"He never knew when he was whipped. . . So he never was."

This has been such a lazy day. And rainy-cold as well! AGH. I am so ready for Spring. I suppose the gloom is a good explanation for the laziness. *edited*
Because of that I have hereby decided to throw in a random, motivational, writing post today. :] And upon thinking of this "motivational" theme thingy (simply because I couldn't think of any other subject to write on, although there are plenty out there, and also due to the fact I tend to do spur-of-the-moment things instead of planning ahead--when I especially LOVE making plans/lists/etc. . .), I was originally going to give you this:

And call it a night.
But you deserve more than a cute 'tater. So I called in some favors, checked with a couple sources, and--
. . .
What? You don't believe m-- Okay, okay. You're right. And I'm. . . less right. All's I did was take a wee trip to *cough HACK* Pinterest, found a pretty photo, and browsed through my "Novelty Nook" board.
So, my goal today is to make you smile and maybe laugh, then I'll give you a teensy bit of advice regarding the awesome, yet INTIMIDATING, self-chosen task of being a writer. Well, here's hoping I've already somewhat accomplished the first part, for I am taking a chance and moving on to the next. :]

source

So, you think you're a writer? Do you actually write? Do you sit down for combined hours of your free time and simply put pen to paper (or, if preferred, fingers to keys)? Do you enjoy the thrill of words and stories and ideas ebbing and flowing in the vast reaches of your mind? I do. But it's the -getting started- that is difficult. I get far too depressed and discouraged far too easily. This might be the same for you. If so, "Courage, dear heart!" This is a part of the passion you've chosen, just as much as it is a part of life in general.
And that's why I love the title quote so much. "He never knew when he was whipped. . . So he never was." As quoted by one of my all-time favorite authors, Louis L'Amour, in his novel "To the Far Blue Mountains." And it's simply defined: If you don't ever know when you are defeated, you'll never know when to give up. And therefore, you'll never give up.
As the wise Wayne butler, Alfred, once said, quoting Bruce's late father, "Why do we fall? So we can learn to pick ourselves up." A harsh way to learn, but definitely effective. If you have the bravery and fortitude to see it through to the end.
Before I conclude my incessant ramblings, I will leave you with a few tips and links to get you started on your stories, or to help you move on. :]
1. RESEARCH. No matter what genre you are currently dabbling in, it will most likely require a good bit of research. Don't neglect this! Your research will help define your novel and give it depth and dimension.
2. WRITER'S BLOCK? Try this exercise: Chainsaw Therapy! It's a fun and surefire way to get the creative juices flowing once again. You can find the first version of mine here and the second, here.
3. WRITER'S HELPS Here's a brief list of websites I've found most helpful:
- Go Teen Writers - - Helping Writers Become Authors -
. . . and a few more of my favorite blogs! (So sorry to leave some out! There are far too many to list, and just as many blogger friends to name that have always encouraged me in everything I do. So thankful for each and every one. All my love, dearies!)
- Musings of an Elf - - Inkpen Authoress - - Tales of Goldstone Wood - - The Penslayer - - Jaye L. Knight - - Further Up and Further In -
*edited* 4. SHARE YOUR PASSION! Don't be afraid to pass along your stories/writings to willing siblings, parents, and/or friends. External output is a MUST! Those friends of yours will catch the teensy typos, misplaced something or other that you have missed again and again, and maybe even have an idea or three for you to try out. Siblings are great built-in editors, in my opinion, and a different perspective is always a fantastic thing to have. I admit, it's sometimes hard to allow someone else to read my writings, simply because I'm self-conscious of nearly everything, and I constantly worry what people may think. But this is a chance to break out of your comfort zone and face your fears! A little rebuttal from a friend is far easier to take than all-out criticism from a professional editor (although that's good in itself--don't take me wrong! If you make it to that level, well done! I'm simply stating, it's easier to take criticism from a good, familiar friend than worry yourself to the death over that of an unfamiliar editor. Make sense? No offense meant to any editors!). -------------------------------------------------------------
My words of wisdom for the day. Thanks for reading!
post signature

Comments

Christine SmithMarch 5, 2015 at 10:43 PM
This post was perfection and absolutely put a smile on my face. You're always the best, dear Sarah!

Such wonderful advice, and something I needed to hear. Writing is one of the most discouraging professions in the world. Your sweet words have lifted me up. Thank you!

And oh my goodness gracious, you listed silly me as one of your favorite writing blogs? Day. Made. You are so precious!!! <333333

Also the tiny potato is one of the most motivational things I've ever seen. Who could not be inspired after that cuteness?
NightingaleMarch 6, 2015 at 1:36 AM
Very helpful and encouraging post, Sarah!! Thank you so much for sharing it with us! ^_^ Your advice definitely helped motivate me, and sweet little tiny potato made my day (well, technically night) and gave me more than one smile. <3 SO cute!

Oh, and code: was that a Megamind quote I spotted?
Sarah CnossenMarch 6, 2015 at 10:07 AM
Christine: D'awww, you make me blush! #^-^# It's my pleasure, I'm so glad you were uplifted--that was my goal all along! :]

Nightingale: Thank you, dearie! So glad to hear it. Code: YES! I couldn't resist. xD

Thank you for the comments, ladies!! <3