Created and hosted by the Ninja himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writers Support Group posts the 1st Wednesday of every month. Click the image to learn more or sign up.
Monthly Question: How do you celebrate when you achieve a writing goal / finish a story?
If I’m being honest here, sometimes just finishing a project is the celebration (boy do I wish I had more time to smell the roses). There is a distinctive feeling of accomplishment that comes with finishing any writing project, but one must ask themselves, “At what point is a story truly finished?” For me it varies; sometimes a story is finished when I write “The End” and sometimes it’s not finished until I approved the proof. Regardless, I do feel as though I should celebrate these achievements more than I have in the past. It can sometimes be a long period of time between launch parties, so finding times and ways to celebrate other writing achievements seems like a good way to stay motivated and keep on track.
I’m totally open to suggestions.
****
Now on to the personal updates.
Soooooo, all H*LL broke out at my day job last week and I almost had a complete mental breakdown, seriously. With the help of co-workers, family, friends, and prayer, I’m holding it together. (For those who don’t know, I teach. That’s all I’m going to say about that.)
I finished my graphic novel read-a-thon just shy of my overall goal, and it’s motivated me to keep reading graphic novels throughout the year. I haven’t done an update video yet, but I’m working on it. I may even be doing a side by side comparison later in the year, reading a novel and the graphic novel version of the story together. We’ll see.
I’ve written three new children’s books and am almost finished with the fourth. I’ll begin the process of having the stories beta read and begin the process of illustrating them very soon. I even plan to vlog about it a bit.
I’m very excited to accept my first invitation to go and read to students at a school in my local area. This is not a sales event or a signing, though I will be reading my books. I’m happy to not have the pressure of sales. Sometimes the one thing that’s better than making a sale, is the look on a child’s face when they enjoy the words and pictures you’ve made. I’m so excited.
Last, but most definitely not least, I was honored with the Encouragement Award for the February 2018 W.E.P. challenge. Even though I don’t always meet the challenge, I can’t express how much the WEP community has helped me grow as a writer. I am so proud and happy to receive this recognition… And guess what? I did a happy dance and bought myself some ice cream (not frozen yogurt) when I found out I won. Guess I can celebrate my writing goals when I think about it. If you’d like to read mine or any of the other wonderful stories of this WEP Challenge, just click the award image.
****
So, do you or how do you celebrate your writing goals?
Has all H*LL broken out in some aspect of your life? How are you coping with it?
Read any graphic novels lately or know any I should check out?
****
After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
Mary Aalgaard,
Bish Denham,
Jennifer Hawes,
Diane Burton, and
Gwen Gardner!
****
Click here to visit other IWSG blogs and sites to receive and share more inspiration and support. (This month, I’m #57).
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords
29 replies on “#IWSG March 2018: Is it time to celebrate a #writing goal? Why, I think it is!”
I’m with you on needing to celebrate more. Before I got a good printer, I used to get the manuscript printed out at a shop, and that always made me happy. The people who worked there were always impressed and encouraging.
Sometimes receiving sincere encoruragement is the best reward.
First, congratulations on winning the Encouragement Award for your WEP entry. I was very proud to see you receive it.
Second, keep marching forward although sometimes the wind is blowing directly in your face. It means you are on the right track. So keep going, Lady.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G
Thank you for the kind words. I’ll keep moving forward.
Luckily, things aren’t too h#$$ish around here even though I’m manning the fort without the husband this week. Or should it be womanning the fort? Hmm…
I like that, “womanning the fort”.
That’s awesome you’ll be reading your book to kids.
Sounds like great progress on all fronts. Maybe you should celebrate a little. With something other than a meltdown at work of course.
The meltdown was not fun, but I got through it. I’m celebrating every meltdown-free day from now on.
Congrats on you award. Glad you survived your break down. Hang in there. Happy IWSG Day.
Thank you. Happy IWSG Day!
Congrats on your award and all the writing progress you’ve made. Sorry to hear about the troubles at work. It’s wonderful that you’ve had supportive people to help you through it.
Yes, the support has been very helpful and the writing, as always, helps keep me sane.
I was a teacher for 34 years so I understand how bad things can go. Congrats on all you have going on. Visited your group blog. It’s pretty cool.
Thanks for stopping by both blogs. Glad you liked what you saw.
So, are you reading graphic novels in hopes to write one someday? I would love to write/illustrate one in the future! Good luck.
I would love to write a graphic novel one day, but I’m reading them simply because I like them and had collected a bunch that I’d never gotten around to.
Despite the problems at work, you have so much good stuff to celebrate. Even though it’s hard, try to put aside the difficult situation and concentrate on the good stuff. Hugs.
Thank you for the encouragement.
I don’t usually celebrate, just move on to the next project. Although I might celebrate my next release. Probably go to dinner and share a bottle of wine. Congrats on your Encouragement Award! That definitely deserves a celebration!
Thank you. I don’t usually celebrate either, but I think I’ll start.
Wow! You are on a roll with the children’s books. Congrats on starting on your fourth that is a huge accomplishment.
Thank you. I’m excited about where my creativity is heading.
I totally agree that just finishing a project is the celebration. It’s such a good feeling.
It is a good feel; isn’t it.
I have had those days at school – occupational hazard. I am glad to hear you have supportive colleagues to help you through crises.
I think ice cream sounds like an excellent way to celebrate.
Yes. Having support makes all the difference.
I had no idea you’ve been writing children’s books. That’s awesome! The best part of writing children’s books is being able to read your stories to children in schools or libraries. 🙂
Yes. I have four out now and am working to release four more. I love writing books for kids, though I never thought I would.
So sorry to hear about the work meltdown. I have a few friends who are teachers, so I know it can be really tough. Hope you’re feeling better now. Hugs.