I have only had this blog for a couple of months. However, I decided to be proactive with my writing one year ago. I consider this an anniversary of sorts, a writing anniversary, if you will. I’m calling it The Write Year.
While I have been a writer for many years I didn’t put anything into motion until January 2011. I went to the Writer’s Digest Conference in NYC, despite feeling absolutely petrified. They were holding a Query Slam where authors had 3 minutes to pitch their novels to literary agents. I told myself if I’m serious about this book, if I’m serious about being a writer, then I had to do this.
Some background: Thanks to a bump in the road, I saw how pathetically stuck I was. For the first time ever I saw all the mistakes I’d made in my life, the poor decisions, how I continually avoided risks. For the first time ever I stopped blaming someone or something else, stopped making excuses about “no time” or “not ready yet.” For the first time I saw that I was at a do-or-die point in my life.
Writing was at the crux of all of this. Like I said, I might have been a writer for a long time but I was unable to recognize its value. When I “found” writing, it was like finding a part of my soul that I didn’t even know was there. The only time I felt any peace was when I was writing. The only time I felt like I was doing something I was meant to do, it was when I was writing.
When I decided to go to that conference, my entire world–spirit and shell–altered.
Looking back, I know it’s because I forced myself to do something that terrified the hell out of me. Not only did I go to NYC by myself, but I got up at 1:30 am to catch a bus to South Station in Boston—during a blizzard. I got lost at South Station, and I had a chance to change my mind. I didn’t.
When I reached NYC, I wanted to throw up. All my fears were coming true. NYC was everything I knew it would be: intimidating, fast-paced, overpowering.
But I pressed on. The conference turned out to be great. I met wonderful people, and I learned new writing tactics. When I returned home, things happened.
The Greensilk Journal published my short story, “Treasures.” I had a couple of friends hire me to edit their novels, thereby kicking off an unplanned writing coach/editing business. I was asked by the local school district to teach a creative writing class, which eventually became part of my writing/editing business. I started my website/blog and began meeting people across cyberspace. I met the wonderful LimebirdBeth over at limebirdwriters and became part of her fantabulous team. Then I got a hit on my query from an agent interested in my novel.
Through it all I’ve had to coach myself every day, as if I were training for a marathon. There are days I don’t want to get up at 4am to write. There are times I feel so burned out I can’t imagine maintaining this pace. Sometimes I feel like hurling my calendar against the wall because I can’t face one more task. I’m inclined to take an out when I feel too overwhelmed and unskilled to be an aspiring novelist.
Essentially, I am living against my nature. Going against my grain. Fighting the personality that I grew up with isn’t a treat, I must say. But if I want to live my dream, then I have to combat my impulse to run scared. And when I feel I just can’t do it anymore, I think about the trip I took to NYC, beating the odds that I’d turn tail.
Happy Anniversary to me.
Do have an experience that has changed you for the better?
Happy 1st birthday!
Glad we found each other!
Me, too!!
Happy Anniversary
Thanks! Got your message–I’ll be in touch soon.
Happy anniversary! You’ve achieved so much in the past year all down to your hard work and determination. I’m so happy to have met you and the other limebirds.
I’ve been doing some similar soul-searching recently and actually have a pending post on limebirds about what made me want to be a published author! As you know from some of my recent comments I’m a self-questioning phase at the moment so I have so much respect for you and what you achieve. x
Hi Sally,
Glad to hear from you about this. Often, when I’m writing posts, blogging friends come to mind depending on what my topic is. I wonder if they are feeling the same way, have similar experiences, or can identify with my rants one way or another.
I can’t wait to read your post on Limebird. I know that you are at a crossroads yourself, and you are up against a lot. I guess all I can say is that you’ll know what’s important when it comes right down to it. But you do have to believe you can do whatever you put your mind to.
Happy anniversary! What a great and uplifting year you’ve had
I definitely have my fingers crossed on the query!
Thanks Laura!
Kathryn, what an inspiring and honest post. Congratulations on an incredible year, and the beginnings of your writing journey!
Hi Kathils,
Well, thank you. It’s funny how once we decide to just bare our souls, it gets easier to hang it all out, eh? I never would have been this open prior to a year ago, so when I re-read this post and others like it, I am stunned that I actually said those things out loud.
Morning, Kathryn. Happy Writing Anniversary to you
Isn’t it something to always be doing battle? You are so right. Your nature is something you struggle with all your life. Congrats to you on how far you’ve fought. Hope this 2nd year is just as rewarding, and just as surprising 
Hi Kathryn,
Yes, I wonder why some of us aren’t built better to go after our dreams? Thank you for your kind words. Year 2 will be very exciting, simply in the fact that I am ready to do whatever it takes to be successful in my endeavors.
Thanks for commenting!
Fabulous post, Kate. I’m still in that kind of first year, won’t be celebrating until October, but the whole post resonates for me, and with the things I’ve done nice then. For me, the big scary thing I forced myself to do when I realized I was at a writing crossroads was NaNo last year, but it was an incredible experience that I’m still seeing ripples from across my life. Writer’s conference is on this year’s big scary things, so I guess I’ll have to report back.
I have faith that you can keep this up, that good things will come of it for you. I have my fingers crossed for you with the agent. I’m looking forward to continuing to share your journey as a writer through your blogging. Happy Anniversary!
Hi Julie,
Oh yes, NaNo is a huge block buster, isn’t it? When I participated in that I definitely saw that I could write under pressure, which is something I never knew about myself.
