Tuesday, February 1, 2011

I Am Happy

"I'd like to be the sort of friend that you have been to me. I'd like to be the help to you, you've always been glad to be; I'd like to mean as much to you each minute of the day, as you have meant, old friend of mine, to me along the way."
~ Unknown 



I've never tried anything in my life more difficult or frustrating than being a writer. Yesterday, Jen called it a roller coaster ride. We've called this journey many, many things--some good, some not so good. But we all keep at it, despite the highs and lows.

There are many things I don't know about writing, things I have yet to learn and discover, but one thing I know for certain: that I couldn't do this without all of you. 

I am the queen of positivity, known for my encouraging quotes and motivational posts. Guess what? When I'm not so positive, you get me there. On days when I want to post about tears and the "R" word (ya know, rejection), I read your blogs, and I am happy. On days when I hate my WIP and I hate query letters and I wonder if it's worth it, I read your blogs, and I am happy.

Together, we keep each other motivated to do this thing. Together, we keep each other encouraged and hopeful and celebrated and applauded.  Thank you for being here. All of you.

When writing gets hard, what makes you happy?

33 comments:

Old Kitty said...

Awwww how sweet!! That's why I love blogging so much cos it's fun and gets me out of a rut sometimes!!! Blogging more than any other social network for me is great!!!

Watching silly youtube clips also makes me happy!! LOL!!!

Take care
x

Unknown said...

Oh my gosh I can't believe you mentioned my name *blushes* that is so super sweet of you!!!

I'm with you though! When I'm down reading everyone's blogs makes me happy (along with watching trash TV). Especially when I'm waiting to hear from a publishing house (which is happening right now). I feel like I'm going crazy, but when I visit the blog my friends make it all worth while.

S.A. Larsenッ said...

Sweetness exudes all around. You and those bloggers/writers like you are what motivate me, keep me going. Posts that inspire, teach, and push me. That's what I try to give back.

Thank you.

Kittie Howard said...

You're really sweet, Shannon, I mean, a really good person. Blogs feed my spirit, too. There are times when we just gotta hang together, meaning we don't know individually what's going on, but we're all here to support.

Jana said...

I am so impressed by the people I know that are writing! I wish the best for everyone. I can't imagine how hard it is! You all impress me very much.

Candice said...

It's definitely writer friends that keep me going. I'm so thankful the writing community is such a supportive one.

Susan Kaye Quinn said...

Blogger-writer friends make me happy, keep me going. Seriously. I don't know how I would do this without them!

Chin up, sweets! I know it's hard, but I also know you're strong! :)

Karen Harrington said...

We're all in this together. It's a huge leap of faith to be a writer. There are no guarantees of readership, yet we press on. I actually feel closer to God through this roller coaster/journey.

Tamika: said...

Checking in with my writing community keeps me motivated and encouraged. The journey is far from easy but walking it together makes it engaging:)

Love your spirit Shannon!

BK Mattingly said...

Other blogs too! Unless I'm really down in the dumps and then it's chocolate covered raisins for me. Weird, right? It totally works though :) You're awesome!

Carolyn V. said...

I totally feel the same way! I hate to write about the hard times, but with all my bloggy friends I feel so much better! =D

Candyland said...

People like you. Seriously.

Karen Lange said...

I'm with you. My blogger friends make me happy too. To know the support is out there is sometimes overwhelming. And even brings tears to my eyes once in a while...
Blessings to you,
Karen

Patti said...

That's a good lesson for me today, as I am hating my query at the moment. Time to go read some more blogs.

Shari said...

I, too, find a lot of encouragement from my bloggie friends. That means you! So, thanks.

Amanda Bonilla said...

This business is SUCH a rollercoaster ride. It's thrilling, scary, exciting, and nausea inducing! It's nice to have writerly friends who are willing to buckle up beside you, throw their arms up in the air and enjoy the ride! :)

Susan R. Mills said...

You expressed my sentiments exactly! We're all in this together, and I love that we have each other to lean on.

Heather said...

I'll raise my coffee cup to that sister! You do the exact same for me and I'm so grateful for that. You are the queen indeed. :)

Melissa Gill said...

You're so right Shannon. It's this great blogging community that keeps us all strong. Thanks for your positive quotes, you always make my day. And if you need a boost, just know that we're here for you.

Patti Lacy said...

Another published writer (think Seekerville) and I were recently talking about THIS SAME THING.

Dear Shannon, for us it seems a CONSTANT struggle to keep our eyes on the Reason we are writing.

Otherwise, we can't survive the Texas Twister or Monster Mania or whatever is the current rollercoaster!

Thanks for tackling a HARD topic!
I've MISSED YOU!!!!

Blessings, dear one.
Patti

Tales of Whimsy said...

You! And the rest of my lovely fellow bloggers who comment :) *hugs* Beautiful post!

Oh and books make me happy :)

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Wonderful post so enjoyable to read.

Yvonne.

TerryLynnJohnson said...

if I'm unhappy, I leave writing alone for a while. Go for a hike or do something outside. Brings on the hapy.

Angela Ackerman said...

Right back atcha, sister!

There are many unknowns in this industry, but there is also one certainty--I could not do this alone.

Hugs all round!

Angela @ The Bookshelf Muse

Jules said...

I so agree with you on all those items. Music, music and more music, I just change the beat :)
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

Kathi Oram Peterson said...

Right back at you! You're blog always makes me smile and helps me try harder to be a better writer.

Meredith said...

Such a beautiful post! I totally feel the same way. There's something about being a part of a community that makes this whole writing process so much easier!

Jemi Fraser said...

You've said it perfectly! The online community of writers and other book people amazes me. The people are wonderful - and that most definitely includes you! :)

Christie Wright Wild said...

How about when life gets hard, what makes you happy? Writing!

Stephanie Thornton said...

You are definitely the Queen of Happy- I love that!

(But always feel free to email me when you need to vent!)

You want to know what honestly makes me happy when I'm really down? Curling up with a good book and a bowl of ice cream. It works every time!

Theresa Milstein said...

I'm happy you're happy.

When I've been low and written a down post, the outpouring of support has kept me at this whole writing thing. Blogging takes away time from writing but it also keeps me writing.

If a rejection gets you down, send me an e-mail, Shannon. And when you land that agent, you'd better send me an e-mail!

Natasha said...

*hugs back*

I have been superbusy the last few weeks and am still in the process of playing ketchup. Working my way through your blog, and smiling too.

Carol Riggs said...

Nice, sweet sentiments. Ditto--I agree! I go back to relationships, which is what matters. Connecting to people, regardless of what is happening with my WiP or my full or my query. :)

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...