The end of the year is the perfect time to do a recap of how we've grown as a writer.
Since we are always striving to upgrade our writing skills, we tend to obsess about concentrate on the "Needs Improvement" aspects. But sometimes it can feel like all there is is stuff to improve.
So let's take a day off from developing ourselves. It's time to acknowledge our dedication to the craft. And it's way past time for accolades, especially the ones we should be giving ourselves on a daily basis.
Let's do a Writer's Report Card--an assessment of what we're doing well.
I'd really like us to list three things, but I don't want anyone having heart palpitations, or breaking out in a sweat. I'm not the one you want to call during a medical emergency, and just the thought of mass amounts of perspiration dripping all over the place is making me lightheaded and woozy.
But back to our report card. . .
If we claim, "I'm good at such-and-such", we'll feel like we're being audacious or bodacious or braggarts. That's why I'm not going to suggest using letter grades, because we'll grade ourselves low--much lower than we deserve. We'd rather be thought incompetent than uppity.
Yet pass/fail doesn't give us enough credit for how far we've come. It allows those who party all semester long to end up in the same place as those who persevered through every assignment, including extra credit ones, instead of having a grand old time with the popular kids.
So I'm letting you off the hook. All you need to do is come up with ONE thing you like about your writing.
That's it. Just one.
It can be something you've always thought you do well, or it can be something you've learned recently. Maybe it's the way you worked out a tricky plot situation, or it's a snippet of dialogue, or that scene that makes you smile because your characters feel so deliciously real.
There's no grading on the curve here either. None of this, "I'm pretty good at dialogue but I suck at description." I know it's easier to qualify praise with a hearty dose of negativity. We do it all the time to keep our self-esteem from getting any big ideas. But try to resist the impulse just for today. If not, I'll give you an Incomplete on this assignment and you won't be able to graduate with the rest of the class.
When you're finished lauding yourself for your abilities, take a moment to think about all your writing accomplishments this past year. I'm sure there will be more than you realize, which is why it's good to reflect on them and pat yourself on the back for what you've done during the last twelve months.
After that is when it's time to make your goals and resolutions for the new year. It ensures your writing plans will be based on hopefulness and enthusiasm, not regrets or continued chastisement. It also strengthens your resolve, fortifying you for the writing days ahead.
Before you know it, it will be time to do next year's report card, and you'll have a hard time limiting yourself to just three good things about your writing.
I'm not sure how to label my good thing about my my writing this year, but lately I feel like I'm reaping the benefits of a lot of past ideas. I love that my mind took a notion to multitask on two stories, one new and one a long time WIP, as a way to captured and release a lot of words into their proper homes.
I think what I like about my writing is feeling like I've acted on what my Muse and my characters have been trying to tell me for a long time!
Posted by: Melissa | December 30, 2011 at 02:25 PM
I'm proud of my sticktuitiveness this year. I've just kept plodding along, 1k at a time, no matter what happens. That means I haven't stopped because I'm too hopped up on positive-feedback adrenaline or because I'm too demoralized by negative criticism. And I do feel like I'm always learning, so if I keep moving like this, it can't help but be a good thing.
Posted by: Serena Bell | December 30, 2011 at 04:48 PM
Melissa, I love the "capture and release" notion. Especially with your brain doing double duty, with two stories. :) I do think our minds having lots of story ideas going on all the time, and maybe we're not quite ready to handle it when it first shows up. Luckily it sounds like your Muse is helping you out now. :)
Posted by: Donna Cummings | December 30, 2011 at 06:21 PM
Serena, sticktuitiveness is a huge thing to have. And you're right about the two ends of the writing spectrum that can derail us -- positive AND negative things. I think you're definitely moving in the right direction, and I'm looking to see where it takes you. :)
Posted by: Donna Cummings | December 30, 2011 at 06:23 PM
I write fiction for relaxation and amusement. Having discovered that writing full length novels is hard work and much more difficult than one thinks until trying it, I concentrate on short stories, particularly children's stories. I get my reward when I see a big smile evolve on my Grand's face as understanding dawns after a cunning surprise ending.
After my Christmas story she said "Grandpa I like you, you make me laugh."
I'm applying to Santa for a job next Christmas. LOL
Posted by: Quantum | December 31, 2011 at 02:28 AM
Q, you're a sure thing for that job! How perfect -- your granddaughter is a lucky one. :) I think that is the best reward, to see/hear the audience's reaction to your story, knowing you've delighted and entertained them. :)
I actually found it took me longer to write my novella than I'd anticipated. I figured since it was shorter, I'd be done with it in no time. Ahh, silly girl. LOL The writing gods have such fun with us sometimes. :)
Posted by: Donna Cummings | December 31, 2011 at 08:10 AM