Success only flourishes in perseverance -- ceaseless, restless perseverance.
--Baron Manfred Von Richtofen

Friday, July 9, 2010

Guess What I Did This Week...

I broke out this notebook (Ooo, pretty snowflakes):



And I started writing a new story--a Christmas story! I thought I was going to let the tradition die after fifteen years, but here I find myself in July and in need of a new project, so a Christmas story it is.

It's so fun to start something new. New characters to love. New scenes to daydream about. The only problem is The Doubter. You know him, right? That nasty little voice that keeps saying, "That's stupid. Who's going to want to read that? You're not starting the story that way are you? Are you kidding me? I've never heard anything more cliche in my life!"

Argh. Shut up. Shut up! SHUT UP!

Sigh. I'm trying not to listen, but sometimes it's hard. How do you banish The Doubter?

32 comments:

tiffany said...

i always look forward to getting your christmas stories

T. M. Hunter said...

Goal-setting helps. When you're too busy trying to complete a set of goals every week, there's no time for The Doubter to get a word in edgewise.

Stina said...

I say sit on The Doubt. He can't say much if he can't talk. ;)

Michelle D. Argyle said...

Come Christmas, you'll be glad you wrote that story!

Larry and Cindy said...

Your gift to your Mom and I have always been the Christmas story. The whole family looks forward to your Christmas stories. We Love You, POP

Linz said...

Yea, yea, yea! Your Christmas stories are one of my very favorite parts of the Christmas season!! =D

Banish that Doubter by knowing that I love all of your work! And everyone can appreciate hard work and true talent! You've got it!!! love you!

Carolyn V. said...

You prove the doubter wrong! =)

Ted Cross said...

I haven't seen any of your Christmas stories yet, so it's brand-new to me!

Angie said...

Thank you all for your advice and encouragement. I'm going to go tell that Doubter where to go right now!

Jan Markley said...

Way to go! Starting a new project is great!

nephite blood spartan heart said...

Keep at it Angie-fill those notebooks.

ali cross said...

I think your Christmas story tradition is AWESOME. Such a cool idea.

As for the Doubter. Duct tape. Lots of it.

Talei said...

OMG - go for it, write, write, write! I love a Christmas story - such a great idea! ;)

Terry W. Ervin II said...

I guess I never decorate my notebooks where I jot notes.

That reminds me that in a few weeks, spirals often go on sale for like a dime each for back to school shopping.

Karen Lange said...

I replace that voice with positive thoughts and keep moving forward.
Happy weekend!
Karen :)

Angie said...

Wow. You guys all rock! Reading your comments has been a good way to get rid of that Doubter!

Terry, I went to Walmart today (to get pool toys) and they had all the school supplies out already! Wha...? I mean, yay for cheap notebooks, but it can't be time to think about school yet!

Aubrie said...

Who's going to want to read it? ME! I love Christmas stories.

Keep writing and don't listen to that voice :)

Danyelle L. said...

Your notebook looks awesome and I am in awe that you write by hand first. :)

*sets Voice of Doubt on fire*
*sends some confidence and writing cookies*
*hugs*

For me, my Beloved Spouse Creature and awesome friends (you among them) help me keep that nasty voice at bay. :) So thanks for all you do!

Elana Johnson said...

Oh, he's nasty. I have him all the time. For me, the best thing to do is pull out something someone liked and read their comments. It helps remotivate me, and reinforce that I might be a good writer. Someday.

Rachelle Christensen said...

Yahoo for new notebooks and school supplies on the way too! That Doubter is a troublesome fellow. He always seems to come around right when a story is bursting forth--you know when the creative juices are going full throttle. I just have to keep pushing him aside and tell myself I won't let him ruin my word count! Good luck with your new story.

LisaAnn said...

The doubter is my nemesis! Just like every other bully I've encountered in my life, I ignore him. (Yes I've assigned him a male identity--why I don't know.)

Good luck on the new story!

WritingNut said...

I absolutely LOVE Christmas stories - just block your mind to Mr. Doubter and tell him to take a hike!

You just do what you love :)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Best way to banish the doubter is to just write...and keep on writing.

Joanne said...

A way to banish the doubter? Own your decision! Sit down and keep on writing till that story is done. And I love the idea, too, of Christmas in July :)

Shallee said...

I enjoyed your Christmas story in the book I won. :) I'm sure this one will be great as well!

Also, I gave you an award over on my blog. :)

Tana said...

I hate that nasty little voice. It lives in me too. It's a party pooper for sure! I LOVE your notebook. And I can't wait for the back to school sales to start I plan on loading up!!!!

Rachelle Christensen said...

I just gave you a brand new blog award launched today at
RachelleWrites Hope you enjoy it!

Tyrean Martinson said...

I love your new notebook, and that you can think of Christmas in July. That's a tough one for me. I have a hard time getting into Christmas before the fall season, and yet I have this unfinished story for the 12 days of Christmas. Sigh. Not working on that now, but I know about the "doubter" because I felt him working at me yesterday quite a bit. I doubted my current project, my timing for writing, and whether or not I "should" be taking a full week to focus on my writing when there are so many other things I "should" do. The only way I beat the doubter is to pray, read my Bible, and keep typing.

Jackee said...

The Doubter frequents my writing often! Sorry he's come to visit you too, but YAY for a Christmas story. I love when people can tell a clean, unique Christmas story because then I have something to give my mom. They're her favorite and I'm always on the hunt for good ones for her.

Good luck, Angie! Your notebook is cute.

Angie said...

Thank you all so very much for your comments! I have been doing a pretty good job at banishing that Doubter. The story is coming along and I like it. I appreciate all the encouragement I get from you guys!

Kasie West said...

The Doubter doesn't usually show his ugly face to me until the editing phase, and then there is nothing I can do to banish him. Sigh. I guess he helps me make the book better, though.

Lori said...

Earlier this year someone told me that dying shouldn't be so much a concern as a life unlived. For me arriving at the end of my life and not having written everything that was in my heart would be life wasted. I decided to give doubt the boot and get going. Don't waste another minute, Angie. Write your heart out and tell doubt farewell!