I think it's true of anything in life. To succeed, you must have enthusiasm. Take a look at that definition. Absorbing or controlling possession of the mind. Ever feel that way about writing? I do.
Admittedly, there are many aspects of writing that just aren't that fun. (Typing. Submitting. Rejections, anyone?) But our enthusiasm for putting words on paper (or screen) can carry us through the tedious, difficult and downright heartbreaking parts. Creating characters, devising plots, finding skillful turns of phrase to describe it all. Yeah, it makes all the un-fun stuff totally worth it.
Your enthusiasm will shine through all your work. It will make your words sparkle. It will bring the stories to life.
How do you show your enthusiasm for writing?
15 comments:
"Absorbing, controlling possession of the mind." Yeah, I had that with my last story. I'd think about it when I was going to sleep, when I got up in the morning, when I was brushing my teeth, basically, whenever I had a free moment. I'm almost embarrassed to admit that I even thought about it a time or two when I was praying, though of course I tried not to. Or at least not for very long. I will not reveal how many times I had to give myself a very firm mental push to say Amen before I went back to indulging my story fantasies. I had to remind myself to get up off my knees, too, before I froze that way.
How do I show my enthusiasm for writing? Well ... just by writing, I guess. By throwing myself onto the computer each day and typing out scene after scene. By the way, Angie, how can you think that typing is not fun? It's great! Of course, maybe I think that typing is fun because I can't do anything else with my hands, like knit or crochet. I can chop things with a knife, although they always come out in neat little cubes no matter if the recipe says julienne, slice, or dice. But despite my manual restrictions, I can still type. And digress. A lot. Though that's more of a brain problem than an appendage problem. My enthusiasm must be overflowing out of my brain and running down into my fingers -- yeah, that's my excuse. :D
I show my enthusiasm for writing by writing and by connecting with other writers. Nothing gets me more pumped to write my own stuff then listening to writer friends talk about theirs.
Aw, I love that last line. I'm going to add it to my wall of awesome all my favorite writing quotes!
Enthusiasm speaks for itself, not only in writing but in every aspect of life. It's infectious. It's catching. Even now as you write this, other writers are excited to continue working on their stories.
Manzanita@Wannabuyaduck
My enthusiasm is my obsession. I love writing so much it's always been my escapism. I believe the only way I'd know that it shows is if someone tells me it does. I lose myself in it. What do you think?
♥.•*¨Elizabeth¨*•.♥
Can Alex save Winter from the darkness that hunts her?
YA Paranormal Romance, Darkspell coming fall of 2011!
Melanie, I have so been there where the story is constantly on my mind. Um, I'm there most of the time, actually. I'm glad to see your enthusiasm running over.
Krista, yes! Hanging out with other writers is the best. That always pumps up my enthusiasm.
Elizabeth, yours definitely shows in everything you do! *hugs*
If I'm enthusiastic about something I keep doing it so long as funds allow. Writing is something I can do cheaply so it's always there and I'm pretty uch always doing it.
the writing journey is sooo long and soo challenging, I can't imagine doing it unless you absolutely loved it, you know? Enthusiasm for the story and craft and learning process gets me through the tough days - yes!
I read someone who couldn't get their books published until they wrote a book they had passion for. It really made me think. =) I think you have to love your storyline and characters to have a great book (because once you start, you're going to be in that book for a long time until it's done). =)
When I lose enthusiasm in a project, I take a break from it by diversifying to a totally different story or genre. Sometimes, I get distracted enough it makes me realize maybe it wasn't a keeper; more often than not, I return more enthusiastic with the absence.
Writing, connecting with other writers, writing again, teaching writing to homeschool kids (mine and others), and writing more! That's how I show my enthusiasm for writing - even on the days when my words don't seem to go where I want them to go.
I know, Tess. Loooong barely describes it. (17 years for me!) That's why enthusiasm is essential. I love it or I would have quit a long time ago.
Tyrean, those are all awesome ways to show your enthusiasm. Thanks so much for stopping by, ladies!
Hi Angie - I show my enthusiasm by writing everyday and reading, every day! I hope with the amount that I am doing my writing will get better and better. Hope you are well and having happy writing days.
Wow! What powerful thoughts! I found myself smiling as I read and boy did it feel good! In that small post you said SO much and it's amazing how much enthusiasm you infused in me in just a few seconds! I love the promise of what enthusiasm will do for my work.
I show enthusiasm for my stories by never giving up, by working and playing hard on my writing, by finding new details & ideas in research and in noticing things around me to enrich my story. Thank you, Angie!
by writing!!! :D lol! No this is a great post, and it's exactly how I've been feeling working on my revision.
I think the stories we're most enthusiastic about are the best~ :o) <3
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