As I sit here at my desk I am looking at my lists that are taped on my wall and feeling overwhelmed.
- I have one that is my ever expanding topics from PiBoId (even though November is over, I continue to add to the list).
- I have one that is a month by month listing of the drafts that I have written for 12 x 12. I have one that outlines which manuscripts I have submitted to which agents and the date that I should be expecting to receive their rejection.
- I also have a list of who I am critiquing and who I am waiting on for critiques from my critique group this round.
Now I feel like I really should do something with all of these lists. I have so many stories running through my mind, that I am having difficulty knowing where to focus my attention so that I can really edit. Editing is the part of writing that I enjoy the most, and I have so many things to edit that I don't know where to begin.
I know that I have dedicated this school year to writing, and I have done a very good job of sticking to that. For me, however, it is time to stop at the pump, refuel, and get on with this challenging, uphill drive. I will never make it to the top of the mountain unless I step on the gas.
I have that problem too - so much to do it's hard to know what to start with and where to focus. But your list of submissions to agents? Those dates should be when you're expecting your ACCEPTANCES!!! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Susanna for your cheerleading! I needed that.
DeleteYou can do it!
ReplyDeleteIt does get a little overwhelming at times. Best at those times to take a step back, take a few deep breaths, maybe go for a walk to clear your head.
Make a to-done list instead of a to-do list -- think of all you've accomplished thus far. You've put yourself out in the world as a writer, you've got this great blog going, you have ideas spilling all over the place... the list goes on.
Glad to be on this journey with you!
I like the idea of a to-done list Beth. I'm glad to be on your journey with you as well.
DeleteI had WAY too much to do this month too. I am glad we have Spring break from school next week. My mom always tell me to look at one "to-do" thing at a time.
ReplyDeleteI think it is cool you are submitting manuscripts!!!
Thanks Erik. By the way, your mom is VERY right!
DeleteI think we all suffer from idea/possibility overload. I think you are right to refuel.
ReplyDeleteGlad that it's not just me. Let's all meet at the pump!
Deletei am a list maker as well...sometimes just writing down the things to be done gives my mind a little rest. other times, i can't rest till they are all done. i think pacing is key. maybe break down the lists a bit so you can feel that sense of accomplishment with small steps (shich still add up to big steps!) if i understand correctly, you, like me, began to really take your writing seriously just this year, and you have really really accomplished a LOT in that time. sit with that a while and think where you started and where you are now...a published author! WELL DONE! give yourself credit, then i think you will find your growing list a bit easier to tackle! people are pulling for you!
ReplyDeleteI am another one with to-do lists that no ordinary mortal can complete. Your idea of stopping and refueling is great and one I will take to heart. I seem to need these lists though to keep me motivated. I just need to remind myself that "Rome wasn't built in a day." (pardon the old cliche)
ReplyDeleteFor some reasons lists make me not want to do stuff. I guess lists overwhelm me because I have too much stuff to do. This year I'm dedicated to writing and actually sending stuff out. I plan to go the SCBWI conference in LA this summer so perhaps I will see you there.
ReplyDeleteLet's make it a point to meet up! Attending the conference is my birthday present to myself this year.
ReplyDeleteWell said! We recently moved cross country and I took a break from blog reading/writing. Now I can't seem to get my Google Reader list under 250. But I really enjoy catching up on everyone's news. It's hard to find the balance between feeling connected and connecting with my own work. So I'll keep plugging away at catch up. Thanks for letting me refuel at your site. :)
ReplyDelete