing Question

I recently had a friend contact me for advice on how to go about self-publishing her rhyming picture book about life on the farm. A former student is illustrating it for her and is, reportedly, doing a fabulous job. I've not pursued the self-publishing route before and wasn't sure what to tell her. She really wants to retain rights to the manuscript which is why she does not want to pursue a traditional publishing house. Does anyone have any advice I can pass her or idea of a good source of information on self-publishing? I'd be grateful as would she. Thanks, in advance, for any info you can provide.