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Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Keep on Keeping on, IWSG December 2019


It's IWSG Day. The goal of this blog hop is to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds.IWSG is the brainchild of Alex Cavanaugh, our brilliant ninja leader. To find a list of contributors and to link to their posts, click here.

This month's optional question:   Let's play a game. Imagine. Role-play. How would you describe your future writer self, your life and what it looks and feels like if you were living the dream? Or if you are already there, what does it look and feel like? Tell the rest of us. What would you change or improve? The awesome co-hosts for the December posting of the IWSG are Tonja Drecker, Beverly Stowe McClure, Nicki Elson, Fundy Blue, and Tyrean Martinson.


My dreams are small. When I'm published, I’d like to talk to other writers about what it takes to be a traditionally published author. I’d tell my story, how I started writing to purge the shock of unexpected job loss, and how I challenged myself, first by publishing blog posts, then moving on to freelance articles and how finally, I dared myself to write a novel. I’d describe how the only draft of my first book attempt was such &#%* that I didn’t know how to fix it, but my second book demonstrated improvement. I'd talk about how I took writing classes, joined a writing group and how, when I queried my third book, I received requests for full reads which came to naught, but in spite of the soul-sucking disappointment of it, still,  I began querying my fourth book. 


I’d tell anyone who will listen that I made myself go back and look at that first awful book attempt, delighted to see after all the years of writing, I’d developed the skill to fix it. How now I spend my writing mornings working on a second draft, hooting at my first awful attempt, but tickled to see how much I’ve grown as a writer.


Living the dream for me means talking about never giving up, encouraging other writers to keep going, keep writing draft after draft, proof, edit, re-write, proof again, listen to critiques and edit again, then send out those darn queries until finally, finally, finally, you get where you want to be. I'd tell other writers, because that's what I tell myself now.


It’s simple, my dream. It doesn’t involve Hollywood, or fame or riches. Just a book (or four) on a shelf, with my name on the spine(s). A Google search that turns up my Amazon listing. A friend, telling me how much they love my stories. And the experience to tell other writers to just keep going. 

Then, I'd sit down again, and convince myself to do the same.

28 comments:

Nick Wilford said...

I like how a big part of your dream is encouraging others. Digging out and raking over those creaky early drafts though - that takes some chutzpah! Keep keeping on!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

You would give back and that is the best part of the dream for me.

Joanne said...

your generous spirit spills over into your writing. Your hard work shows. And it's taken perseverance. I know I've followed your journey in your blog and I think your writing is excellent. Keep plugging on, improving, and sharing. It keeps pulling together. Cheers to you for December and 2020.

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

What a great post, Liza! I know I feel encouraged after reading it, and I'm sure the same will go for the many others who will - and should! - read it, too. :)

Jennifer Lane said...

Your dream sounds realistic and challenging! Good luck pursuing it.

cleemckenzie said...

I'm sure you'll have that dream because it's a great one!

Natalie Aguirre said...

I'm hoping to pick up my first manuscript someday and fix it too. Love your dreams.

Tonja Drecker said...

That sounds like a wonderful dream. Love it!

Julie Flanders said...

This is the best dream I've read so far. No doubt you will get there! Your journey is already an inspiration. :)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I love this: "hooting at my first awful attempt, but tickled to see how much I’ve grown as a writer"

It's a good place to be

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

That was inspirational and realistic. I love writers who so generously give back to aspiring writers.

Sandra Cox said...

What a wonderful post. Here's to your name on the spine of several books.

Denise Covey said...

Okay Lisa I want to book you when you're published. I want to hear your story of your road to publication. Fascinating,

Karen Baldwin said...

What a beautiful dream. It will happen. I can feel your enthusiasm in your words. What you dream will become a reality. Adding to it all the help and encouragement for others you want to give and share makes it all the more special.

Lisa said...

I LOVE your dream. It speaks to my heart, as I'm sure it does to others hearts. I too, would love to pay it forward and I try to do that even as I'm making my own way toward my own dream... Thanks for dropping by my blog and commenting!

lostinimaginaryworlds.blogspot.com said...

I do hope you achieve your dream 🌹 and wishing you a happy new decade 🤗

Michelle Wallace said...

Fantastic response.
A simple dream that involves generosity and encouraging others on their journey, is the best kind of dream - one worth pursuing!
Hope you have a wonderful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Liza - well done ... what dreams are made of ... and they keep you inspired too - to get where you want to go to ... good luck with those dreams ...

Cheers Hilary

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

How lovely! The best dreams make room for other people, which yours certainly does. Thinking about others at the same time as contemplating personal success shows your generosity of spirit. Again, I say... how lovely! I hope your dream comes true.

emaginette said...

Stick to your goal and it won't be long at all. :-)

Anna from elements of emaginette

Tanya Miranda said...

This is so good. I can already hear the TED talk where you mention this very post that started you on the road to becoming an inspirational speaker. That is an awesome goal. :-D

Yvonne Osborne said...

Your goals are mine and while I know the only failed writer is the one who gives up, it is still hard at times to keep going. I guess we do because we love it, love the thrill of filling up a blank page with words words words... love writing, pure and simple. And the insecurity thing? I guess it goes with the territory. I'm glad to see you are still here!

Stephen Tremp said...

Hi Liza, I'm the same way. When someone gives me a review or tells me they liked my book it really makes life worth living. Have a great New Year!

Jan Morrison said...

Don't know how I missed this last month (well, yes I do - we had just moved) but such a brilliant sweet and doable dream. You are such a good writer and you encourage me now.

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

I'd love to sit down and talk with you, Liza. Anytime.

Pat Garcia said...

Happy New Year!
I am sorry that I am just getting around to reading your December article. I want you to know that it is absolutely encouraging and I know what you mean.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange

Lisa said...

Hoping you have a wonderful 2020! Thanks for dropping by my blog. I came to find yours for January, but you haven't gotten to it yet I guess!

Bish Denham said...

Yup, all those small steps leading to... not an apex or pinnacle or some lofty mountain top, but to a new set of stairs and new unexplored road.