Another year ending can spur contemplation: Did I accomplish what I wanted this
year? Do I have regrets? What can I do better in the coming year? For writers, often these thoughts center on
their literary achievements, or lack thereof.
The new year may be coasting in on the thrill of a first time
publication, or it may be weighing heavily because of too many rejections. Eagerness to begin a new plot idea may be a
cause for anticipation in the new year.
Disappointment from too little time writing may bring dread for a
continuation of yet the same.
How we handle both the good and the bad depends on
our perspective. At the end of 2015 in
early December, our writing community lost a very special friend, Tyke
Crowley. For both his life and his
writing, his philosophy was “make every day count”. While many of us want to do so, he actually
did. Every minute of every day counted
toward living. In the months before his
death, he was working on a manuscript, which he did not complete, but when
asked about any regrets, he still answered, “No.” How many of us would feel the same way about
our lives and our writing?
A new year brings an opportunity for new
perspective: What do I want to
accomplish this year? What can I do to
ensure no regrets? What will be better
about this coming year? Whether you’re
working on a new literary endeavor, have a desire to complete one already
begun, or simply want to write as life allows, may 2016 be your year for being
true to yourself as a writer.
Paula Castner
is a wife, mother of three, and a co-founder of Seven Bridge Writers'
Collaborative as well as a freelance writer, playwright, writing and baking
workshop facilitator, and drama director. She receives emails at pajamalivingwriting@gmail.com.
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