Let The Celebrations Begin!
February 23rd, 2007 by LaDonna
Since writing is so subjective, and filled with highs and lows, I wanted to focus on the writer’s journey today. Years ago, I thought a writer had to move forward with their eyes glued on the prize. And I was right, up to a point. You can get so hypnotized, you miss the trip.
Truth be known, I wished I’d looked up more. I didn’t celebrate completing my first novel properly. I think, not sure, but think I started a new one right away. 
There are the positive-query-celebrations, and the ideas so original you just know NO ONE has ever conceived of this in the history of the world highs.
We get caught up in the process, and sometimes miss the celebrations. I like to think I’m smarter now. For one, I’m kinder to myself. I was the gal who pushed myself physically, mentally, all ways. There wasn’t enough time in the day to do everything I HAD to do. You know what? Life goes on. I didn’t have to do it all. Frankly, the world kept spinning without me balancing its axis on my little pinky. Wonder woman I wasn’t.
Seeing good friends succeed is another celebration. Take time to savor their joy, be in the moment with them. You might never get the chance again. If you blink, you’ll miss it. There will never be another first book, first book signing, first award, first contest win again. With the internet it’s so much easier hooking up with friends. Back in the day, it was letters in the mail. I know, I’m dating myself here.
It’s important to get enough sleep, and eat right. Yeah, yeah, you might be saying. Guess what? It’s hard writing when you’re run down and sick. We all know that. And it’s important to have play days, or play moments. A 30 minute break will do wonders for the soul. When you feel better, you do better.
I saved family for last. The ones who love you pre-pubbed, published, all the craziness in between. Now, that’s cause for celebration. Mine has supported my dreams for years. Never once have any of them suggested I quit. In my eyes, they deserve a reward. I’m lucky, and I know it.
So, be good to you please. When your moments come, I hope you take the proper time to celebrate. It’s those memories that carry us through to the next celebration. Make each of them count.
So, do you celebrate moments, and treat yourself well? If not, consider this a personalized wakeup call! 
I care about all of you.
18 Responses to “Let The Celebrations Begin!”
Oy. Don’t knock starting the next book right away. I live by this.
LOL about May’s response. I usually clean my desk after I finish a book. It doesn’t last long, but it’s lovely looking for about one whole day.
Besides the cleaning, I plan on getting a massage after this book. And I do celebrate the moments when my CPs and friends publish. That’s always a great time for me.
And I care about you too, LaDonna.:grin:
May, smiling here. Okay, I’m guilty too…still.
Edie, cleaning the desk is something I need to do now! I’m buried under…stuff. And a massage sounds lovely. Glad you care too, Edie!
Thanks for the wake-up call, LaDonna. This was a really great post.
Thank you, Cynthia! Never hurts to nudge once in awhile.
I was really kind to myself after finishing my latest book. I took a guilt-free week off, but I couldn’t let it go for long. I got too wound up, I needed to work on something.
And I always celebrate the good stuff with my friends online
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Michelle, good for you! And isn’t it wierd, when you deserve a break but IT won’t let you?
And I know you celebrate online! What did we do before cyber-space? Ah, the mail thing.
I always take a little bit of time off after a book. Whether its a day, two days or a week. Gotta recharge those batteries. I usually spend that time going on a cleaning frenzy. I have to have that house clean before I start the next. That way the guilt is held at bay.
I don’t bother trying to write when I’m not feeling well. Not only is the stuff unadulterated crap … but if I try to force myself, I’m afraid that I’ll start seeing writing in the wrong light. There were times when I went months without writing something new. However, there were always revisions to be worked on. Doesn’t usually matter if you’re not feeling all that hot, its doable … and it feels like progress.
Terrific post, LaDonna. Always celebrate the little things (and the big things). It makes it all that much more special.
Interesting post and interesting timing. Earlier this week, I started thinking about taking a By Myself vacation. I’m well overdue for some REAL pampering. Right now, a nice little B&B in the NC mountains sounds about nice.
Liz, good for you! And I feel the same way about the clean house thing. Ah, mine needs attention as we speak. And I agree, revisions are doable even if Venus isn’t aligned with Mars. LOL.
Marcia, glad the timing was right. You go, girl! A B&B in NC sounds perfect. And I bet after, you’ll be inspired in a big way too.
LaDonna, my challenge partners and I are celebrating all three of us completing our books with a fabo lunch at a swank restaurant next week. For dessert? Chocolate souffle! Tomorrow because we did some awesome plotting this week, we’re giving ourselves a bonus award: lunch and a movie. Music and Lyrics.
As you can see, I have no problem indulging myself.
Karin, good for you! Wow, you really know how to celebrate. I’m taking notes for when it’s my turn. LOL.
LaDonna, this piece blew me away. I just finished, for the gazillionth time, a re-write, and cried at the end. (I get attached).
But, I do celebrate, no matter if it’s because I took a scene, re-wrote it, and it kicked-butt, or, a contest judge said something like, “Hey, get this one to an agent!” even though I didn’t final.
Celebrating verifies that we live our dreams. Whether with a bag of dark M&M’s or a fine bottle of Perrier Joet, what counts is realizing the dream. What better way than to celebrate. (I usually buy shoes)
Kath, congrats on that revision! I know you’ve worked really hard. And I LOVE shoes too! I like what you said..”Celebrating verifies that we live our dreams.” How true.
LaDonna,
What a great reminder. We do need to celebrate those pivotal moments. We wouldn’t get anywhere without finishing, so instead of just ignoring the achievement and rushing ahead we should stop and savor and celebrate.
Ummm :lol
Remind me of this when I finish this book, okay?
LOL, Theresa. I’ll remind ya, don’t worry!