Serendipity
So I find myself sitting at the computer this evening, wondering what to write for this blog - which is posting tomorrow. (Yes, mom, I left my homework until the last minute - again.)
As my mind wanders through my writing experiences these last three years, I realize that the best decisions I've made as a writer had one thing in common.
They took me out of my comfort zone.
I met a new writing friend because I took a chance and accepted a lunch invite. The friendship and knowledge this woman has shared has made a huge difference in my writing as well as my life.
I squelched my initial reaction to turn around and drive the hour home without getting out of the car at my first RWA chapter meeting. Getting out of that car and going into the bookstore should have been easy. It wasn't. But I've learned so much from my membership in MORWA.
I talked myself off the ledge and mailed first one query, then another, and then submissions, partials and fulls. Each time I mailed or emailed my work out to the world, I questioned my sanity. But I pushed the send button knowing I'd done the work.
And with each action, each step I took, I became stronger. I became a better writer (we can make him stronger - faster - just give us 6 million...)
I don't know where this year will take me. But with my hat pulled down tight and my hands gripping the roller coaster bar, I know it will be a wild ride.
The world just requires one thing of me. To take the risk.
What have you done lately that made you question your sanity - or pulled you out of your comfort zone?
Lynn
10 comments:
Lynn, that's GREAT! I'm so glad you are putting yourself out there. It will open so many doors for you!! Please blog about it, so we can watch your journey and celebrate as you go.
Me? It was finding the courage to get something as seemingly simple as my first mammogram done. It took me six years (and six slips from the doctor) before I finally made the call and scheduled it. Now that it's done, I wonder why I'd been so scared...
Put yourself out there with us Lynn. The only thing that can happen is either massive success or a few slip ups on the road to massive success. Either way, massive success is in the making.
Wow, Lynn--this is a timely post. I totally agree with you--go beyond the comfort zone. And I agree it's not easy. I'm working on doing that now. I completed a fresh project in first person (completely different from any project I'd done)-and ended up having a blast doing it. I also signed up for the national RWA conference-which was a huge thing for me. It seems when I go beyond the comfort zone, it works out for the best. Go figure. Hugs to you!
Hi Tonya - Thanks for stopping by.
As an addendum to the post this am, I just found out a woman I worked with passed away last night.
Sure puts the everyday excuses in perspective.
Lynn
Laura - I get how the 'medical' easy tests can not be so easy. Just this am, I decided to put off my stomach appointment later this month. Events today have changed my mind.
We can do it!
Patricia - Thanks for stopping by.
As Edison said - I didn't fail 99 times, I found 99 ways the light bulb didn't work (or something like that.)
I'm stealing this from someone...
Last. Author. Standing.
Welcome to the dark side Marian!
I'm on the fence about going to Nat'ls this year, mostly because of costs. I'll put in for a scholarship and I've got several projects out there... so If I sell or If I final in GH or If I find the money, I'll buy you a drink at Nat'ls.
lalala
Lynn, thanks for sharing that info. So often we're content to plod along, so that's what we always do. I need to take a lesson from you on that.
It's been a productive year for you and I hope 2012 is even better!
Lynn, thanks for sharing. it's so important for all of us to know that we are not alone - that the things we are afraid of can be conquered and contained. well done.
Post a Comment