I read an article in my local paper about a study that was in the Journal of Sports Medicine, in which the researchers determined that “Raising your arms in triumph after a successful shot may help your team win a tied match.”
It went on to say:
“They pored over the videos of World Cups and European Championships from 1974 to 2006 and coded players’ smiles, whoops and fist pumps during the tiebreakers.
When an individual player exulted by pumping both of his arms in the air after making a shot, his team was more likely to ultimately win the penalty shootout, the study found. Other moves, such as shoving out your chest or pumping your hands in front of you, also seemed to do the trick. The research team hypothesized that the exuberant displays spread an “emotional contagion” to other teammates, raising morale and helping the next players keep their eyes on the prize.”
I cut the article out and put it on my desk, intending to use it in a blog sometime. That was a couple weeks ago, but something happened on Saturday that made me think of it. My husband and I are looking for a new car, and we were test driving with a salesman who asked what we did. My husband gestured at me and said, “Edie writes.” The salesman wanted to know more, and I said I’d sold short stories to mystery magazines in the 90s. Then I told him that I was self-publishing my book on Kindle and Smashwords. But I didn’t say it proudly, in a fist pumping way. I said it in a cringing, apologetic voice.
Even as I spoke, I thought What the hell are you doing? This is something that excites and energizes me. I’m proud of what I’m doing. I don’t need to be apologetic.
The next day I went to a book signing and recognized one of the customers, a pubbed writer in the area. We chatted, and I told her what I was going to do. But this time I said it proudly, with an excitement that matched the fire in my belly. It turned out she’s thinking of self-publishing a couple of her books that she couldn’t sell to a publisher. When she said “I think they’re kind of good,” I shot back, “No, they’re damn good.” She laughed and said, “Yes, they are damn good.” And I could see the change in her expression and the way she stood, her confidence and pride in her books rushing back to her.
CATTITUDE isn’t in the stores yet, but it will be soon. Two to four weeks — maybe sooner. Tomorrow I’ll be Cynthia Eden’s guest. I’ll be metaphorically pumping both my fists. I hope you’ll stop by and say hi. I’m giving one commenter a digital copy as soon as it’s available.
Meanwhile, I’d love to get some emotional contagion from you. What would you like to metaphorically pump your fists about?
Edie! That’s so cool! Finally I’ll get to read Cattitude, soon as my Kindle arrives (UPS guy didn’t stop by yesterday). You have every right to be proud of yourself. After all, you’ve put in your time and Herculean effort – it’s time to get something for it, and I know it’ll be great.
But, I’ve been like you – always downplaying personal achievments, such as carrying a 4.0 in college. I’d say, “Yeah, big deal. I’m only taking six credit hours a week.” And then I realized that others have put down my achievements, so why was I doing the same thing? (A fellow student recently said of a particular professor whom gave me an A that “He gave EVERYONE A’s,” as if it were no big deal).
I’ve recently embraced my greatness. Someone has to, right? I was invited to join an honors fraternity based on my GPA. So I joined and hung the membership certificate on the wall. Whenever I look at it I feel the achievement. My personal “fist-pumping” moment.
P.S. There are enough Debbie Downers in this writing life that you don’t need to be your own.
Kath, good for you, girl!!! 4.0 is awesome! And so what if it’s only 6 credits a week. Someone else could take the same load and barely squeak by. As for giving everyone As, I don’t believe that.
I just pumped both fists for you!
Wow, that’s fantastic, Edie. You’re a trendsetter. Please keep notes on how to do what you’re doing? How did you go about it? I’ve been thinking of this too, but have no idea how to go about it.
Please share. We love you and are so proud of all your accomplishments. And be sure to let us know when Catitude is available. I can’t wait.
Rah, rah, Edie. (Major fist pump, here)
Mary Jo, I’m proud of your achievements too! It might be a few weeks before I get the book up. I plan on doing many guest blogs in which I’ll talk about different aspects of my journey. I’ll supply links on my own blog. I might keep copies of these blogs, too, to remind me of details that I know I’ll forget.
Once I’m on my way, I’ll probably talk about my progress on my own blog and occasionally on Magical. I’ll see how it goes. This is new for me. New and exciting!
Edie, doing the happy dance for you! Does that create the same results as the fist pumping?
I dance a lot.
Let’s see, I’ll pump my fists in the air for all the dreamers out there. The writers who follow their bliss. A loyal bunch of hard-working, creative souls that make me proud to share in the craft of writing. Finding ones own path in life is a total celebration worthy of greatness. Well, that’s my take anyway.
Mucho success your way, GF!
GOOD FOR YOU, Edie.
Never apologize for hard work and perseverance. And it will be great to see Catitude available.
One of my crit partners is planning on doing something similar. Although a tad differently. She’s trying to build her name and interest in her books so one of the things she’s decided to do is post a book, chapter by chapter on her website. And then once it’s been all posted she is going to publish it with Kindle. She is looking into how to do that right now.
I think you’ll find more and more people turning to that option, and more and more established authors going directly to Kindle with books they haven’t been able to sell traditionally.
In effect, you and Ros and Spy and all the others exploring this option now are pioneers.
LaD, dancing has to be as good as double fist pumping. So thanks! Absolutely right about all the dreamer. It sounds good to me.
Theresa, good luck to your crit partner! I feel like Zoe Winters and J.A. Konrath and others are the first wave of indie writers and I’m the second wave. I hope I do as well as some of the first wave.
Edie, YAY!!!! I’m so excited CATTITUDE will be available for us to read! (I *love* that title.
) Your post reminded me of when the Blackhawks won the final match in the Stanley Cup. The player who made the shot knew it went in and fist-pumped in excitement. There was a rise in energy all around from Hawks fans (even though the refs were checking and double checking to make sure and no one else seemed to see the shot) — we could almost feel the excitement through the TV screen just because HE was so thrilled. So, way to go!! Looking forward to celebrating its release with you!
Marilyn, I love it when I see a player do that — even when I’m not rooting for his team. I do think that happiness is contagious. And I feel pretty darn happy about taking control of my career — with the help of many friends who are rooting for me. Thanks!
Edie, I have fists and feet pumping for you! I can’t wait for Cattitude to release!
Edie,
I agree. Attitude is contagious. We need to surround ourselves with positive people and positive energy. But even more than that, we need to be positive thinkers with gung-ho positive attitudes no matter the endeavor.
Let me know when I can get Cattitude. Me and my kindle are eagerly awaiting!
Karin, I remember when you and I were first CPs. You critiqued Cattitude. I can’t remember if Good Girl Gone Bad was your first one or if that was another book. But you’ve done good!
Elle, I could see your positive energy! I’ll certainly let you know.
You should be excited, Edie. Getting Cattitude out there is major and I’m really thrilled that you’re doin’ it.
As you say, attitude is everything. If you’re not excited, how can you expect anyone else to be? Achievements are made in small steps and giant steps … but you’ll notice that those steps are always forward.
As Mary Jo says … keep detailed notes. I get the feeling a lot of people are going to go the Kindle route.
Liz, I’ve been planning to write a series of blogs about this. Maybe I should write a few of the blogs now to make sure I don’t forget.
I’ve done this so many times! Said things almost apologetically. And after every time, i always regret it. I’m going to try your take and start feeling more proud.
Lori, I was at my doctor this morning (nothing serious, just my yearly exam)and I told her about Cattitude. And I did say it proudly.