I'm a writer with severe asthma and allergies. I
recently moved (am actually still moving :S), but it's too late for this year's
dust up! Where I lived before made me so sick, that I've nearly died. I end up
with pneumonia/severe bronchitis every year, and spend months trying to
recover. I have five kids, three still at home. One, the youngest, has Down
Syndrome and has regressed with the potty training with the move, though he's
otherwise adjusted extremely well. Yet, I've found time to write. Admittedly,
it is 100k words less than the years previously. But I still whipped out 60kish
that last really sick year. (most of which is published! The rest is unfinished
as yet J )
I've worked in jobs outside the home, and edit and
sew from home on top of my writing. Writing is a way to release stress and
emotions for me, but it's also a way to allow my imagination to run free and
live in special worlds. But, how many times have I heard the phrase, "I'd
write if I had time." in a condescending manner? Too many!
*Grins* And you know what? I smile. I smile and
nod. And if it's a good friend, I will tell them to find time, even if it's
fifteen minutes at a time. If they really feel the need to write, then indulge
in it. My friends will know the personal struggles I have, and if I can find
time… *Grins more* Nothing like having them take a second look at what they are
saying.
If they are just acquaintances, I'll put them on
the do not call list—just kidding :D I mostly let it float away like water off
a duck's back. Why, when they are being so condescending and acting like what
you do is nothing, and that any person could do it, but it's beneath them or
not worth wasting their time on? Why just let it all go? Why not hold the
resentment?
Lots of good reasons…including it's not worth
wasting your time on! LOL But one main reason is I love to write in the same
way I love to paint. I know how hard I work. I know that I did 3 hours of
research for the first 500 words of a historical that I then chose not to
finish as it's not the right time for me. I know that even though I include
romances in my repertoire of books, that I'm a good writer and researcher,
despite what many say about the genre! I know that I use words above a 6th
grade level. I know that I entertain people and give them a story worth
reading. Though, like all great artists and writers, I feel a twinge—okay sometimes
a cascading waterfall—of self-doubt and recrimination when I'm writing.
Still, it does no good for you to dwell on someone
else's negative thoughts of your chosen vocation. You live and dream and do as
you believe. If not, you end up with things like writer's block, or depression
because you're not good enough, or something. Be happy! Think positive!
I'm working on writing and editing even though
finding time is a challenge, but it's so exciting! I am a writer. An author, a
mother, a painter, an editor, a gardener, a quilter, a cross stitcher, a
crocheter, a scrapbooker, a baker, a cook. I am all those things. And today, it
makes me happy. Very happy.
Was it always easy? No. Is it easy now? No. But I
persevered. I didn't give up on my dream. Every day, I am finding ways to make
it easier to do all the things I want to do. It takes work and time. But it's
worth it. And that one fan that says, I loved "x line" or "x character"
makes it all worth it.
No matter how much I say it doesn't matter what
someone else says, we know it does to some extent. (I'm just saying don't let
it stop you!) Writers and artists love the validation of having a fan, of
having someone positively review their work. We love the feedback. We NEED the
feedback. My fans have made it easier for me to keep going while I was sick.
And now, while fighting what is hopefully the last year of this level of
sickness, I appreciate my friends and fans so much!
If you have a favourite author, you may think
you're only one voice of many, but I can tell you, it matters to hear your positive
thoughts, your well wishes when things are not going well. So thank you to all
the fans,. I hope I've inspired you to do something, even if it's five
minutes at a time. It all adds up. Go make a quilt, or crochet an afghan. Start
saving for that dream vacation. Every little step, every positive thought,
takes you closer than you were before.
Don't be someone who says, "I'd do that if I had time." If it's important to you, make time. :D I hope I've inspired you to do something, even if it's five minutes at a time. It all adds up. Go make a quilt, or crochet an afghan. Start saving for that dream vacation. Every little step, every positive thought, takes you closer than you were before. Just do it.
