Kelly Gibbons, artist and writer, about me

Sunday, November 14, 2004

Do you ever do nothing because you think what you are doing isn't enough? I know I do. But, I have also learned (am still learning) that the little things do matter and do make a difference.

That's why this new logo is posted over in my sidebar.

I was checking out some favorite websites, and I came across the link and thought it was such a wonderful idea. I wish I could buy one of the snowflakes, but right now I can't (other priorities). That's not going to stop me from doing something, and that something is posting that logo over there and telling everyone about it. Maybe someone who reads this is in a position to buy a snowflake, or maybe someone who reads this will post the link too, and then someone that sees it at there site will see it, and...I think you see where I'm going here. My little step does matter.

Little steps matter in life too. I have read this and seen this everywhere. Everything you do starts out with baby steps. If we try to run before we try to walk we will probably fall. I know it is frustrating when you want to run the marathon (or accomplish any goal) and your stuck in the training mode. It's hard to see all those runners running when your still lacing up your shoes. It's also hard to see all those writers getting contracts and publishing books when you are still sharpening your pencil. Remember, they all started by sharpening their pencils too, and at times, they still have to sharpen their pencils.

Since I set my goal of being an artist and a writer I have constantly heard the saying "persistence pays off". Persistence means keep going. No matter what. Persistence means not giving up when you are frustrated that you aren't going anywhere. Persistence means sending out another proposal or sample of artwork even if you have been rejected 40 times. Persistence means looking at those rejections like badges of honor for all the hard work you put in. Remember, for every rejection you get, it means you took a lot of baby steps to get there. The more baby steps you take the sooner you will be running.

This is a reminder to myself, because I have been stuck. I tried to run and I fell on my ass, and instead of getting up, I've been sitting her on my bottom crying about it. I'm done crying. I'm getting back up, brushing my self of and taking more steps. I will get there one baby step at a time.

I'm in the final stages of writing a novel. Back in August I joined a group, A Novel Plan, formed by the wonderful, Angela. The group is a three month novel writing plan and Angela encourages and tries to motivate you along the way. It has been a wonderful experience. She doesn't promise you that you will do it (really that's up to you--she's wonderful, but there are limits), but she does tell you that it is possible. It is possible if you make the effort, put in the time, stop making excuses and just do it.

In the beginning I was so motivated--I was seriously kicking butt. I wrote everyday because I made the time to do. Then self doubt and life (new job) got in the way, and I wrote less and less, and for a good month I stopped completely. I never gave up on the idea though. A few weeks ago, I walked by a book store, and the familiar thought, "Someday, my book will be sold there," crept into my head. Then I stopped in my tracks and thought, "How will they ever sell your book there if you don't write it?" They won't! If I don't write a book, there is absolutely no possible way that it will ever be for sale in any book store. It was the wake up call I needed.

I started writing again, and the three month deadline is looming over me (Saturday, November 20, 2004 to be exact.) That's 6 days away. I have 6 days to finish my first draft. I am not worry about the finished book right now (the pretty polished one that will be in that book store). My only goal is to produce a "crappy first draft" by the deadline. I will do this.

If anyone is in a cheerleading mood this week, I could sure use the encouragement. In football terms (I think), my quarterback has thrown up the Hail Mary Pass and I'm running like heck to the end zone hoping to catch it. And if I screwed up that football analogy, forgive me, I tried. At least I knew I was going for a touchdown.

The book I'm writing is a Young Adult Novel (see sidebar) and I have ~~almost 28,000~~ ~~30,953~~ ~~32,508~~ 34,449 words written. My goal is about 40,000 words, but if I find my self at "the end" before that I'll stop there. Words here might be scarce until Saturday--I would rather put in the time there (priorities, it's all about priorities), but never fear (I'm picturing one or two faithful readers shaking in their shoes) I shall return. Be scared, it will probably be sooner than you think!

posted by Kelly @ 11/14/2004 07:31:00 AM

0 Comments: