Thursday, July 28, 2011

The Writers' Circle redefined

In my last post, I lamented how I didn't feel comfortable sharing my self-doubts on my blog for whatever reason, and then in the following hours and days, well, all I can say is Wow.

First, there is SO much going on behind the scenes with my bloggie friends, taking control of their destinies, wrestling with similar fears as mine, holding back... I really didn't know about it all because none of us are posting about this stuff.

Can I just say I'm glad I was having my moment? And just for the record, the moment has passed, my problem has been resolved, my fears quelled... Yay! Suddenly I can see blue skies again.

Anyway, several of you sent me emails urging me to elaborate on what was troubling me, and as we shared, I started thinking about the old writers circles of ... oh, 1910.

Back in the day, you had to either migrate (emigrate?) to New York or Paris to find other writers with whom to talk shop. (And wear silly hats.)

You also didn't have representatives (agents), and manuscripts were typed on paper and mailed in boxes to one of four large publishing houses on a wish and a prayer. (The wish/prayer part hasn't changed.)

It's been years since I was in Paris. Ditto New York.

I'm also a mamma now, which would make it tough to hang out at the Algonquin every day at lunch, blowing off steam or whatever.

So Janet Reid declared we all had to start blogging, and I reluctantly did so. Then this thing happened.

I found all these other people doing what I was doing, having similar experiences as me, having different experiences or finding information about different things from me and sharing it... It was amazing, cool, and really great--especially on days like Monday.

I've said over and over how I probably would've given up on this novelist dream a year ago if it weren't for you guys--my bloggie buddies. It's amazing that I can hint that I'm feeling alone and self-doubty, and support comes surging through the ether.

I appreciate you all so much. Once this is all over, I look forward to coming back and sharing with everyone how this journey has gone. Giving back or something. I'll let you know as soon as I can.

And since some of you asked, I've posted an "after" shot of my new writer's cave.

I'll be in here working once school's back in (in a week!), and I'm currently in here as much as I can checking emails, reading blogs, and making these posts.

Have a super weekend, reader- and writer-friends! Remember those lemonade guys? (Was it lemonade?) Thank you for your support.

Til Monday~ <3

28 comments:

Unknown said...

I'm really glad things are on the up! I find the blogging community excellent. Whenever I'm having a moment, they come through. Thank you, my blogger friends.

Also, your writer's cave looks fantastic! I like how you have your children facing you (I assume they're your children) and your children's art (also assumed) around you. Very nice.

DEZMOND said...

me likes the gray mushroom walls of your cave :)

Old Kitty said...

Oh what a fabulous writer's cave!! It's lovely!!! May you have many infinitie hours of happy scribbling!!! Take care
x

Unknown said...

Love the cave, and I'm super-stoked that you've found a way out of your funk.

Susan Kaye Quinn said...

Wow! School starts in a week?? That's barely August. But good for the writing moms, so I know that will help.

And I love, love, love this community. Just as you say, they are the modern equivalent of the cafe, without the funny hats. Or maybe with them (this is why I don't do video chat). :)

Michael Di Gesu said...

Good for you Leigh! You've had SO much going on in your personal life. Moving is SUCH a HUGE upset. Especially moving to another part of the country.

You are so right about how blogging has helped you life. It has certainly kept me going over this past year.

I am so glad you have writing space put together. I am putting the final touches on mine. Since I am an interior designer, I have to make my space not only functional but magazine worthy... LOL.

I should have it posted as soon as finish making the last few things... pillows, throws, and yes even a radiator box with shelves.... A writer/designer's job is never done.

Karen Jones Gowen said...

This online community is my writer group as well. I just wish we could all get together somehow and meet! Your writer den looks so cute and inviting! I bet you can't wait to dig in.

Unknown said...

SO GLAD YOU ARE FEELING BETTER!!! Couldn't be happier for you! PS - I'm in love with your office... it's so awesome!

Anonymous said...

The writing community is AWESOME!

LOVE your writing cave!!!!

Hart Johnson said...

SOOOOO Glad the crisis seems over! I read your last post too, and I think we DO have to be careful... I don't think it means we need to CENSOR so much as EDIT what we put out there. I think that complaining about PROCESS is okay, but PLAYER will bite us in the butt. We need to breeze across identifying details.

