D.V. Sheppard

The web-log of a duck-herding author.

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Because, Life (IWSG)

I've been reading a couple y'all's recent posts and it seems I am not alone in January kind of... well suckin' awful. I don't know that I would say the month in its entirety held a complete enmity on existence, but it sure ended like it wanted to suffocate as much as it could manage.

I felt like crap last week. Pissed. Apathetic. Hurt. Numb. An awful cyclical LAME. I spat more expletives either in my head or out loud than I have probably in the past year as a whole. I don't swear as a general rule, so for me, it was a sign that I really didn't give a... poop... about anything.

I seem to be recovering, though, there are some things in life that I really wish would heal. Wombat and I dedicated the month of February to Prayer. Because... we really aren't good for anything else. Something's gotta give and when something's gotta give, you got it give it Up.

What does this have to do with writing? Dumb question, I know. How many of you can actually get good work and writing done on a project when you feel like you're in a mire? (Please, have mercy and don't post that it's during that time that you get all your most brilliant revisions and publications done, or I might cry)

I've done little if nothing. I couldn't remember why it mattered, or why I ever cared. It was sad face. I'm coming out the other end as of this Monday. Heck, I even had one of my patients at work offer a kind gesture that made me feel a little warm and fuzzy. She's one of those intuitive sort -you can't escape them seeing through the smiling lie on your face, no matter how practiced you've become (or not, My job in a nutshell? Maybe.)

So here I am tentatively poking my head out, wondering if it's safe to touch the manuscript again. It hurts to look at it and feel nothing. I have some hope.

 Alex J. Cavanaugh's Blog HopOn another note, as I have just delved into revisions for my book, I thought that I would take the advice of... well... some brilliant blogger that I read... can't recall who... it's all a blur... who mentioned writing a query letter even before writing a book - just to prove that your book is query-able. My book is definitely already written, but I figure as I am revising, it's in a "tear me up, glue me back together" stage that would allow major changes - should I find my story lacking important query-able elements. I don't know if that paragraph made any sense, but I have to hit the loo, so I'm not going to look back and fix it if it's gibberish because I need to go.

Well... I'm back... You'd think I had kids with how unabashed I am with sharing the schedule of my potty breaks. Anyway...

Thanks for listening, IWSGers. I will leave you with one more face palm. My last post was a lament on how my bitty super-beginner writing class didn't help much with my paper like I was hoping. This week - two papers that I passed around returned with incorrect grammar corrections. I think I incredulously ranted on my way home, but I suppose that's not fair of me. I know they were trying to help. Needless to say, I've officially adjusted my expectations, and will work on appreciating their efforts and willingness... but otherwise maybe just submit my paper to the schools online writing center for a tutor to look over.




6 comments:

I always have a 'this so sucks' / 'I hate this' phase with every project. You're not alone. I can assure you that I always end in love with them again, after a lot of slogging and a lot of work. I put on 'blinders' and attack one line at a time, one chapter at a time. That helps me a lot.
 
Oh, MAN yes. January was the worst suckage imaginable! Hopefully it is all turning around, but SO hard to write when so much is going really wrong. I hope this month turns it around for you, too!
 
Sounds like it's been a sucky time, but hey, you are peeking your head out, right?

And it's probably a good thing you adjusted your expectations. At least you have a good source for encouragement!
 
I smiled in sympathy about the incorrect edits. My one publisher hired a new editor and she tries to correct this one issue in my manuscript every time and she is wrong. I try not to be rude but I finally explained the grammatical rule to her. It was very frustrating.
 
My last three blog posts have been, in part, about how crappy the month of January has been--so I hear ya. I'm determined to make February a more positive month. Anyway, I'm glad you are getting back into your revisions, it's a tough process but with steady progress you'll begin to see your book shine. And, if you ever need some feedback, let me know. I’d be happy to help if I can. :)
 
I'm sorry you've had such a crappy January. :( I know how much it sucks to turn in a paper and have people incorrectly 'correct' it. You're right about the fact that they're only trying to help; I'd probably send my paper to the instructor personally.

At least you're poking your head out of your hiding place. That's always good. :) I'm hoping your February is more fruitful and positive for you. I'm still making my way through the IWSG blogs; sorry I'm a little late. It's nice to 'meet' you. Eva
 

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