A.K.A. Dealing with the Curveballs
March Madness, Day 20.
We’re rounding the bend towards the last leg of this creative relay race.
What are just a few of the reasons why we’re doing all this? Check out Denise Jaden’s blog.
It’s so easy to make plans with the best of intentions, but life happens. No matter what we hope for ourselves, there are those moments that leave us at a bit of a crossroads.
Deadlines begin to blur or story ideas you had ironed out get a huge wrinkle. Heck, you might end up with two different language exams back to back and work through them on little to no sleep.
Life happens.
And when life happens, you still have to move forward. You have to deal with each curveball as it comes. You’re stronger for it. You make it through.
It’s hardly ever easy. Then again, where’s the fun in that? You have to roll with the punches, go with the flow. Plans change. We adjust. It’s how it works. It’s how we work.
It’s all a matter of perception.
But when you get handed those tangy edible little footballs, why make lemonade? There are so many ways to get creative.
Lighten up!
Don’t be a square.
Versatility is key.
Life’s full of surprises but we can get through it. Deadlines will loom, but the words will fill the page. It might not be what we’d originally planned, but sometimes the unexpected is the best thing for you.
Tomorrow’s another day. See you at Dawn’s blog.
“You can’t always get what you want
But if you try sometime, you just might find
You get what you need.”
Textploits of the Writerly Persuasion 
I love the Lemon giving his son advice! I think I’ve been swimming in lemonade lately, but I have to look at all the positives and press on. I have a goal in mind, and I need to step it up if I have any hope of getting there. Next week is spring break, so maybe I’ll get something going on and really hit that groove. (There I go with the 60’s/70’s music in my head!).
Sprinkle some sugar on and and whip it good, Wipsters!
Oooh… lemon slush sounds good, especially on a hot day.
And groovetastic opportunities are always a good thing.
Here’s to the spring in your step next week. 🙂
I agree with Mary Ann! That cartoon is great. 🙂 Thanks for the inspiring post!
You’re most welcome. 🙂 Hope all things writerly are going well with you.
I love that lemon pic too! LOL too funny. Life threw a curve ball at me this week. I had to work 3 night shoots in a row on set. I planned to get lots of writing done, but it turned out not to be a safe place to bring my computer or tablet. I still did some writing by hand, which was probably really good for my brain, but now I’ll looking back to getting some more typed words in because I’m a much faster typist. LOL.
I’ve found writing by hand to prove fruitful on many occasions. Happy weekend!
I’ve been sitting under the lemon tree all day! Had to get up to work on a project that took me all day. Hoping to sit back with some lemonade later and get this writing down! Happy weekend everybody!
Lemonade is awesome, one of my fave beverages. Enjoy!
This whole month seems to be a curve ball! Some good, some not quite as good—but all part of the process. One thing I am working on this month is “going with the flow.” Goals aside, I tend to put too much pressure on myself, so when those curve balls happen, I’m screwed. But I’m excited to buckle down this weekend and do some writing…barring any curve balls, of course 🙂 Happy friday! See you tomorrow 😉
We’re our own worst enemies and critics. Curveballs suck but I’m glad you’re going with the flow. See you tomorrow!
I read a quote that said, “When life gives you lemons, ask for salt and tequila!” Given my choice, I’d see if I can trade them in on some limes for a margarita. 😉 Also, Kelly Gwyn once sent me a plaque that says, “Life is all about how you handle Plan B.” Life seldom follows the plan that we’ve set out for ourselves, so being flexible can be a good thing. Writers learn that early on, in order to survive.
I hope creativity is lightening everyone’s tasks this week.
Yes! Flexibility is important! 🙂
Oooo, lemon bars are my weakness!
Funny what you’ve written today about curveballs and all. I’ve been really struggling the past week, but have doggedly tried to get a few words down every day. But, I think I knew that the reason I was struggling is that the story was going the wrong way, so today, I gave myself permission to stop, rethinking, and then, accept that sometimes, word goals aren’t the way to go. I mean, I know I can write a lot in a short time, but only if I know what I’m doing. And, when I don’t, the demons come for a visit. I don’t like the demons. They eat all the lemon bars.
So, looks like I won’t be meeting the word count goal I set out for myself on March 1, but that’ll have to be okay for now, because I do think I have a much better handle on the story I’m trying to tell (trying be the operative word), and that’ll have to be good enough.
These little epiphanies are the best, aren’t they? Regardless if the goals change, the fact that you’re writing anything is great!
I totally relate with the curve ball analogy. Life can get in the way. I still remember the decide to homeschool after son’s terrible third grade experience. I was writing full time at that time and now I’ve cut it back to part-time. Or Mother-in-law ‘deciding’ to move back here, expecting me to drop everything to take care of her. Thankfully we were able to work it out so that wouldn’t happen. **I actually had someone tell me I would have to put my writing on hold so I could help her out. Maybe I’m selfish, but I didn’t see that happening.
So far I’m on goal with my revision though I found I needed to make a few changes. At least it’s not another huge overhaul. Whew.
Life happens no matter what. I remember when I worked three jobs and went to school, I put off writing for years. It felt like a part of me was wasting away. Writing is a large part of who we are. We should always nurture our creative side.
Ha curveballs. Just have to go with the flow of change sometimes. Today I was hit by a curveball. I’m revising a YA science fiction story currently. I planned on using Camp Nanowrimo to continue revisions, especially since my vacation in the middle of March derailed my revision plans. I woke up this morning with the first chapter of the next book in my head. Even as I review all the posts that I missed, I can’t help thinking about the next book. Now I have to decide if I should use camp to get the next book first draft out or stick with my plan. Is this shiny new idea syndrome or is it my brain saying that I need to know what happens next to get my current revision done?
Sure it’s shiny, but we all need to get those words out when something new and amazing sparks in our grey matter.
The beauty of Camp NaNoWriMo is its versatility. Now, if this were the November instalment, I *might* think differently due to the rigid rules. However, the flexibility of camp lets you tailor the month to various project types and word counts. That said, why not devote pockets of time to both projects? There’s no reason why you can’t and the only person who can stop you is you. 🙂
Whatever you decide, we have #WIPMadness check-ins every Monday throughout the year, so keep us posted on your progress.
Write on!