tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post8709113743407806835..comments2023-09-24T11:26:16.606-04:00Comments on The Middle Ages: Life Lessons From Writing Lessons Deb and Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04444390852070865517noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-21647913908707836082012-10-22T23:28:29.290-04:002012-10-22T23:28:29.290-04:00Thanks for the laugh, Nobby! Thanks for the laugh, Nobby! Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10020502430509158737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-9749046138955746012012-10-22T19:22:29.383-04:002012-10-22T19:22:29.383-04:00I was going to write a nice long comment but half ...I was going to write a nice long comment but half way through I thought, "What the heck!" So didn't bother..Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08067422300027516959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-81095923862109026242012-10-22T05:21:02.293-04:002012-10-22T05:21:02.293-04:00Sounds like a great plan! Will do that! :) Thanks....Sounds like a great plan! Will do that! :) Thanks. xoxoBeckihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11056971028004881629noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-52736056983150521132012-10-22T02:20:02.108-04:002012-10-22T02:20:02.108-04:00This is indeed so true! I remember this when I was...This is indeed so true! I remember this when I was doing my Bachelors, and I had to rewrite it all the time. I wasn't happy with it in the end, but I got my degree and that was enough. I am not a writer by any means, although I once dreamed of it. (I have dreamed of being almost anything and everything, so to pursuite my dreams would be a real hassle ;) )<br /><br />The Saga of me is definately still working progress although (my new favourite word)the first two books are definately done and first few chapters of the third book has been written. I refer it as being written, but it feels to me more like I am the one doing the reading. Also in this saga the rewriting part is quite not an option :)) I am just happy that I am able to follow one dream at the time (well two at the moment). I am able to study my Master's degree and travel. Ultimate job for me would be something where I could travel. I can't be a pilot because of my bad eyesight and can't be a flight attendant because I am too short.Kaskuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09551403219738694648noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-5229854653859312362012-10-20T18:39:59.478-04:002012-10-20T18:39:59.478-04:00And all that non-fiction writing is great for the ...And all that non-fiction writing is great for the practice and discipline and even financial security, etc, so you're already halfway there! I think the next step -- and you know this, I can see that -- is letting go of all the end result stuff (like who would read it and publishers) and just let go and let yourself write creatively, no expectations. That other stuff can come when it's ready to to come. Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10020502430509158737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-27169868891089374332012-10-20T18:28:54.885-04:002012-10-20T18:28:54.885-04:00I can't say I haven't produced anything - ...I can't say I haven't produced anything - I wrote seven published textbooks - but I haven't let myself do anything creative. I feel as if non-fiction is something I can do, but fiction, well, others are already doing that better than I could. And besides, where would I find a publisher, and who do I know in those circles, and hasn't every good story already been written...<br />Well, it's nice to hear you were in that slump and pulled yourself out of it - I'm 32, so maybe I can un-stall myself soon enough. I have dozens of good ideas for travel guides and food writing and children's books. I just need to start writing and painting and go.<br />HannahHannahhttp://inlatinamerica.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-17415645290519538772012-10-20T18:17:38.124-04:002012-10-20T18:17:38.124-04:00Hannah, we would love love love to have you here!!...Hannah, we would love love love to have you here!! This forum is nothing without the back-and-forth that Deb and I thrive on, so welcome!! Your comments basically describe the years I stalled (between 16 and 35), where I was too paralyzed by doubt and insecurity to go back to my first true creative love -- writing. I wish now that I hadn't wasted that time. THAT was a waste of time, NOT doing anything!! Everything I've written since has had its moments of grace and its mountains of crap. BUT I can always wade through the crap to pluck out that grace. Most importantly, the lessons of doing, the practice of doing and the -- nothing else like -- transcendence of doing! Have fun and ... just do it :) xoxoBarbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10020502430509158737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-60054434333723518262012-10-20T18:12:13.860-04:002012-10-20T18:12:13.860-04:00First time commenter here - I just discovered your...First time commenter here - I just discovered your blog (and started one of my own) yesterday. I've been feeling frustrated at what I've perceived as wasted time - ready to go off on a grand adventure, but agreeing to abide by doctor's orders and wait until he declares me healed enough to travel.