IWSG September 2021

2:52 AM Elizabeth Seckman 18 Comments

 

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September 1 question - How do you define success as a writer? Is it holding your book in your hand? Having a short story published? Making a certain amount of income from your writing?

Worrying about being success is one of the biggest drags on my writer spirit. That's why I made a conscious decision to stop caring about any measure of successful authoring beyond typing The End. 

I'm not exactly proud of myself for my lack of business-sense and dedication to craft, but the truth is I am just a lackadaisical dreamer who enjoys making things up. I writ to please my soul and I am oddly all right with that.

The awesome co-hosts for the September 1 posting of the IWSG are Rebecca Douglass, T. Powell Coltrin @Journaling Woman, Natalie Aguirre, Karen Lynn, and C. Lee McKenzie!

18 comments:

  1. I wish I had a little more business sense, too. (Don't we all!) But very wise not to let something that might happen in the future weigh on you today. Happy IWSG Day.

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  2. I actually like your goal better than one of being published. It's something you can control. It's hard to measure success on something uncontrollable.

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  3. Hi Elizabeth, I've decided not to compare my writing career and writing life to another writer's. Its such an energy drainer and demotivates me.

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  4. I agree it's best to only link success to things we can control.

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  5. Well, pleasing your soul is a high priority! I'd say you know what's important and that success.

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  6. The joy of writing IS why we do it in the first place.

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  7. Yes, writing to please our soul. Thanks for this, Elizabeth.

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  8. I'm right there with you. My definition of success is just sitting down and writing, to have a project that I'm excited about. Selling a million copies doesn't mean much if you don't enjoy the journey. There are waaaaay easier ways to make money.

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  9. Terrific answer. I wish I could stress less about my lack of marketing abilities.

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  10. Hi ELizabeth, to me every writer is a success story as they took that step to put pen to paper. And drove that creativity from their inner self onto that paper or screen. Well done to you all!

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  11. Isn't it cruel that writers, musicians, and artists have to be business people too? You don't go into a boardroom and ask the CEO to write his entire speech in Haiku!

    Your books are wonderful, you're a success to me x

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  12. I told myself the exact same thing, Elizabeth, its just hard otherwise, which is why I've probably not been writing much lately. Instead, I've been focussing on my latest venture — Covers by Suzy www.suzyturner.com/covers-by-suzy — I create premade and custom book covers for authors. I'm really enjoying it! In fact I think I may have found my passion!!
    Hugs
    Suzy xx

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  13. I think that's a healthy attitude. And I think you're successful.

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  14. having goals is good - stressing over reaching those goals to feel successful isn’t
    I think you’re super successful! glad we are friends, wish we could do more events together
    let me know if you sign up for any! miss you!

    Tara Tyler Talks

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  15. I'm with you there, Elizabeth. I just can bring myself to put that much energy of focus on making the money. I always end up comparing myself to others. It sucks the joy out of writing.

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  16. That's beautiful. We all have to do what is right of us.

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