01 February 2017

The Anthology Where It Happens

It's the first Wednesday of the month, which means it's the posting day for the Insecure Writer's Support Group! Click here to learn more and sign up!


This post is kinda sorta a sequel to another IWSG post called "Wait For It." Ok, so the references will make a lot more sense if you've listened to/seen (you lucky duck! *side eye to my August tickets which may or may not be chained in a briefcase to my wrist*) the musical Hamilton. Because when it comes to my writing, how I go about it, how I deal with motivation, I am, in fact, Aaron Burr. 

Ok, so you may be scratching your head even if you know the musical inside and out. Basically, I would call myself a hesitator. I do not actively seek out inspiration, I don't even push myself very hard to get any writing done--even though I want to, and I do want great things to happen with my writing. And I do get terribly frustrated seeing other writers succeed and thinking, why can't I have that? All the while knowing deep down the answer is that I'm barely even trying. 

Still with me? Horribly depressed now? Don't worry, we'll fix that. This story has a happy ending (and does not end with a duel). 

So, you all know about the IWSG anthology. We'll talk about this year's in a bit. I actually have to go back to last year's anthology to tell this tale. When they first presented it, I thought maybe I would enter. I bounced around a few story ideas but didn't feel that strongly about them, so I didn't write anything and didn't enter. Obviously, you can't win if you don't enter. Of course, I was happy for the authors who won and were published, but I couldn't help thinking, what if? 

I put the thoughts aside for about a year, that is, until they announced the theme and deadline for the second anthology contest. I didn't have a concrete idea in mind right away, but I thought, I have to enter. Why would I want to be on the outside looking in over and over again? I can't get anywhere if I don't even try. So it was a bit of an epiphany. 

(I wanna be in the room where it happens, the room where it happens...err, I mean, anthology. You get it). 

The thing was, once I actually started plotting out my story, I just had this feeling. If I could get it done, and edit the crap out of it, I really did think I stood a chance to get in. And for once I was not horribly wrong. I did get in! It was good! I was no longer on the outside looking in! There may have been some dancing.

And you know why? Because I actually tried. Because not only did I put my mind to it (because ideas come easily to me), but I actually motivated myself until I pulled it off. I didn't just sit around and wait for an opportunity to come to me. I had to actually get it for myself. So, there you have it. 

Click-boom. 

On a related note, all of the authors for the Hero Lost anthology have created a website you can find here! There's lots of info on all of the authors and our stories. We should be adding some regular blog posts pretty soon, too!

20 comments:

  1. Hooray!! This was so inspirational to read. Glad you did it and even better that you made it in. Congrats!

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  2. I really want to see Hamilton on of these days. I can't wait to read your story :-) Cheers - Ellen

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  3. Good for you, Sarah! Now, keep that momentum going! :)

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  4. So excited for you, Sarah! And, I look forward to reading the anthology.

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  5. Very cool. You just never know what will happen if you try, eh?

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  6. Great job!! Congrats. It's amazing what a little motivation can do for your writing inspiration.

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  7. Congratulations! It's always nice to set a goal that requires you to push yourself, and then be rewarded in the end.

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  8. And you did it!
    Some of us just need that little bit of extra motivation.

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  9. I love stories with a happy ending. :)

    Glad you found that motivation you needed—and I can't wait to read your story!

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  10. When I found out that you made it into the anthology, I did a little dance. I was so happy for you. :D

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  11. The only way to fail is to never try. We're really glad you tried. Now that you know what you can accomplish when you do, you should be excited.

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  12. I was super excited for you when I saw your name on the list! I've been wanting to read your stuff, now I get the chance to!

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  13. Very motivating. Congratulations on the anthology. Love hearing about the success of other authors. Happy Dancing for you!
    Danger, Love, and Mystery

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  14. Comgrats! One of the best ways to gain drive and inspiration is to both start and then find success. Good luck moving forward with all your fabulous endeavors! 💖

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  15. Congrats on your story in the anthology. Keep moving in that direction.

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  16. Love that your story went click-boom! Congrats again!

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  17. Congratulations! Not just on getting accepted into the anthology but on making a plan and carrying it out. Click-boom! ;)

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  18. You did it and you were motivated all the way through. That's true courage. I can't wait to read your story :)

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  19. I totally love all the Hamilton references and hope to be in the room where it happens eventually (why, oh, why are Hamilton tickets so expensive?!). Burr did the same thing. He watched and waited and finally realized he had to do something if he wanted to get to that room where it happens. If we don't enter, we can't win. Congrats on being in the anthology!

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