<br />Barbara, you're so right that nothing we do is wasted. I worry so much about wasting time, wasting effort, wasting paper, that I don't produce nearly as much creative output as I could if I just stopped worrying. I have beautiful sketchbooks that I don't use because I don't want to mar their pages with mistakes. I have a set of paintbrushes that I bought in China, that I haven't used because I don't want to ruin them before I've learned how to use them the Chinese way. And I have my old blog, that I didn't write in because it was supposed to be about THIS subject, but I felt like writing about THAT subject, and so I didn't write at all.<br />And now, as I wait impatiently to leave on my grand adventure, I will do those things that I didn't want to do for fear of wasting effort or time or paper. And hopefully I can turn that into a habit of doing what I enjoy, and who cares about whether the effort was wasted or not? I sat in on an art workshop the other day, and the instructor said, every artist needs to make thousands of mistakes to get to a place where they can create something great. So why wait? Make your mistakes early and often.<br />Thanks for the ideas, and I look forward to reading your blog often and participating in this nice community you have in the comments, if I may invite myself.<br />HannahHannahhttp://inlatinamerica.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-68708838274735896322012-10-20T18:11:36.779-04:002012-10-20T18:11:36.779-04:00Excellent, excellent quotes, Roz! thank you. More ...Excellent, excellent quotes, Roz! thank you. More for my wall :) <br /><br />I kinda expected that when I wrote this, the writers would relate. So many writers I know (and don't know!) talk about this. But I think we all need the reminder to keep at it, ya know??? Let us do that, shall we?Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10020502430509158737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-25961467339003930122012-10-20T18:09:24.491-04:002012-10-20T18:09:24.491-04:00I think, from my own experience, it's way easi...I think, from my own experience, it's way easier to keep working than to be positive. Because "being positive" means reflecting on your work, and that can be tricky and convoluted. But working -- there's the grace! It's just that. Without judgement, good or bad. So instead of doubting, just keep writing. And if you get negative feedback, keep working again. Trust me, you really won't regret it!Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10020502430509158737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-74830434458977008652012-10-20T18:06:44.059-04:002012-10-20T18:06:44.059-04:00I quite like how you've put it, Margo! And tha...I quite like how you've put it, Margo! And thanks for the laugh re the "fall on your face" quote. That's a keeper!Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10020502430509158737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-4815945468666603202012-10-20T08:46:29.813-04:002012-10-20T08:46:29.813-04:00I needed to read this post, Barb! Writing is one o...I needed to read this post, Barb! Writing is one of my passions, but I'm a born perfectionist so I find it really hard to let things go. I have to remind myself that writing is a journey and no one ever gets it right first time. You have to push through, even when you're not feeling it, and never give up. Here's some relevant quotes that I've collected: <br /><br />'The only difference between a published and unpublished writer is a tolerance for imperfection.'<br /><br />'Perfection belongs to the Gods; the most we can hope for is excellence.'<br /><br />'Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.' - Samuel BeckettRozhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07324771087522337757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-46318871490342920322012-10-19T18:16:15.566-04:002012-10-19T18:16:15.566-04:00I wouldn't consider myself as a writer...but I...I wouldn't consider myself as a writer...but I do write a lot...and I know that feeling. I'm often so impatient (because I really want to achieve something...and I've waited long enough)...and I want to do it perfectly. And then at some point, I just don't like it, and don't want to continue. Or the thought of rewriting stuff frightens me.<br /><br />And I guess, it shows how I am. I'm often scared to make decisions, and try out new things. I'm sometimes displeased with myself, and have huge doubts...<br /><br />Maybe I should try to be more positive (yeah..it sounds so easy).