Today, I celebrate another month of IWSG and my Blogoversary. A year ago today, I wrote my first post, "Giving In." I reluctantly started this blog to enter a contest. I ended up gaining more from this blogging thing than I ever expected. Over the next month or two, I'll share my reflections of what I've learned from this past year and what I actually "infiltrated." Those posts require me to be reflective and (hopefully, ideally, not making any promises) profound. After 26 days of the A-Z Challenge, I'm feeling neither. So instead I'll leave you with this:
After a year of blogging and querying, this unagented anybody writer believes that successful publication is not only possible, but it is something I truly believe will happen for me AND for you if you want it badly enough and will work hard for it. Hard is a relative term, I know. It's also different for all of us. I don't know what "working hard" means for you. All I know is this: A year ago, one-day publication seemed like a pipe-dream. Now, it seems like a possibility. You and I just need to get it done.
Read. Be reflective. Be open to criticism and toss the criticism that isn't right for you. WRITE, WRITE, and WRITE some more - without forgetting to enjoy life as you go. Enjoying life, after all, gives us our inspiration and motivation.
Enjoy life, write about life, whatever you need to do. Just get it done.
It is possible for those who don't give up. Just keep learning and growing. And this blogging community is the best place to do that.
ReplyDeleteGreat words, Kimberly. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on completing the A to Z and look forward to your Reflections.
ReplyDeleteNow you've got me psyched for the day ahead. I'm ready to write!
Lee
Tossing It Out
The best part of being a writer is everything that happens to you, both good and bad help your writing. It is a long and at times hard path we choose to tread, but at least there re all these wonderful people walking it with us.
ReplyDeleteI often think of the Little Engine That Could. Just keep going :)
ReplyDeleteKimberley, I've had 3 agents, and I may one day seek presentation again. But honestly, not one of them helped me the way I thought they would. I ended up doing all the work myself. I made my publishing career happen. If anyone deserves credit, it's my critiquing partners. I couldn't have done it without them. That doesn't mean I don't appreciate your attitude. I do!
ReplyDeleteHAPPY ONE YEAR BLOGGING ANNIVERSARY!!! Perfect day (it's my birthday) ;-) I love you attitude about it all. Keep the positivity. (also blogged today :))
ReplyDeleteI love reading those first posts. They are thrown out there with wide-eyed optimism and zero followers. I am glad you are linking them back in. If I had time, I would go back and read every one of my friends' first posts simply because no one has (and they might be some of their best writing... you just don't know). They certainly would be full of new details about the person and I LOVE that.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, congratulations on your one year blogaversary. So many great things have happened for you this year. I can't wait to see what happens in the NEXT twelve months!!!
Your last sentence is so amazingly true and encouraging. Yes above all, write! Congratulations on your year-- so glad I found your blog.
ReplyDeleteRead and write. Repeat.
ReplyDeleteYep.
Who needs an agent, anyway?
Leaches, I say! Leaches!
"Just get it done" I like that. It's brilliant you now believe publishing is possible. That's another step toward your dream!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogoversary!!
Lynda R Young
IWSG co-host
Congrats on a year of blogging. Looking forward to your reflections.
ReplyDeleteHappy one year blogging :) Looking forward to your reflections and inspiration. :) and congrats on a to z.
ReplyDeleteKimberly, I did a pictorial essay on Monday about why authors should never give up. I dug through some old drawers and bags in the closet and came up with more "trunk novels" than I even remembered I had. When people comment on how "lucky" I am, I tell them I AM lucky, but I also worked many, many years to get to this point.
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogoversary!
ReplyDeleteOne positive thing to look at. If you would've found an agent and gotten published right away, you would've been there mostly on your own. Now, think of all the people here to celebrate with you and to be happy for you when that day comes. A few years ago I never would've imagined that I'd know so many terrific authors. I hardly knew any then.
I hate this whole patience--it'll take time thing, but at least I've met so many great people during this time.
Happy Blogaversary and kudos for staying the course.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on a year of selfless dedication to us struggling writers!
ReplyDeleteYou'll always be my fav CP.
Congratulations!! And thank you for the encouraging words. As someone who has only just started their own blog less than 2 months ago, you are a model of success, diligence and inspiration.
ReplyDeleteWhat you said. I couldn't have said it better! Congrats and what a wonderful attitude!!
ReplyDeleteYou seem to have covered all the bases. Happy blogoversary.
ReplyDeleteKimberly, you are so positive and inspiring. I love your attitude toward writing. THIS unagented anybody writer believes in YOU too!
ReplyDelete"Be open to criticism and toss the criticism that isn't right for you." Great advice!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your One Year Blogging Anniversary. I've been writing forever but I only started blogging in earnest in April this year.
ReplyDeleteI agree, write, write and write some more. You are a wonderful inspiration.
Thanks.