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Saturday, January 23, 2021

FINISHING WHAT I STARTED - A New Year's Resolution

                                             by Judy Ann Davis

There is a Polish proverb that says, “It’s better not to begin, than having begun, to leave unfinished.”

My New Year’s writing resolution is to try to embrace that proverb. I found that this last year, I concocted all kinds of ways to procrastinate and not finish writing some stories I started and later abandoned. Was it the pandemic mood or did I just need an excuse?  I have to admit, I had plenty of time to write while my husband and I were keeping ourselves safe at home. And, I sure didn’t enjoy cleaning my closets.

So why do I write? I think it’s more than just having something to say. I’m a daydreamer. I’ll admit it. I often have a story to tell. I like to create, and my mind is always churning out scenarios. Writers have ideas that won’t leave them alone. Or more personally, I have characters stomping around in my head who won’t leave me alone. They go to sleep with me and wake up with me in the morning. 

I also have found when I write, I enjoy the research, and I try to incorporate something unique in my manuscripts. My current work has one of the characters losing one of her mother’s Edwardian aquamarine earrings from 1910, with the stones originating from Santa Maria, Brazil. The earrings are unique and irreplaceable. What a great time I had looking at old jewelry. (Do you see any possible procrastination in that activity?)

There’s a mistaken notion from the public that our writing just flows out—into a perfect flawless story, just ready for print. Oh, how I wish it were so. Writing is work. But like other occupations, it can be enjoyable and gratifying.

I only have one New Year’s “writing resolution” for 2021. Like the proverb above, I plan to finish what I start. (Now on to the edit phase of a current work-in-progress!)

Did you make any resolutions this year? If so, will you share?

 Coming soon: VALENTINE'S DAY!

"Can one sweet kiss revive an old romance?" 

SWEET KISS

9 comments:

  1. This is a great post that I'm sure you aimed directly at me. LOL I'm a champion procrastinator. Not about writing, but about other things--like cleaning out closets.

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    1. Hi, Caroline. I hope you're feeling better. Thanks for stopping by. I can find anything else to do when I don't want to proceed with a manuscript I'm working on. I got in a funky mood yesterday, so I made brownies (which I don't need to eat)and did the laundry instead. lol Blue ribbon procrastinating!

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  2. Hi, Judy Ann. Love the "writer" graphic! Interesting post. I guess I disagree with that proverb though. I think it's good to get started. At least the project is in "existence" and is there to lure you back with its siren call of, "Remember me? Come back and let's get finished." *LOL* Wishing you luck owith your new approach!

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  3. Judy, I have at 3 partials from 5 or more years ago. The reason I stopped one was because it's a genre I'd not formerly delved into (Time Travel.) I wasn't sure how my readers would take the switch.

    I think I've found my niche in Historical Western Romance, but the Time Travel story still tugs at me.

    And yes, I understand procrastination. This year with everything that's happened, has left my mind fragmented. It's hard for me to concentrate. But, I have a deadline coming up so I have to get going.

    I enjoyed your post, as always.

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    1. Laurean, I'm glad to hear your mind was fragmented, because mine surely was. I just couldn't get into a cohesive routine of writing, and when I tried, I'd get either stonewalled or antsy--both of which are not conducive to writing. Thanks for stopping by.

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  4. I love that proverb. It certainly is a good one to embrace. I'm a terrible procrastinator, and I have a goal to work more and daydream less. We'll see how it goes.

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    1. I have procrastination down to a science.:) Thanks for stopping by, Bea.

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  5. I prefer to think of it as waiting for the 'right' time lol

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