Tuesday, July 24, 2007

And back I go...

As you read this, I’m back in Texas.

Unlike the trip to Dallas just over a week ago, this trip is designed to be pure family fun. No high heels. No worrying about my pitch. No wondering if I made an ass of myself in front of someone I’ll want to submit to one day. Nothing to iron. No girdle and it doesn’t matter. I may even go braless (I figure the chances of an editor being there and recognizing me are pretty slim. Watch me be wrong.)

Now, bathing suits and the impossibility of finding one that looks good on me is another rant entirely. I'm considering a Burqini.

Sea World and Schlitterbahn, here we come. Hopefully, Texas will dry out some and we’ll actually get to go and do things. AC is really looking forward to seeing Shamu and rocketing down water slides. (Side note: Spell Check does not like “Shamu.” I figured he was some kind of icon and would have made the dictionary by now…)

I’ve spent the week between trips to Texas catching up on stuff—emails, articles I owe people, and following up on folks who, in a moment of weakness, agreed to be interviewed for the Playground. Once I get back, I have to buckle down and get some work done. You know, like finish that book that the editor requested the full of—my CP will be getting lots to read.

But Nationals always gets me moving. I think it’s a mixture of inspiration and shame. I’m inspired by the energy of the conference, the stuff I learned in workshops, and the success of other writers. I’m also shamed by their productivity and realize I Must Get To Work.

Shame is a powerful motivator for me.

What motivates you?

PC

***
Y’all weren't very forthcoming on the embarrassing stories last Tuesday, were you? They were that bad, huh? Too painful to share? ~snort~


Technically, I’d like to give my prize to our Playground Monitor for admitting she owns “grandma shoes,” but since I benefited from them (and they were comfy), I’ll refrain. So the winner of most embarrassing story of the last seven days was cherie j. Email me (problemchild@writingplayground.com) with your address and I’ll get a surprise in the mail to you once I get home.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

That charming combination of deadline and shame. ;-)

Andrea Laurence AKA Smarty Pants said...

Fear of failure. Of course, that's also what paralyzes me and keeps me from writing too. Its a cycle of fear. :) Guilt helps.

Anonymous said...

Hey...i forthcame (is that a word) with an embarrassing story...granted it happened over twenty years ago, but...i forthcame.

Motivates me? Does having DH throw the fact he lost thirty pounds in my face count?

My trip to Italy. I want to be comfortable and fit in the airplane seats for the trip! ;)

Nini

Angel said...

Hmmm.... I too seem to have this weird cycle of fierce motivation, then burnout. If I could just find the secret thing that would motivate me consistently...

Until then, guilt, desire to suceed, and the dream of having my own "first call" keep me moving. Which means I need to get some writing done today. :)

Playground Monitor said...

I run hot and cold too -- write like crazy for a while because I like the money when I sell. Then I either can't write or I'm just lazy. I'm sorta in between right now. I'm plotting but not writing. And I'm tending to a hubby who had an outpatient test this morning. I had to get up at FIVE O'CLOCK! I'm ready for a nap.

PM

Kira Sinclair - AKA Instigator said...

Guilt and deadline are great motivators. So is dangling my CPs new book in front of my face. I can't read it until I'm finished with my own :-)

Instigator

Katherine Bone said...

I'm with SP and would like to add that fear and loathing are great motivators.

MLKJr said, 'I have a dream'. But writing the book, fulfilling the dream, isn't going the last mile. At some point, I have to let go. Let others see the work. I'm terrible about this and need to get past it. After all, the call won't come if the package never arrives.

Kathy

Renee Andrews said...

What motivates me? DEADLINES. Then again, I've been contemplating purchasing this shirt -- http://www.evisionarts.com/shopwoman/womanshop.cgi/deadlines/fullmoonemp.46312779

Maybe if I pretend they don't bother me, they won't. Hey, it's a plan!

Kelley, on deadline (can ya tell?)

www.kelleystjohn.com

catslady said...

Panic lol. Like the house gets cleaned when I know someone is coming over or clothes ironed because there's nothing to wear.

Andrea Laurence AKA Smarty Pants said...

Sounds like me. I probably won't get completely unpacked until someone insists I have a housewarming party. (That is not a cue to push me for a housewarming party, FYI.) :)

Kira Sinclair - AKA Instigator said...

Oooohh, we're having a housewarming party at SP's house. Let's see...PC will just be getting back this weekend. How's the first weekend in August looking for you? ;-D

Kira

Playground Monitor said...

No, no, no. First weekend of August won't do. I'm making the trek to NC for a family reunion and to see #2 son for the first time in about 15 months. So you'll have to plan it for some other time. Can't have a party without the monitor.

PM

MJFredrick said...

You're in my neck of the woods! Sorry about all the rain!!!

Anonymous said...

Send the rain up north! We desperately need it...

Nini....
Begging for rain in western Maryland