Hello, friends! It's hard to believe it's time for the first 2019 meeting of The Insecure Writer's Support Group. 2019! How did we get here already? My blog is officially 8 years old now, which is also hard for me to believe. It's been an amazing 8 years thanks in no small part to all the wonderful people who make up this group, which was founded by our Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh. To view list members and this month's co-hosts, visit the IWSG page here.
It's safe to say 2018 was not a productive year for me writing-wise, and as December came to a close I was grumpy and mired in the type of defeatist thinking that has plagued me for as long as I can remember. I was certain that 2019 would be the same, as well as 2020, 2021, 2022, and so on. In short, I had decided that I would surely never write again and I was a moron for ever thinking I could do it in the first place.
But then I was going for a run back in my favorite park and out of nowhere I had some new ideas come and sit on my shoulder and whisper in my ear. They were ideas for the story I've been working on forever and ideas for stories I'd never thought of before. I started feeling warm and fuzzy and tingly with adrenaline. I couldn't wait to get home to write down the ideas and start exploring them.
By total coincidence, I started reading the latest selection for the IWSG book club, Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, that evening. I was amazed to discover that the title of her book refers to her own experience with having ideas and inspiration arrive unbidden. She likens it to the excitement felt when first falling in love, and views it as a form of magic. Big Magic.
While reading I thought of my experience back in the park and the excitement that coursed through me and decided I agreed with her. It was magic! And it was magic I haven't felt for far too long, as any writing I have done recently has felt more like a chore than like something I love to do.
So now I'm planning to ride this magic wave into 2019 and work on these ideas that have taken up residence in my head. I'm thrilled to feel excited again!
Happy New Year! I hope 2019 is a year filled with lots of magic and joy for all of us.
Awesome! Ride that magic wave. You needed that boost.
ReplyDeleteYeh for being excited about writing again!
ReplyDeleteI love that Gilbert book. It just really spoke to me, and obviously I'm not alone in that. :)
I'm so glad you're feeling excited about the coming year! Wishing you much joy and happiness in 2019.
ReplyDeleteYeah! Emerging out of the swamp and into the sunshine always feels good. Here's to a productive 2019.
ReplyDeleteOMGOSH! Big Magic is amazing! You've inspired me. I must read it again. So, so glad you're finding your way to writing again.
ReplyDeleteI love how inspiration comes out of nowhere! It's like our writer mind reassuring us that we can do this forever.
ReplyDeleteOMG!!!! You had your own BIG MAGIC! I have, too. :) And I'm so glad you're reading the book club selection! Join us on Goodreads on the 23rd. We'll be making it easy for people to participate, including offering a fast poll.
ReplyDeleteI'll take some of that magic, please! Good luck on your writing.
ReplyDeleteI love when ideas come out of nowhere like that. I could use some of that right now!
ReplyDeleteHow cool--the inspiration! I walk my dog (no running anymore) and often wish I'd get inspiration but I end up chatting with Casey rather than musing. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteI love how a new year brings new possibilities for everyone. It's interesting how flipping the calendar kind of puts polish on the turds of our lives.
ReplyDeleteI've had those moments of defeat. Thankfully, they never last long because my muse decides she doesn't like that thinking and hits me with an idea. Maybe that's what yours did. ;)
ReplyDeleteI love it! It's always great when we hear those whispers of new ideas and creative thoughts. I'm so happy for you! What a great way to start the new year!
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Outstanding!
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Happy New year to you, Julie! YAY for the MAGIC! That is FANTASTIC NEWS. As a fan of your writing, I am thrilled to hear that you haven't given up. I know I haven't and I still don't have my breakthrough novel yet, but I know in 2019 it WILL HAPPEN. It has be TEN LONG years for me since I began writing. I guess that is the MAGIC number and my present WIP is my THIRD full novel. Three's always the charm.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I felt that this project was a chore. As I had posted on my blog, this was not my story, but someone else's and it truly does make a difference. Of course, there are the wonderful "Michael" touches woven into the description and atmosphere, but yet it isn't mine... Looking so forward to completing the last fifty or so pages. It has been a LONG haul.
ALL THE BEST for this year and I am looking forward to seeing your NEW WORKS!
I started Big Magic and found it encouraging, too.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes on Writing Magic all year!!!
Glad you found some magic. It's easy to get discouraged. I just thought of a new idea too but am working on my current one for now.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny how those ideas just come out of nowhere. So glad that you're feeling excited! Hope that feeling last all year long!
ReplyDeleteI love it when ideas arrive like that. Ride that magic wave. Happy IWSG and Writing.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year and congrats on finding your new mojo. I have faith in you...always did and believe you will make great headway.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're inspired! Here's to 2019 being a magical year.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you took that walk in the park! Some days I have those same thoughts. But doggone those ideas for being so persistent!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
ReplyDeleteEvery now and then I get frustrated when I think of my own writing. It seems as if I am not moving fast enough. A trip to my favourite cafe with my iPad usually helps me get back in sync with myself. I'm glad that you found yourself again. So happy that you didn't give up. Keep writing. You can do it.
Wishing you all the best with your writing in 2019.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
Your post is so uplifting. Big Magic is sitting on my nightstand. It might be a good idea to read it. LOL Best wishes for a great month.
ReplyDeleteWishing you all the BIG MAGIC you can handle in 2019!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the magic! Happy 2019!
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your comments and Happy New Year to you!!
ReplyDeleteI'm really happy to hear that some magic has arrived, and just in time to get 2019 off to a big and wonderful start!
ReplyDeleteThe wonders of exercise for our brains! That's great you're feeling the magic. I also had a spark of an idea recently after taking a break from writing. Here's to a happy 2019, Julie!
ReplyDeleteSo great that the creative juices are flowing again. Getting inspired again while out in nature just proves there really is something in the air!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a magical 2019.
Woot woot for the magic! I hope it stays fresh and alive all year and the years to follow. :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome! May the magic stay with you forever. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! That's awesome you have some ideas brewing for more stories!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Julie!
ReplyDeleteWriting is Magic and the places our ideas come from truly special!
Hope your year is filled with the magic that keeps you doing what you love!
Julie, You’ve always had a magical touch to your writing and I’m glad it’s been recharged again. Congrats on your blogoversary and I look forward to seeing what you have in store for 2019!
ReplyDeleteJulie
Eight years?! Wow, amazing! Glad you started blogging all those years ago. Always enjoy your posts!
ReplyDeleteAnd, oh, how wonderful that you had a burst of inspiration like that and are excited to write again! Hope this leads to much productivity for you in 2019!
Julie. it's great to get excited about writing again. I know the feeling. Here's to a healthy and prosperous 2019 to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteI love when ideas arrive like that. Let the magic begin!
ReplyDeleteCool! Keep riding that magic wave:)
ReplyDeleteWoo-hoo! Ride it, Julie! :) I love it when ideas whisper in our ears. Happy 2019!
ReplyDeleteIdeas that come out of nowhere are usually the best!
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Brilliant news Julie - I'm so pleased for you ... struggling to get going isn't fun - so all the best for 2019 - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteNice article as well as whole site.Thanks for sharing.
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It's always wonderful when an exciting new idea start percolating. Here's to seeing it through and into the world.
ReplyDeleteGood for you!
ReplyDeleteSend some magic my way. I could use some! :D
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