Twenty years ago, I joined a writer's group that met at the library once a week. I aimed to publish a fiction book called “Three Thirty-Three” by my fiftieth birthday. I never met that goal, but I still have the first three chapters in a red box in the closet for “Someday.”
One of my favorite Cheryl Strayed quotes is, “your book has a birthday, you just don’t know when it is yet.” Your day (and your books day) are on its way!
Some writers take decades to finish writing a single book. Others take three days. There's no right or wrong timeline, and books tend, I find, to come when they're ready. You're already doing the most important thing: writing consistently. Finding your voice and your themes. What's important to you to leave behind as part of your legacy. Those of us who want to rush in (I'm one of them) often chafe at step-by-step processes and get discouraged, but this is where the true progress comes. Sometimes a bit at a time, sometimes in spurts. I believe in you.
I appreciate you so much Maggie for your ongoing encouragement and your gentle but effective pushes to keep going, especially when I am not sure where I've landed, or worse yet, where I will end up. Memoir writing and perhaps all writing is about the journey. I'm a believer in the process now, not just the completion, thanks to you.
The bit about legacy resonates so much for me. My writing is a really long letter to my infant son, but also to everyone in the future who wants to know me even if I’m no longer here. Beautifully said. I love your tenacity.
Thank you so much Marc for reading my post and for taking the time to comment. I am so happy that my writing resonates with you. You made me smile! I am sure your son and others in the future will be so thankful for the writing you are doing today. Keep at it!
I have two unfinished memoirs that I still hope to complete. I just celebrated my 67th birthday 2 weeks ago. Feel free to reach out if you want to talk more about the process of memoir writing. I have some books I can recommend that might help you on your journey. Most of all, keep writing!
Thank you Pamela. I appreciate that. I have a writing coach through my writer's group. I still get a little panicked sometimes. 🤪 Hope you had a wonderful Birthday. 🎉 Thanks for reading my post. 🤗
The journey of writing a memoir is as significant as the destination. Celebrate the small victories along the way, and the process itself will contribute to your growth and fulfillment. Thank you for sharing your story, and I wish you continued joy and perseverance in your writing journey. Keep smiling, and I look forward to hearing more about your progress!
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments Winston. I indeed need to focus on the small wins along the way. It's a journey I intend to ride out till the end, but I am sure there will continue to be some bumps in the road. Your encouragement is very much appreciated. 🤗
Thank you so much Cindy for reading my post & for taking the time to comment. I'm so happy that you were inspired by my writing. We writers & creators all have similar struggles, don't we? We learn from each other. Wishing you the best over the Holiday season. 🤗🎉
Thank you so much for reading my post & your kind words Avni. I will indeed continue on, working on the craft of writing, one step at a time, not the whole staircase. 😁 Wishing you a wonderful week ahead. 🤗
One of my favorite Cheryl Strayed quotes is, “your book has a birthday, you just don’t know when it is yet.” Your day (and your books day) are on its way!
Thank you Christina! I hadn't heard that quote before but I won't forget it now. Appreciate that you read my post and for the encouragement. ❤️
Some writers take decades to finish writing a single book. Others take three days. There's no right or wrong timeline, and books tend, I find, to come when they're ready. You're already doing the most important thing: writing consistently. Finding your voice and your themes. What's important to you to leave behind as part of your legacy. Those of us who want to rush in (I'm one of them) often chafe at step-by-step processes and get discouraged, but this is where the true progress comes. Sometimes a bit at a time, sometimes in spurts. I believe in you.
I appreciate you so much Maggie for your ongoing encouragement and your gentle but effective pushes to keep going, especially when I am not sure where I've landed, or worse yet, where I will end up. Memoir writing and perhaps all writing is about the journey. I'm a believer in the process now, not just the completion, thanks to you.
The bit about legacy resonates so much for me. My writing is a really long letter to my infant son, but also to everyone in the future who wants to know me even if I’m no longer here. Beautifully said. I love your tenacity.
Thank you so much Marc for reading my post and for taking the time to comment. I am so happy that my writing resonates with you. You made me smile! I am sure your son and others in the future will be so thankful for the writing you are doing today. Keep at it!
I have two unfinished memoirs that I still hope to complete. I just celebrated my 67th birthday 2 weeks ago. Feel free to reach out if you want to talk more about the process of memoir writing. I have some books I can recommend that might help you on your journey. Most of all, keep writing!
Thank you Pamela. I appreciate that. I have a writing coach through my writer's group. I still get a little panicked sometimes. 🤪 Hope you had a wonderful Birthday. 🎉 Thanks for reading my post. 🤗
You're so welcome! Any time you would like a fresh set of eyes on something, reach out!
The journey of writing a memoir is as significant as the destination. Celebrate the small victories along the way, and the process itself will contribute to your growth and fulfillment. Thank you for sharing your story, and I wish you continued joy and perseverance in your writing journey. Keep smiling, and I look forward to hearing more about your progress!
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments Winston. I indeed need to focus on the small wins along the way. It's a journey I intend to ride out till the end, but I am sure there will continue to be some bumps in the road. Your encouragement is very much appreciated. 🤗
I love this so much for you. Yes, keep at it. Who knows where your life might have ended up? If you still have the idea, go for it.
Thank you Lashun. I appreciate your reading my post & your encouragement. Hope you are enjoying your Thanksgiving weekend.
I am, and of course. I hope your holiday is going well.
Thank you so much Cindy for reading my post & for taking the time to comment. I'm so happy that you were inspired by my writing. We writers & creators all have similar struggles, don't we? We learn from each other. Wishing you the best over the Holiday season. 🤗🎉
Thank you so much for reading my post & your kind words Avni. I will indeed continue on, working on the craft of writing, one step at a time, not the whole staircase. 😁 Wishing you a wonderful week ahead. 🤗