Writing by Amor Magno
I highly encourage you to click on that photo and read the caption. It’s brilliant, and my heart swells whenever I read it.
It’s been another trying year with my health, but I still smile when I look back over the past twelve months. I was able to accomplish more than I thought possible and have never been happier.
You know why? My passion and love for writing has saved me. I love talking to writers and other artists about what they love. I’ve found a common theme most agree with: It doesn’t matter how bad you may feel from day to day. Having that little push–that desire to achieve your goals–pushes you to extremes. Once you decide what you want, go for it. Write your goals down. Say them out loud on a daily basis. The universe has a way of making things happen once it knows what you want. Once you know what you want. Sure this may sound hokey, but it works. If only to remind yourself of what you want, and why you’re working so hard.
There are so many highs and lows in life. As writers, it can be difficult to feel like we aren’t doing enough because we may not see our product in reader’s hands, or we sometimes have to answer questions about our work to people who have no idea about writing. Oftentimes those conversations go something like this:
Q: ”What do you do?”
A: ”I’m a writer.”
Q: ”Oh! What books have you published?” (most automatically assume you’ve obviously published a book.)
A: ”Well, I’m working on revisions/drafting/querying/self-publishing (insert various writing activity here.)”
*crickets*
*blank stare*
*walks away*
Add in the fact you write for teens and watch their facial expression scrunch up in pure confusion. Of course this doest apply to everyone, but I’m sure we’ve all experienced this in some variation. But you know what? I’ve never been happier. I’ve never been filled with so much passion in my entire life. I wake up in the morning, and I know it’s only a matter of time before my dreams come true. I put it out into the universe and strive for it on a daily basis. Sure I get discouraged, but that’s okay. It’s perfectly normal to get down every now and then as long as you get back up. Pick yourself up, dust that story off, and peck away at those keys.
What about you? What’s your greatest love or passion?
Courtney Koschel has been writing since she could hold a crayon. She has worked as a journalist, editor, technical writer, and technical editor. Young adult fiction is near and dear to her heart, which is why she writes YA and all of its glorious sub-genres.
Tonia Marie Houston is a mother, writer, poet, bookworm, and blogger. When sheís not chasing her three spider monkeys, she spends her time revising a young adult novel about life after death and second chances. Though she began to pursue her career later in life, she hopes to inspire and motivate other writers to put their best book forward.
This native Texan now lives with her Scottish hubby in North Ayrshire, Scotland, where she wanders the moors in search of William Wallace. She has been a guest blogger on Writer Unboxed and is currently working on the sequel to her YA supernatural novel, Touched by Darkness.
Jamie Raintree writes what she likes to call everyday fairytale love stories, featuring the little moments in life that are truly magical. She lives in Arizona with her husband and daughter and is currently editing her second novel.
Jani Grey is a South African ambivert, writer, reader, optimist, and bacon enthusiast. When her boss isnít looking she writes, revises, or edits YA Urban Fantasies in between work. Sheís sneaky like that. Sheís a NaNoWriMo addict and is currently working on two NaNo novels.
Rebecca Fields is a modern gypsy, roaming from place to place in search of ñ well, sheíll let you know when she finds it. Writing has become a way for her to share her adventures, both real and imagined. Along with her on her journey are her son and an assortment of rescued animals.
Jamie Raintree
February 10, 2012 at 4:32 pm
I COMPLETELY agree, Courtney! There’s something about having a feeling of higher purpose that makes all the other difficult things in life not seem important at all. I don’t think I could live without writing. It makes me feel like I’m here for a reason and I can’t wait to get to a point to share my work with the world. I know it will come for me, and for you, and for anyone else who can’t stop until they do.
Courtney Koschel
February 11, 2012 at 9:41 am
Yes! Exactly. It will come for both of us. I know perseverance is key, and we all have that in us
Tonia Marie Houston
February 10, 2012 at 5:32 pm
Courtney, you amaze and inspire. Writing is my passion. When I neglect my writing, my goals and dreams for the future, it affects everything else in my life. I feel much the same as you, Jamie, and countless others. Writing is my freedom, the one thing that I own are the words I use, the stories I choose to share. I agree with Jamie in that we will reach readers. Our love story will have its conclusion.
Courtney Koschel
February 11, 2012 at 9:42 am
Thank you, Tonia
I <3 you! Writing is one thing that brings so many people together.
Rebecca
February 10, 2012 at 6:01 pm
Great post, Courtney! I’m so glad you’ve found your passion and that it’s helped you through such a hard time in your life. You will make it. Very proud of you
Courtney Koschel
February 11, 2012 at 9:43 am
I have definitely found something that keeps me busy, happy, and makes me feel so much better. Thank you for your kind words. It’s been a long journey, and it’s just starting
Heather Reid
February 11, 2012 at 3:35 am
Courtney, you are a true inspiration. I totally agree! Writing is my passion. It’s a part of me. When I’m unable to devote the time I want to writing, I get grumpy. My whole mood changes. It’s been a frustrating week for me with submissions and trying to balance my writing life with my new job, but my goals haven’t changed. We have to keep focused on our passion. Put it out there in the world and believe that we will reach those goals. I have no doubt you will! Supporting one another and growing together in our passion makes the journey a little less lonely. Thank you for walking the path with me. Write on!
*hugs and chocolate*
Courtney Koschel
February 11, 2012 at 9:45 am
Isn’t it funny how writing influences our mood? I get so cranky when I don’t get my writing in. I’m happy to walk the path with such wonderful people. It’s been so fabulous getting to know everyone. I’ve made such wonderful friends online, and I can’t wait to grow with all of you in this journey
Vaughn Roycroft
February 11, 2012 at 6:38 am
Boy, do I ever know about those conversations. And I’ve got a dinner party to go to tonight, with some folks I’ve never met. I actually find myself avoiding engaging with new people now because I’m dreading the ‘what do you do’ query and conversation to follow. But I also agree I’ve never been happier, or felt more complete. LOVE the Magno quote. I wish you happy and successful writing, improving health, and will never ask you about your publishing status (doesn’t matter)!
Courtney Koschel
February 11, 2012 at 9:48 am
Good luck at your dinner party! Those conversations are always fun, lol. I know people don’t mean anything by it, they simply don’t know what to say. I’m so happy to hear other writers say how happy and whole writing makes them
Jani
February 11, 2012 at 7:05 am
Great post, Courtney. I couldn’t agree with you more. Like you and Heather said, writing is my passion and what a great thing to love. In a weird way I think that when it gets you down, you know it working and you’re on the right track. What matters is that you pick yourself up and get back to it. It won’t belong before you’re back to being in love with what you’re doing.
Courtney Koschel
February 11, 2012 at 9:49 am
Yes! You’re so right. Getting down on yourself is when you know you’re doing something right, lol. I think most writers that are in love with their work keep on keeping on
zhaniswolf
February 14, 2012 at 1:43 pm
As a poet, I believe that writing prevented me from committing suicide many years ago. I struggle with depression and had a really rough patch in my life that I never thought I’d get out of (I was 14 and I’m pretty sure every 14 year old goes through that stage where life is hell and it’ll never end). Thanks to music and poetry, I made it out alive. It still keeps me sane