<br /><br />At least I always try to not give up my "work" completely... Beckihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11056971028004881629noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-74076466956423336202012-10-19T17:12:12.950-04:002012-10-19T17:12:12.950-04:00Oh and - very glad to hear you're having such ...Oh and - very glad to hear you're having such a great time with the writing course!Margonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-66688381061731995792012-10-19T16:53:28.193-04:002012-10-19T16:53:28.193-04:00Yeah, great post! I don't have anything to add...Yeah, great post! I don't have anything to add - I'll just agree with everything you say! <br />This post did remind me of one of my favourite quotes: "Even when you fall on your face, you're still moving forward." To me, this means the same, that no experience is ever wasted - even the mistake-y, not-perfect experience is valuable. Only you put it much more eloquenty :-)Margonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-36188901115300166472012-10-19T16:11:51.126-04:002012-10-19T16:11:51.126-04:00Yes, it WAS intended!! Glad you got the message, K...Yes, it WAS intended!! Glad you got the message, Kelly ;)Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10020502430509158737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-64357919016945260262012-10-19T16:11:13.364-04:002012-10-19T16:11:13.364-04:00Oh yes, yes, YES!! (I'll have what she's h...Oh yes, yes, YES!! (I'll have what she's having ;) ) So so so love this, Lori! As always. Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10020502430509158737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-30555306803523207312012-10-19T16:09:43.333-04:002012-10-19T16:09:43.333-04:00Isn't it amazing when we collect a bunch of re...Isn't it amazing when we collect a bunch of reminders all in the same time-frame? This has also just happened to me -- which really convinced me to write this post. I'm so sorry to hear that you've been down in the dumps, but I hope you'll keep "working" at stuff, whatever that is. You are such a great person and such a treasure here that I want to make sure you know that even down you produce up-ness :)Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10020502430509158737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-80758496427298735032012-10-19T16:06:15.269-04:002012-10-19T16:06:15.269-04:00Aw, so sweet, Eileen. I probably did write it just...Aw, so sweet, Eileen. I probably did write it just for you!! Let go of both ideas if you can, the idea of perfection and the idea that you're possibly wasting time. I bet you will get right back on track! Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10020502430509158737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-64765285179065488942012-10-19T16:04:11.587-04:002012-10-19T16:04:11.587-04:00Beautiful, S! Love when that happens. Also, I love...Beautiful, S! Love when that happens. Also, I love the whole calmness around "paving the way" for creative work. Real artist's block is not being able to work when you want to (like your friend), but often real art needs some percolating time before you can even start. And that IS working!Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10020502430509158737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-53176167595508186422012-10-19T16:01:21.690-04:002012-10-19T16:01:21.690-04:00I am so excited for you and your new biz, Heidi. I...I am so excited for you and your new biz, Heidi. If ever a person needed a reminder to not give up, it's the person starting a business!! Good luck!Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10020502430509158737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-19656230033427027662012-10-19T16:00:09.989-04:002012-10-19T16:00:09.989-04:00Well, ain't that the truth?! Although I do lik...Well, ain't that the truth?! Although I do like to get things to "good enough" :)Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10020502430509158737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-42167511337198635112012-10-19T15:59:35.978-04:002012-10-19T15:59:35.978-04:00Glad it resonated, Kelly!Glad it resonated, Kelly!Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10020502430509158737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-35008451644125279162012-10-19T15:40:58.564-04:002012-10-19T15:40:58.564-04:00Was writing a paper for school and was stuck on ho...Was writing a paper for school and was stuck on how to drag it out another two pages......Then I came here! Not sure if this is what it was intended for but I am using this lesson towards my research paper : )Kelly from NJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11695507266814571692noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-56323291875083854122012-10-19T15:12:34.136-04:002012-10-19T15:12:34.136-04:00Reason number 6 million 50 that I LOVE YOU, LORI! ...Reason number 6 million 50 that I LOVE YOU, LORI! Perfect explanation :) <3 xoxoShalakahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00782094985343645473noreply@blogger.com