When 2010 first started, I was very excited about all the things that I would accomplish with my novel project.
Don’t we all have that feeling? That feeling of anticipation of meeting your goals and making progress? Having the best dreams for your novel?
Then life happens.
Other responsibilities. Day jobs. Family. All the things that can push your writing and your novel out of your focus.
They say that patience is a virtue. For me, it’s one of the hardest virtues to practice. Especially in our immediate gratification society of overnight success.
But in a way, I’m glad that I learned patience because it’s taught me that faster doesn’t always mean better. And the novel project that I started with in January — although not as complete as I want it to be here in December — is more deeper and richer. And for that I should feel like I’ve accomplished something.
I think another hard virtue that I learned to practice this year is forgiveness. Self-forgiveness to be more exact. I learned that I’m only human and that I can only do so much. I don’t beat myself up with the “What-ifs” scenarios. My novel project is where it is and there’s no need to torture myself of where it should be.
So I’ve learned two hard-earned virtues this year: patience and self-forgiveness. And I think as a writer, these are two virtues that will keep me sane. Because this isn’t a sprint. It’s not even a marathon. It’s a journey.
What about you? Did you earn or learn any hard virtues this year?
The Hardest Virtues
December 14, 2010 Read Comments
Oh man, those are good ones. I’m still working on both the patience thing and the self-forgiveness thing. I’ve been working on both of those for a loooooooooong time. :)
“Because this isn’t a sprint. It’s not even a marathon. It’s a journey.” Amen. It’s sooo hard, isn’t it? Just this morning I was trying to pep myself up to start writing again. It’s discouraging when day after day progress is so minute it’s hardly measurable.
Patience is such a virtue, and I think I’ve gotten better with it, but I’m still struggling.
Good post, Karen. I think I learned to trust my process. This came to a head with Nanowrimo when I realized I could not “vomit” my story out. It develops in my mind in a series of little scenes and no amount of forcing it in front of the computer was going to change that.
@Meredith: I think I will be working and tweaking on these two for the rest of my life. Two very hard virtues to practice consistently.
@Anne: Writing is such a slow process. I think we get caught up on people we hear about that write a book in six weeks and then get a deal. For me, I just have to focus on what I can do for my novel project.
@Vicky: Yes, I learned this with NaNo too. Like you, I can’t just blow it all out. It comes in phases and scenes for me. I can’t force it. And if I do, when I come back to it, I usually have to throw it out anyway.
Karen, what an excellent post! Yes, we can’t beat ourselves up too much. We do the best that we can, we learn, and we move forward. Things will fall into place when the time is right.
I agree, I had such big goals for this year. I was going to start querying on a project that I eventually scrapped. Some might call that a failure, but I’m glad I didn’t put inferior work out there when I know I can do better. Instead, I changed the genre I write, and now I feel like I’m on a better track. I still have work I want to do, but now I actually have a project that I’ll start querying soon, and I’m proud of it.
I’ve learned these virtues this year as well. I’m a slow writer and I’ve had to accept the fact that my first draft is taking me longer to write than I had wanted it to. Patience and self-forgiveness are such important things for writers to embrace. Great post!
It’s a journey, I love that. So true! I’ve had trouble with patience in the past too. It’s something I’ve learned well this year. Self-forgiveness is something I’m working on too. Next year will be a good year for both of us, I can feel it! Good things are coming.
Great post! I started writing in eighth grade. Got agent and book deal at age 42. TOTALLY WORTH the journey (and the discovery that your writing gets better with that you do along the way). Wouldn’t trade any of it :)
@Julie: I do believe things have a specific timing. Rushing doesn’t make it happen faster.
@Tiana: I remember when you changed genres. You listened to what your writing told you and now you are working on a project you love. You should be so proud of yourself. That takes a lot of courage.
@Ghenet: I’m a slow writer too. Each writer has a different pace. We shouldn’t compare ourselves or our progress with other writers. It will just cause unnecessary stress.
@Heather: Ha, we have both learned SO much this year. I think 2011 will be a great year for us too. :)
Stasia: Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I also believe your writing gets better with time. And you are proof of that. Congratulations on your novel, AUDITION. You had me at teen ballerina, ha. This is something I would love to read.
I am still learning the fine balance between patience and ambition. They war constantly inside me but I know I will get there.
Great post, Karen. I am working sooo hard on the patience thing. Thankfully parenting gave me an advance tutorial otherwise I would be out of my mind by now! I hope 2011 treats you and your writing very well. :)
As writers, we have to learn patience, and self-forgiveness, so we’re not beating ourselves up over mistakes and bad decisions that we thought were good. And hopefully, the slower writing will mean less revising. :)
@Joanna: I can see how ambition and patience can be at odds with each other sometimes — but ambition may be the thing to keep you challenged enough to push through to the next level.
@Melissa: Ha, parenting can definitely earn you a Phd in patience. I hope 2011 is good for your writing too. :)
@Laura: I think slower writing can led to a stronger story. But I may be a little biased since I’m a slow writer. :)