Sometimes it’s good to look back and establish how far we’ve come. To self evaluate our journey and see what we’ve learnt along the way. While some of you may be published, I am still working my way towards that goal. As are many of my Critique Partners. It’s important to know, that no matter where you are on the path, it is not the end goal that counts, its the lessons along the way.

I heard a great mantra today: “Look how far you’ve come and not how far you have to go.” It put my writing journey into perspective. I’ve been writing seriously for the last five years. And in that time, I’ve made some wonderful writing friends through the blogging community. Working with them, I’ve watched their writing strengthen and flourish. And of course, they’ve helped me grow too.
Most of us have family and work commitments that need to be juggled alongside our writing. It’s no easy task, working on a dream that has yet to materialize. And yet we do it because it is our passion. Writing is in our blood. We see the world through a different filter. It’s in our essence to keep creating and to devour books in a bid to learn more, feel more, escape… just that little bit more.

This year I drafted my fourth novel, rewrote my second novel ready for querying, and I’m about to start the next round of edits on my third. No project is ever complete, and no manuscript is ever really wasted. So don’t give up. Keep pursuing that goal, keeping dreaming the big dream and follow your heart.
Many of you may know K. M. Allan who released her debut novel Blackbirch: the beginning, and recently release the second in the series, Blackbirch: the Dark Half. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Kate and seeing her journey flourish. She works with dedication to bring her dream to life. She’s an inspiration, keeping me anchored to my own aspirations.
Whatever stage you’re at; drafting, editing, querying or publishing, the journey never stops. We keep climbing steps, overcoming hurdles and plowing ahead. Sometimes its good to stop. To appreciate how far you’ve come.
So take a look at your own journey, and remember to congratulate yourself on your hard work. You deserve it. You’ve created wonderful things with nothing more than hope and dedication.
Where are you on your journey? And what are you most proud of accomplishing. Please share your accomplishments with me… you know I love hearing from you.
Thanks for stopping by, until next time, Much Love.
On my journey, I have one book out and a few minor publications. It’s been a year now since the book was a finalist in the 2019 American Fiction Awards, in the category of Fantasy: Epic/High Fantasy.
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Oh wow, that’s great! Congratulations 🥳
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Thank you.
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Thank you so much for this post. It’s really inspiring.
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I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the lovely comment.
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A really uplifting post, Rainy! I love that mantra!! xx
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Thanks Meelie. It’s a wonderful mantra. Xx
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So inspiring, Rainy, and thank you so much for the shoutout. Any progress I’ve made has been helped along by your excellent beta feedback. I count myself lucky to have read two of your WIP’s and I’m in awe of your writing skills, the way you evolve and learn, and how inspiring you are with your blog posts. 💙
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Aww, thanks Kate. I’m really touched by your comment. Love you loads. 💜
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Great mantra to keep things in perspective. It is so easy to get overwhelmed esp when still in the drafting and beginning stage of a project. Thanks for the reality check.
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The early stages of drafting and then editing are certainly overwhelming. I’m glad the mantra helps. Thanks for commenting.
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This is a wonderful post. So inspiring. Your writing journey is similar to mine, so far. As one of my favorite writer friends says, “Write on!”
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That’s such a great mantra. Just keep writing!
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