Well it’s Wordbitch Wednesday again and the theme this month is…
So, “What’s Up?” you ask.
Well, the Wordbitches are all pounding the keyboard and writing up word storms. Elena and Leanne both had books come out in May (Super Exciting!) and are both hard at work on their next projects. And I? I wouldn’t call myself in the midst of a word tornado, maybe more like a word sprinkling, or a sunny word shower.
Why do I think of my writing this way? Well, I have a confession…. I don’t write fast.
I try to write fast. I really do. But no matter what I try I seem to only manage about 500 words a day. (And most days not even that much.) I don’t wait for the muse. I go to work whether that bitch is there or not. I’ve put pressure on myself and set a fifteen minute timer. I’ve also tried the opposite and used a whole day to get lost in words. (FYI – The whole day thing sounds lovely, but I really never get anything done unless Elena or Leanne are in the room to make me sit back in my chair.) I’ve tried all the different tricks (well, not the software that eats your words if you don’t go fast enough… horror!). I just seem to be a slow writer. The words drip out of me, when I wish they’d be rushing like a torrent.
Now most of you will be saying… ’500 words? That’s a respectable number.’ And I’d agree with you. It is. But I’m not satisfied with it. I want more and I know it can be done. Why? Because of my fellow Wordbitches, who make this writing gig look easy. They are seriously my heroes. And I compare myself to them. We are told to never compare ourselves as writers, and every path to publication is different. While this is true, I believe for myself, a little comparison actually helps me. It fires me up. I tell myself that if they (ordinary people like me) can do it, then so can I. It requires hard work, perseverance and desire (and maybe a smidge of talent, but just a smidge).
So this is What’s Up with me. I’m comparing myself to other writers and it makes me aim a little higher, work a little harder, and write a little faster. And I think these are all good things.
Have you ever compared yourself to other writers? Did it help or hinder? Who are your writing heroes? And really… How fast does everyone write out there?
Stay tuned next Wednesday for a Wordbitches Surprise! (Hee Hee, I can’t wait!) But until then… Here are a couple of funny posts I’ve found that I hope you enjoy.
How to Know You’re a Writer (in GIF form) by Nathan Bransford.
If You Wish To Be A Writer, Have Sex With Someone in Publishing by Joyce Carol Oates over at the Onion.
