The shortest distance between two points is a straight line. That’s what I wanted for my writing career: a nice, straight short line from typing my opening lines to holding my published (and well-reviewed) book in my hands.
I should have known it wouldn’t happen like that. I already know that the most interesting stories involve plot twists, unexpected moments, and surprise reveals. And my career as a writer has had all of those and more.
Early on, when it felt like I was never going to find a home for my stories, I made a decision to celebrate every up and down along the way. Because I realized that if I only focused on the end, I would miss out on an incredible, unforgettable journey.
Your journey as a writer is going to be an interesting story. Don’t try to avoid it. Don’t wish it won’t happen. Embrace every milestone, especially the uncomfortable frustrating and sad ones.
Each one of these milestones means you are part of the creative community. But what milestones should you celebrate?
One of the best parts of this mindset is that there’s no rule book about which milestones you need to celebrate. You get to choose what matters.
I suggest you start simple. When you complete your first draft, kick up your feet and indulge in something sweet. I like a piece of dark chocolate with my coffee.
Then when you’ve completed revisions and revisions and more revisions, celebrate by going on a walk somewhere new, or calling a friend.
The first time someone at critique group suggests a change to something you love, celebrate by sending them a thank you.
And when you send off your first submission – but before you hear back – splurge a little! What makes you happy and carefree? What gives you a feeling of peace and calm? For me, it’s going birding…or getting ice cream.
When that first rejection comes along, treat yourself to something like a sour candy. It’s bitter, but also sweet. Getting a rejection means you submitted something and someone took the time to reply.
Don’t forget to celebrate the tenth, and the twentieth rejections, too. It all counts in the life of a writer.
I remember the first time a magazine accepted one of my submissions – we went out for the fancy pizza! And when a magazine rejected my story for the fifth time? We went out for the fancy breakfast. I made sure to include my kids in my milestone moments because they need to see how to handle the good and the bad.
What other milestones can you create to celebrate? Maybe the first time you invest in yourself and sign up for a writing class or the first time someone asks you for advice.
All of these milestones matter, even the ones you make up. They are indicators or signposts, that you are putting in the work. You are living the creative writing life.
There are always going to be bumps on the road. But instead of avoiding them, ride them up and down. Straight lines are overrated, anyway!!