I will admit it. In addition to being a retired kindergarten teacher and newly-published author, I will openly admit I LOVE cats. Since I also love books and writing, I recently thought about the similarities in the mannerisms of my cats (all six of them, but particularly Levi) and my writing journey.
Whether you’re a veteran writer or brand-new to this wonderful—and sometimes discouraging—journey, you’re certain to find out that it’s not all fun and games (or contracts and contest awards), but rather a lot of hard work. And waiting. Persevering is essential, because if a writer wants to be published, she/he must persevere. When I observe Levi trying to retrieve a toy mouse from underneath the sofa, I notice his perseverance. He knows he wants that toy mouse, and he’s determined to reach it with his paw. If a writer’s goal is to be published, then in addition to learning the craft and writing the best story possible, the writer has to keep trying. Sometimes over and over. For years and years.
Developing a “thick skin” is vital—and this can be a real challenge for those of us who tend to be sensitive. Susanna (one of my female cats) adores Levi; yet I’ve witnessed a time when Susanna was quite perturbed that Levi was in her napping spot, so she promptly swatted him with her paw. Poor Levi simply turned away, overlooking his sister’s feisty mood. How wonderful if writers could handle less-than-kind comments about our writing with the same acceptance. Sometimes the comments/suggestions certainly do have validity. Other times the reader might be in a ‘feisty mood’ and the author’s writing receives comments that should not be taken to heart. And of course rejections from agents and editors can be difficult to accept, especially if we’ve gotten our hopes up anticipating a positive response. Yet if we can remember those rejections are part of this journey, so we must move on, continue working hard, and keep a hopeful, positive outlook, how much better we’d feel. (Yes, sometimes easier said than done, I know).
Not long ago I was feeling extremely tired as I strived to write a certain amount of words in one day. By afternoon I’d reached the point of feeling I was in a daze. A daze that no amount of coffee and M&Ms could snap me from, and I was frustrated. Glancing from my desk over to the bed, I saw Levi (and several other kitties) snoozing away. I simply needed a nap! No, this isn’t rocket-science, but sometimes we writers become so determined and focused that we fail to ignore what is needed at that moment. I closed my laptop, sleepily headed to the bed, and joined several felines in a nap. I’m happy to say that after my thirty-minute snooze I was refreshed and able to tackle that manuscript with a fresh perspective. And make my word-count goal.
No matter where you are in your writing journey, I hope you’re enjoying the process. And if you’re having a day that’s left you feeling frazzled and frustrated, maybe you just need to take a little break or even have a catnap. Who knows? You might return to your writing with such renewed energy it’s as if you have nine lives.
For three years businessman Thomas Wilton has carried guilt for his sister’s car accident that left her in a wheelchair. When his boss insists moving from Alabama to the Florida panhandle will be beneficial for his career, Thomas reluctantly agrees, although he hates leaving his sister.
After Emma and Thomas meet, a relationship quickly develops,
but is later jeopardized by a misunderstanding. When Emma’s life is threatened,
Thomas realizes how much he loves her. Can
their seaside romance become a happily-ever-after?
