Insecure Writers Support Group: 2/13 Edition

Hello, fellow Insecurists. I hope this month finds you all well. Thank you, Alexi, for inventing and hosting this monthly shindig that has become my most favorite thing in the blogosphere.

Here are my not-so-deep thoughts for this month: I think because writing consumes so much of our waking hours and because we pour so much of our souls into it, it often feels like writing is our lives. So when we suffer a setback in our writing, like  a seemingly insurmountable plot issue, yet another rejection, or sinking Amazon rankings, it feels like everything is bad.

Well guess what---writing is not your life. Writing is a gift you've been given, and I don't know its purpose in your life, or mine either, but I do know that you've also been given a host of other talents and blessings. Don't minimize these other wonderful things by letting a writing setback cast a cloud over them too. Instead, when the writing gets you down, chuck it aside for a bit and take joy in these other things.

My challenge to you is this: think of one totally non-writing related thing you've already accomplished this month and celebrate it. Doesn't have to be fancy. For example, my accomplishment is that I used my mad vacation-planning skillz to find the cheapest, most sensible airline fare from Chicago to London and helped my parents book tickets to visit my sister across the pond this spring. They do so, so much for me, so it always feels great to finally be able to do something for them, even such a small thing. Okay, your turn.

Here's some listening music whilst you think. Sing it to yourself.
Because it's awesome. And so are you.
(is restricted for playback, so click the link to YouTube)

Speaking of celebrating---Visit the Omnific Publishing Blog to see how they're celebrating the company's 3 Year Anniversary. Loaded Kindle giveaways, a book sale (including Three Daves, woohoo!) and it all starts on Valentine's Day. You can bet I'll be posting all about it here next week.

Comments

Cherie Colyer said…
I love this post. It's easy to get so wrapped up in our writing goals that we forget there's a whole big world out there. So what have I accomplished this year that isn't writing related? (I totally had to listen to the music for this one, thanks for the inspiration.) I've been eating right and sticking to a good exercise regiment.
You're right - writing isn't our life. It's not what defines who we are. And it shouldn't consume us.
Anonymous said…
Thank you. I definitely needed that.

So a non-writing accomplishment so far is that I, with some of my choir mates, successfully took over our Young Adult Ministry, and the events we had in January went over very well. :D
Suze said…
'Instead, when the writing gets you down, chuck it aside for a bit and take joy in these other things.'

Love this, wise one.

Balance.
Mark Means said…
Great post and even better advice. I know, for me, this past month as seen me -really- wrapped up in writing and blogging....I think some time on the beach is in order :)
Hart Johnson said…
It can definitely be important to be reminded. This writing stuff is so central to my self concept, but honestly, it is more important I raise good people (my children) and that I engage in real life. Still... strange as it seems, often the writing feels more in my control...
Johanna Garth said…
Nicki, this is such a wise post. It's all about perspective and sometimes, you're right, perspective is exactly what we lose.
Janie Junebug said…
My accomplishment is surviving the flu -- almost. I'm getting better.

Love,
Janie
Luanne G. Smith said…
I could use some of those mad travel-planning skillz of yours. Airfares are UP!

And I did quadruple clean my wood floors this weekend. Yes, there was that much dirt on them. It felt like a major life goal had been accomplished when I was done. :))

Great post on keeping things in perspective.
L. Diane Wolfe said…
I'll be accomplishing a big birthday celebration weekend soon that will involved a lot of fun things. And shopping!

Otherwise, this month has been consumed by writer things, but with my new book, I knew that would happen.
Chancelet said…
Oh, but how I do want writing to be my life! But you're right, it's all relative to our other lives in this world - family, little and big joys, and yes, creating. Thanks for letting us look at the big picture.
Anonymous said…
I take that challenge. I've got a long list and it's growing all the time...
DL Hammons said…
You're right...balance is the key. I've had plenty of writing setbacks, but I never let them darken my outlook.

And you did good for your parents! Kudos!! :)
Anonymous said…
Great post! I'm going to do something like this and plan a four day getaway for the fam. Thanks!
Michael Di Gesu said…
Ha, LOVED THIS.

WRITING? What's that? I have been too busy doing all those other things you talked about. Baking 144 cupcakes for a private party( a new career maybe.. LOL. A boy's gotta make a living) Began an enormous knitted throw for my daybed in my office... I might have it done by spring... LOL.

Forcing myself OUT OF THE HOUSE to keep up with my workouts so I don't gain weight before summer hits. Now this is a CHALLENGE. Especially with the lovely Chicago winds.

Still holding onto to the holidays by listening to Christmas music while I blog... lol. One would think it would get sickening by this point, but I LOVE IT... LOL.

Happy to hear you parents are going to LONDON. How fun! Are you going with them?
I'm popping in from IWSG.
You are soooooo right.
My non-writing related thing is the fact that I'm becoming more tech-savvy... I learned how to use the Kindle.
Thanks for the reminder.
Tammy Theriault said…
you are right on the target! i don't even bother to write daily, i figure if i do, i won't like my book because i'm forced to write...no way to go there.
Unknown said…
Great post, and great song! Jason Mraz is epically awesome :)
Jennifer Lane said…
What a great post, Nicki! I'm deflated by Amazon rankings and I've been so busy with my day job that I didn't get my IWSG post up. BUT, I had 2 great psychology presentations (one in Montana and one in Ohio) so that feels good.

Keep trucking, my dear.

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