Wednesday, May 4, 2022

The Crooked Knife is here!

 It is the monthly meeting of the Insecure  Writer's Support Group and I couldn't be happier to report in! 

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. 

I'm excited to be able to talk about my triumph instead of my struggles today. Huzzah - the book is here! 


I went and got a box of them from my publicist on Monday and I've been floating on  a cloud of fluffy dream stuff ever since. Wednesdays is always the day that I meet with Gwen, my writing pal, and we write and drink coffee and walk the dog and eat lunch and talk. Today I will be working on quite a few launch details so that will be fun too. My plan is that my fella and I will drive to Labrador for the first launch early June and then to St. John's on the island (Newfoundland) for another one before heading home. It is a 5,000 kilometre road trip (over 3000 miles) so lots of planning to do. Then I'll do a launch in Halifax and some other ones in Nova Scotia (Chester, Lunenburg, Wolfville...). Boulder Books is a small publisher but they've given me lots of help - a publicist here and in Newfoundland.
But this is all just the gears going round in my head.
What I wanted to say about it for those of you insecure writers who have been slogging away without too much action for some time - don't give up. Keep on with your discipline. Passion (or intention) and discipline are the two virtues that will keep you developing your craft. Elizabeth George talks about the qualities needed to be published in her wonderful book Write Away. She says that a writer will be published if they possess three qualities - talent, passion and discipline.
They will probably be published if you possess two of the qualities as long as one of them is discipline. Discipline is key. Or as my Daddio called it Bum Glue
What I've learned about discipline is that it is full of joy. I did not know that at the beginning of this and other discipline practices I've employed. But creating a firm boundary - knowing that I chose to write - nobody gives a hoot if I do or don't - so that I can play safely within that boundary is a wonderful joyful exercise.

The other thing that kept me going with this project is that I believe in the story I told. I wanted other people to understand what I experienced working on a reserve in Labrador. I care about the kids of Sheshatshiu and know that this was one thing I could do to help bring light to the multiple obstacles they face day to day.
Guess that is the passion part. The talent part - meh! I do not recognize that.

So thanks for being here - it does make a difference to have this community.

Tell me what you do to celebrate a writing victory. Get a tattoo? Go out for dinner? Start another project?



16 comments:

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Congratulations to you, Jan! That's fantastic. Great tips for maintaining motivation, too.

Celebrating is something that I've been aware I need to spend a little more time on. :) Chocolate might be good for me!

Stubblejumpers Cafe said...

Congratulations, Jan!
-Kate

Jan Morrison said...

Hi Elizabeth - of course chocolate! When my fella and I picked up the books we went to the Whale Back near Peggy's Cove and had salt caramel ice cream cones. Perfect.

Jan Morrison said...

Hi Kate! How good to see you here! How's spring in the prairies?

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Congratulations! Nothing like holding your own book, is there?

Margot Kinberg said...

I can't tell you how absolutely delighted I am for you, Jan! Congratulations, well-deserved, and fabulous news! I look forward to reading it!

Jan Morrison said...

Thanks Alex. Yep - you know it -best high ever!

Jan Morrison said...

Hi Margot, yes, took me awhile but the tougher the climb the sweeter the view. Your newest is to get here Sunday!

Liza said...

What a wonderful, wonderful post! Oh, to see your happy face as you hold YOUR book! Wonderful. I am so pleased for you. Let me know if there is a virtual way I can help you market The Crooked Knife! Oh, just YAY!

Jan Morrison said...

Thanks Lisa - this is a fun ride!

Fundy Blue said...

Huzzah, huzzah, Jan! I am so happy for you! I envy you that drive to Labrador and then over to St. John's. I've traveled long stretches of it myself and loved every mile. Let me know when you'll be in Nova Scotia. Maybe we'll cross paths. I'm going to be there at the end of July into August. I was born in Wolfville. I love your Daddio's term Bum Glue. I'll keep that in my mind. Take care and lots of luck with the launching details. Annapolis Royal might be another good spot to do a launch. They have a wonderful and big farmers market and at least one great bookstore.

Chemist Ken said...

I can't imagine what it's like to hold your own book in your own hands. As you said, don't give up. I'm looking forward to when I can hold my own book in my hands too.

Jan Morrison said...

Fundy Blue - thank you!I live in Nova Scotia and hate leaving it in the sweet months so will definitely be here when you are home. We shall have to meet up somewhere delicious! Annapolis Royal is definitely on my list. I was at the bookstore there last year and it seemed a bit lost. More focus on their leather goods, less on books but perhaps it was just covid blues. Were you home last year?
Looking forward to seeing you in the real!

Jan Morrison said...

Chemist Ken - keep the faith! You can do it and will do it if you keep on writing.

Carol Kilgore said...

I'm so happy for you! Enjoy these moments. The first book is extra special. Congratulations!!!

Fundy Blue said...

Great, Jan! No I wasn't there last year. I haven't been there since before the pandemic. That means that I haven't seen two of my sisters either, although thank goodness for FaceTime! Take care!