Which conference are you going to? Yes, you must let us know how it goes for you. I really wanted to go to this year’s Writer’s Digest conference, but couldn’t swing it. There is a small conference in my home state at the end of March which I will attend. But that’s cake compared to what I stepped into in NYC! Although, I’d love to try NYC again and meet up with a bunch of blogging friends. I think that would be awesome. Maybe next year.
Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement. And absolutely, I look forward to exchanging news and inspiration with you across cyberspace!
There are two yearly cons that go on in and around Vancouver, which is all I can afford at the moment I suspect. VCon and the Surrey International Writers Conference. I’m still trying to choose between them. I’ve been encouraged by different people in both directions, which isn’t helping. If they were far apart on the calendar, I’d think about maybe doing both, but they’re about two weeks apart for some reason. They’re not until September/October, so I have time at least.
That is very strange that they didn’t separate them more. You’d think they’d know how difficult it is for writers to go to these things.
Well, good luck with whichever one you choose. Keep me posted!
I love reading about your experiences Kate. They are so inspiring. Happy anniversary Kate
Thanks BK! How’s the writing coming? I am still plugging away at the book. I’m not a slow reader, truly, but my times to read these days amount to ten minutes here, twenty minutes there. Ugh. I’m still enjoying it though, grisly as it is!
Thanks for your kind words. What I love best about blogging is writing something meaningful for someone else. I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
Happy Anniversary! I can identify with so many things you say in this post. For me, starting my blog was the change moment. I’d resisted it for so long, but you know the story—every agent and editor says we have to do them.
The contact and support with other writers is amazing. The fear that I’ll run out of things to say isdaunting. Trying to keep up with it and writing my novels while working is exhausting. But it’s making me think I may have some good stories that people will want to read.
Hope you’re enjoying year 2!
Hey JM,
Oh yes, blogging is a huge step into the unknown. You’re right, it’s something we have to do in an effort to market ourselves. It’s tough in some ways; fun in others.
I agree with what you say about the contact and support with other writers. I will say that I’ve always been pretty lucky in terms of finding support from other writers. I live in a fairly “artsy” area where actors, artists, writers, sculptors abound. It’s been easy to connect with people who share the same interests, but since having kids getting out to mingle in writing groups or what have you is difficult. Blogging is a definite lifesaver.
I think you do a terrific job with your blog, JM. You’re such a well-spoken and interesting person that you shouldn’t have any worries about not having material to blog. You’ll be fine!
Thanks for commenting!
WOW! A very well-deserved happy anniversary. Your blog helped me get to know you better. Hang in there. I think you’re a great inspiration to all of us.
Hi Pat,
Thank you so much for your kind words. I feel the same about you and your beautiful blog, too!
Congrats on your 1 year anniversary. I was at that WDC. Wish we had crossed paths.
Sounds like a terrific year.
Hi Kourtney,
I remember you telling me that you were there. Wouldn’t that have been something if we’d met once, then met again through cyberspace! I will always appreciate that conference, and I wish that going there yearly wasn’t such a hassle (travel-wise, financially).
Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
I’m new to your blog and this is the first post of yours I’ve ever read. Although I don’t know you, this post was so refreshingly sincere and honest I can’t help but smile and be happy for the success of a total stranger. Congrats on achieving so many goals in year 1..I can only imagine what year 2 will bring, and know I’ll be checking in often to see how its going!
Hi there! Wow, thanks so much. That makes me feel so good. I love it when I can write something that touches someone else in a meaningful way. That is part of why I write, to give back to the community and perhaps inspire another struggling soul.
Thanks for stopping by, and I look forward to chatting with you again!
Happy Anniversary indeed. It sounds cliche, I know, but I think one can’t grow without getting “uncomfortable.” Facing fears is definitely uncomfortable!
Hi there,
You’re absolutely right. It is the only way to get the best out of life. Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting!
Happy Anniversary and well done on facing your fears and fighting forward. What an inspiring and motivating post. Congrats on the bite from the agent!
Hi buddhaful!
Thank you so much. I appreciate your kind thoughts. Have a super day!
Bravo Kate!
I’m so proud of how you did not let your fear stop you! *Cheers and applause* on your much deserved first anniversary.
I am writing upcoming blog posts today and will include a link to this post in my weekly blog love. The planned post should post on or about the 21st.
Hi Christy!
Well, thank you so much for your kind words. Overcoming fear is a huge task, and one that never seems to end. But it does get easier.
I love the fact you give weekly blog love. That’s such an awesome way to “give back” to the blogging world. Thank you so much for including me. That really means a lot. I look forward to exploring the links you share and wandering onto new sites.
Hope you’re enjoying your weekend!
What a wonderful story of perseverance. January 2011 was a big month for me, too, as that’s when I turned the switch on my blog from private to public. We learn so much more when we face our fears than when we hide from them. Congratulations to you!
Hi Darla,
Well, then, congratulations to you also! Don’t you feel completely different now that you have done something that at one time seemed impossible? Of course, this feeling of fear has not completely vanished but it has gotten easier to deal with.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
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Thanks for mentioning this post, Christy. I’m glad you found it inspiring!
Great post. As someone also at a turning point I found this quite inspirational. Thanks!
Warmly,
Laura
Hi Laura,
Wow, thanks for reading this post. It definitely reflects a wonderful upsurge in my life that I remind myself to capitalize on every day.
Thanks for stopping by!
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