How I Almost Gave Up
And the exciting news that resulted when I didn't.
Hey, gang!
It has been a long, hot summer, but we’ve almost made it to the best time of year. I’m happy to say, I didn’t waste these months–as I’ve spent most of my time working and writing–though…I did need a little nudge.
Early this summer, one of my Patreon members, George L., politely asked why I haven’t posted any news in what felt like a long time.
At first, I started typing out my usual response to such queries, like “I’ve been busy grading essays and lesson planning,” but I stopped myself mid-sentence.
Instead, I actually thought about the question, and during that brief reflection, I came to a scary realization: I had very quietly, and by degrees…given up.
I’d given up so gradually that I hadn’t fully realized a decision had been made at all. Increasing responsibilities and workloads left most of my creative efforts abandoned and moldering in a decrepit junkyard.
The most horrifying part was that the wasteland of creativity was within plain sight.
I walked past my lost stories and sculptures on a daily basis. I might even give them a little nod and a polite wave as I passed, not realizing that every day, they grew thinner, wasting away without nourishment. And as my creative projects withered, so did I. But like the proverbial frog in hot water, I hadn’t noticed the slow climb to a boil.
Then came George’s question and my subsequent reflection.
I’d been doling out excuses for far too long, and so I accepted the kick in the pants and let it propel me. Here are the results of those efforts to date (since George’s message roughly three months ago):
I have written about 10,000+ words for my novel, which now stands at about 95,000 words, and is within spitting distance of a conclusion.
I’ve written an additional 24,000 words (amounting to 12 scripts) for RetroDaze, which become YouTube videos that are published every Saturday.
I have submitted seven stories to various publications.
I have so far received three rejections, but…
I have received one acceptance! (More on this in a minute).
RetroDaze / Candy Corn Apocalypse has been nominated for a Sacred Crypt Award for “Best Series!” (More on this in a minute as well).
Planning for new sculptures has commenced.
As you might assume, there are two items on the previous list that I’m particularly excited about. The first, of course, is the short story acceptance, which I can officially announce for the first time in this newsletter:
My short story, “This is my Happy Face,” which is the long-awaited prequel to my story “Loosely Enforced Rules,” will appear in the audio publication Tales to Terrify! I’m particularly excited to hear the story in audio form. The date of publication has not been set yet, and may take many months, but I will update once available.
The second piece of exciting news is that my writing for RetroDaze has been acknowledged in a nomination for a Sacred Crypt Award, hosted by Voices From the Mausoleum, which is currently in the voting stage. If you are so inclined, and only if you feel it is deserved, you can vote for me in the following ballot under “Best Series:”
Worth noting is that many of my friends are also on this ballot in varying categories, including Tom Rimer, Laurel Hightower, Kat Silva, Amanda Headlee, Red Lagoe, Elford Alley, and more (my apologies if I missed you on the ballot).
If there’s a moral here, it is this: sometimes we all need a little encouragement. Even the most self-sufficient, creative, outgoing people can use a nudge now and then. And the best part is, for creatives, that nudge can come in so many forms, and often requires very little effort.
George’s message to me is just one example. There are many other easy gestures like subscribing to a newsletter, YouTube channel, or a free Patreon membership. Sending a quick message on social media to say you enjoyed someone’s story/video/post. Hitting a like button now and then. Following on social media. Posting a review. Sharing news. Casting a vote.
For those that want to go beyond simple encouragement and help support an artist, then there are many more options like purchasing a book, art, or merchandise. Subscribing to a paid tier on Patreon or any other paid subscription an artist has is a great way to continue support while staying updated with news and perhaps receiving some perks.
As for me, these last months have reinvigorated my creative spirit, and with autumn on the way, I know I will be well-fueled for the coming months.
Though, a little encouragement now and then never hurts.
It's easy to give up, even when you don't realize you are. Remember what we always used to say in "The Pen" - Keep on keeping on. ;) I voted for Retro Daze (and also Betty Rocksteady as best artist because she's a Maritimer like me. ;) )
Glad you didn't give up!!