Let me ask you question. Would you work on a project for an entire year knowing that the chances that the project has a successful result is less than 1%?
That's what I have decided. That I'm going to work for a year on something that realistically has a very small chance of being published or even being read by more than a handful of people.
And also, while doing it, I have people close to me saying that no one will want to read about the life of a regular person unless it's something "interesting" that is written in extraordinarily beautiful way implying that I don't really have anything too unusual or interesting to say (even if I can write beautifully which is certainly not the case right now even though I'm working on it).
It's not that I don't have supportive family and friends. I think they say the same thing anyone in the publishing industry would say. The chances are very very small that I will succeed. Period.
I've been thinking a lot about this. The hard work that I'll have to put in (and some money to pay for the workshops, books, and supplies) knowing that it is likely to result in nothing more than a year long writing exercise and a story for my children.
Having digested this I'm still determined to do it and this is why.
1. A year is not that much time. What other great achievement am I going to accomplish in a year that I'm putting aside to do this? I'm writing and reading during my spare time and once the kids both are in school in September, I will have more dedicated time to do this.
2. Everyone has an interesting story. I think the challenge is digging down and telling the truth about the human elements that make us who we are: fear, insecurity, sorrow, the desperate need to belong, love, joy, passion, happiness.
3. I want to write well. I want to see myself creating a beautiful product that I'm proud of. I want to share my story with the hope of not only being understood but also maybe connecting with others that have felt the same way I have throughout my life.
4. And the money I'll be spending...well, that will have to be an investment in just trying something big.
How do you like that? Giving myself a pep talk....
Don't be deterred! Regardless of the outcome, which could be different than you imagine now, you'll undoubtedly learn and grow in the process.
ReplyDeleteYeah for pep talks! I have felt the benefit of self-pep-talks myself, many days.
do not get discouraged! DO NOT!!!
ReplyDeleteand you're right. everyone has a story and there will always be someone who'll read it and understand.
so good job with the pep talk!
I say go for it. You r right we all have "a story" it depends on how you tell it as to whether or not someone will want to read it but sometimes you just gotta do it for the love of doing. A year is nothing, I know now that I am a mom. I'm proud of you.
ReplyDelete