You know, it was a very strange day when i realized my editor reads my blog... it hadn't even crossed my mind, though I guess it makes sense.. You just never know when you will cross somebody's desk and they will think... 'well, maybe... lets look into her'. I dont' think you ever have anything to worry about on that front, and I ALSO love the supportive system and like to be able to rant a little now and then. But yeah... I usually go to an email (like you) or the Burrow if it is actually going to make anyone look bad. Because usually things resolve themselves, but once it is OUT there, you can't take it back.

Michelle Fayard said...

Excellent post! I’m not sure if authors and other creators have these moments more so than others, but one thing we do have is a wonderfully supportive network. I’m delighted to be a new follower. And I’ve left a reply to your comment on Bird’s-eye View, http://michellefayard.blogspot.com/2011/07/getting-blog-comments-to-work-for-you.html.

Myne said...

Glad you're feeling better.

And your space looks so professional, you can guess mine isn't, lol..

Gwen Gardner said...

Leigh, it IS really nice to have writer/blogger friends who always have something positive to say!

M Pax said...

Can we still wear funny hats when we blog?

The bloggy writing community is fantastic. I'm glad your doubts have let up on their hold of you.

I look at it this way, when I have all my ducks lined up right, an audience, writing professionally, etc ... it will happen. And it never will happen if I quit. So, I'm not doing that. Glad you're not either :D

Carolyn Abiad said...

I'm not here. This is not me. I'm really on vacation, but I just have to say I <3 u and I love your new writing nook. XO

Janet Johnson said...

I love your writers space! Are those your kids' pictures? I SO need to do that!

And I didn't know that the SHARK sent the edict about blogging. Wow. But this is a great community, isn't it?

Lydia Kang said...

I love your writing space! It's so very happy.

I'm glad you're out of the clouds and in the sun again. Your friend will always be around to blow away the bad weather as best we can.
:)

walk2write said...

So glad you're settling into your new place and have your own cave to hide in. Does it also have a nice comfy sofa for those times when you need a little dream inspiration?

LTM said...

@LBD--hey, thanks. I'm looking forward to getting in there and doing some work! And yep, we've got a good group here~ :o) <3

@LG--It IS! Long runs are another good mood-helper, yes? :o) <3

Summer Ross said...

I have never been to Paris or New York, but I'd love to go someday. I sometimes pretend I was apart of those writing groups way back when sitting down and talking about ways to write what is "new" and such.

I'm glad your skies have grown blue and clear again.

Great cave picture. I like how its set up. My place is a corner of my bedroom.

Ella said...

I luv your new cave! Great post, it is hard somedays when self doubt rears it,s ugly head. Happy you are back in blue skies and can see the clear path ahead. Really school that soon, I am jealous. Xxx 555

Anonymous said...

Leigh, So glad you're working through it and things are on the upswing. Sometimes, I think, it helps just to voice it, get it off your chest. And Karma? It will find you. The generosity and goodness you exude will find you tenfold. :-)

Anonymous said...

That's a good looking office! Its great to have a place to go and write. My kids have long since taken over my man cave, but we still have a smaller spare bedroom to use.

LTM said...

@Summer--thanks, girl! Nothing wrong with pretending. The imagination is a big part of what we do! :D <3

@Liz--thanks, honey. It comes and goes, but I'm focusing on the positive... and hoping you're right! ;p

@Stephen--hey, thanks! At this point, I'm the only one w/a cave in our house, but it's a work cave! ;o)

Talli Roland said...

Yay! So glad you're feeling better and I love your new writer's cave.

Hugs aplenty! :)
xx

Anita Grace Howard said...

Your writer's cave is GORGEOUS! And wow, these words: "Once this is all over, I look forward to coming back and sharing with everyone how this journey has gone. Giving back or something. I'll let you know as soon as I can," sound like a version of what I've been telling some of my blogging pals lately.

Now I'm thinking I need to email you. I have a sense we're in the VERY same place right now. Hmm.

Maybe I will. :)

Have a great weekend, my dear! Be watching your inbox come Monday...

Doralynn Kennedy said...

Blogging is a challenge, but if Janet Reid says to do it... then we gotta do it. Great blog.

LTM said...

@Anita--Thanks! I'm looking forward to getting in there and doing some damage! Figuratively... And I will! Thanks! <3

@Doralynn--it's true. And that silly Shark. "The post that launched a million blogs," someone said. Thanks~ :o) <3