In my morning pages today I was not happy with myself and the amount of writing I’m doing. It’s Wednesday and besides my freelance work, which requires much writing, sure; but, it’s not MY writing. I’m behind in NaNoWriMo goals. I have too many manuscripts that need varying levels of polishing. Then I have to remind myself that it’s a process. Creating is a process. It’s also cyclic. One day you’ll love what you write — I was giggling my butt off silly on Sunday writing, so pleased with what I wrote. Today, I’m frustrated with how much I’m getting done. Yet, I carry on. I keep trudging. Snap writing here. Editing there. It will get done. I can’t be a superhero about it. It’s unrealistic. That doesn’t mean I shouldn’t push, I shouldn’t focus my energies and efforts.

That brings me to today’s prompt. You need to forgive yourself your creative missteps. Have something published you wish you could take back? Not satisfied with how often you write? Giving yourself the side-eye because your manuscript is not published? Are you beating yourself up because you haven’t sent out any queries?

Forgive yourself.

Then get back on that writing habit and rectify things. May we all live so long that our early work is an embarrassment to us. Find the hurdle that’s eating into your writing time and overcome it. Send out that query. Even more boldly decide you’re going to author publish.

Don’t forget our workshop is this week on Saturday, Nov. 15th, at the North Bend Library at 10:30 a.m.. I’ll have an abbreviated workshop so that the last 1/2 hour can be dedicated to writing. This month’s topic is on where to send your work. Please RSVP so I know to plan appropriately, especially this week as there will be handouts.

Now your moment of writing Zen:

“Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.” ~Muhammed Ali.

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