Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Everything's Coming Up Milhouse (#IWSG February 2020)

January was a big month. Between the two pitch events on Twitter (#ISWGPit and #SFFPit), I received 5 requests from agents/publishers. I also resolved this year to submit something (a short story/query/etc) every week if possible, and thanks to those pitch requests I'm already at more than double my quota. Plus I'm still writing and editing furiously on a couple of projects, so all in all everything is coming up Milhouse.


So why am I feeling insecure? Because I've been through these productive phases before, and they never last. Usually life throws some kind of wrench into the works (and I can see a couple of potential spanners already winding up), but whatever the cause, it will inevitably happen. And then it's all the more frustrating and demoralizing, because I know what I should be doing, and how well everything could be doing, so the fact that I'm not writing and working is just a kick in the teeth.

I have to try to enjoy this while it lasts, and when the downswing does come to accept it as part of life's routine.

February Question
Has a single photo or work of art ever inspired a story? What was it and did you finish it?

Photo, no, but I have often been greatly influenced by music. Observe:


Completely a coincidence, I assure you.

While the song "10,000 Days" did have some influence on the book, I drew even more inspiration from another song, "Sleeping Beauty" by A Perfect Circle. The lyrics basically read like the plot of the book:

Delusional
I believe I can cure it all for you, dear
Coax or trick or drive or
drag the demons from you
Make it right for you sleeping beauty
Truly thought
I can magically heal you
You're far beyond a visible sign of your awakening
Failing miserably to rescue
Sleeping Beauty
Drunk on ego
Truly thought I could make it right
If I kissed you one more time to
Help you face the nightmare
But you're far too poisoned for me
Such a fool to think that I can wake you from your slumber
That I could actually heal you..
Sleeping Beauty
Poisoned and hopeless
You're far beyond a visible sign of your awakening
Failing miserably to find a way to comfort you
Far beyond a visible sign of your awakening
And hiding from some poisoned memory
Poisoned and hopeless
Sleeping Beauty

Songwriters: Billy Howerdel / Maynard James Keenan

So now you know my secret. Shhh. Don't tell anyone.

Hugs & Kisses,
-CDGK




The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Writers post their thoughts on their blogs, talking about their doubts and the fears they have conquered. It's a chance for writers to commiserate and offer a word of encouragement to each other. Check out the group at http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/.



12 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

The ride might not be as long as you want, but enjoy it while it lasts. That's awesome you got so many requests!
My pick was a song today as well.

Natalie Aguirre said...

Yes, enjoy being so productive while you can. Congrats on getting so many requests.

Anonymous said...

Wow - that is some inspiration. I love your book cover and the backstory is awesome.

Too funny about Milhouse! Eeyore also comes to mind. Hang in there.

Loni Townsend said...

Woot! I'm so happy things are going well for you, and I do hope the good streak outlasts the bad. Grats on the requests from the pitches! That's awesome!

Jennifer Hawes said...

When you have kids and a family, something is bound to break the writing streak. It's life. I've learned to deal with it. I actually have more time to read (because of my job) than to write, so I'm still adjusting to that. Reading all the books actually helps me write faster when I do get the chance.

M.J. Fifield said...

Way to go with the pitch contest results! That's awesome news!!

Music is a huge source of inspiration for me, too. Tool and A Perfect Circle can be found on my WIP-specific playlists, too.

Sadira Stone said...

Interesting that several people today have listed music as an important source of inspiration. Here's hoping your productive streak lasts as long as possible.

Caitlin Coppola said...

Glad you had such a productive month! And I agree with you, music is the biggest influence. Often, I feel like I hear a story in songs, and I'm just the transcriber when I write them. Here's to more successful writing months ahead!

Rebecca M. Douglass said...

Ride the wave while you can, and don’t worry about the inevitable crash at the end :).

Michelle Wallace said...

Congrats on the 5 requests from agents/publishers.
Just go with the flow and enjoy it while it lasts.

J.H. Moncrieff said...

Congrats on the requests! That's awesome.

I understand your frustration. The same thing happens to me, all the time. I'd just tried a new technique that helped me actually finish everything on my to-do list for the day (my to-do lists are always ridiculous), and I was so excited. The very next day I was down with the worst cold I've had in years. Game over.

Lisa said...

If there is ONE thing that keeps coming back to me, it is that life is full of ebbs and flows. I have learned, and continue to learn, that I must be present in each of these phases, because they will not last. I must appreciate each one and mourn (or rejoice!) when they pass, but also look forward to the next one because without one you don't have the other...

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