There is so much I love about this Tenacity Tale, Cathy. The 3 lessons are key to a happy writing life. Adhering to them can prevent heartache, agita, and FOMO. Those tenets allow for joy where there would be guilt, and better time management because you're not ruing what you are not doing. Thank you for this gift.
I've come to these tenets myself, but over many years of trial and error, ruing and saying yes to things I wish I did not. One rule I've developed: instead of feeling I have to do everything possible for a writer friend launching an essay or a book, making sure I do one thing for those I care about and considering the rest gravy. Buying the book, reviewing it, attending the launch, promoting it on social media, even just recommending it to friends or requesting it from the library helps. Seeing that list as a menu instead of an obligation has brought the joy back to my literary citizenship.
There is so much I love about this Tenacity Tale, Cathy. The 3 lessons are key to a happy writing life. Adhering to them can prevent heartache, agita, and FOMO. Those tenets allow for joy where there would be guilt, and better time management because you're not ruing what you are not doing. Thank you for this gift.
I've come to these tenets myself, but over many years of trial and error, ruing and saying yes to things I wish I did not. One rule I've developed: instead of feeling I have to do everything possible for a writer friend launching an essay or a book, making sure I do one thing for those I care about and considering the rest gravy. Buying the book, reviewing it, attending the launch, promoting it on social media, even just recommending it to friends or requesting it from the library helps. Seeing that list as a menu instead of an obligation has brought the joy back to my literary citizenship.
Thanks for this post, Cathy. So many important nuggets here. And hats off to Liz for managing to do all that she does despite such a major obstacle.