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| The Queen of Horror Fiction (or as she refers to her new book: “Bitch Lit”) |
Happy Hump Day, Dear Readers!
With a title like “A Big Kick in the Arse”, you probably expected this post to be about kickboxing, didn’t you? Well, it isn’t. It’s about writing! Fooled you!
(The kick boxers can tune out now.)
Recently I attended a friend’s book launch. This was a Big Deal, both to my friend, who hasn’t published a new book for a few years, and to the community, who loves to laud one of its own.
For our city, it was a huge launch. There were more people than chairs, so plenty were standing, and some were even hanging over a balcony up above. There was much applause and laughter–a highly appreciative audience–and the author felt well and truly loved. As for me, since I wanted to be there and the author writes in a genre I actually read, I was happy, too.
But on my way home, the dark side kicked in.
So far this year, kickboxing has basically taken over my life. If you read this blog, I’m most likely not surprising you with that information. I knew it was only a matter of time until the guilt from neglecting my writing kicked in, and that reading was it.
Lest you think this is one of those “why her and not me?” whines, I’ll tell you right now: it isn’t. First of all, this author deserves every bit of success she receives, and I am ecstatic for her. I hope her book sales soar into the stratosphere.
Secondly, I’m not one of those people who thinks that there’s a limited amount of success in the world. When I see one of my writing friends achieve something incredible, I don’t think the same is less likely to happen to me…I think it’s more likely. Because their success and achievements prove that this stuff actually happens! That it isn’t just an urban myth cooked up by a bunch of unpublished writers.
And the last reason I’m not bemoaning my lack of a book launch: I know the answer to the question “why not me?” far too well. Because I haven’t been writing! Or rewriting! How am I supposed to have a book launch for a book that doesn’t exist? (At least not in publishable form.)
We don’t write for fame and adulation. We don’t write for wealth. But wouldn’t it be cool to–just for once–be the one standing behind the podium instead of the one sitting in front of it, hoping for an autograph? It’s fun to dream.
But in this case, the dream could be a reality if I just got back to it. The Boy tells me it’s impossible to give so much energy and heart to two things (muay thai and writing) at the same time, and he may be right, but I feel I’ve got to try.
It was a great kick in the arse when I needed it. So thank you, Susie Moloney.
And buy her book! It’s fabulous.
How about you, Dear Readers? Are you inspired by others’ success? Does it give you a kick in the arse?
Definitely. Whenever I’m in a slump, I check out the blogs of writers I love, look at interviews with them on YouTube, all that stuff. It usually jolts me out of it.
Ahem, as one with a large one, I speak from experience when I say that kicks to the Arse are a double edged sword. True they can occasionally be motivating – but sometimes they’re just plain painful. 😉
This is my favourite post of yours, Holli, ha ha. And you should be writing, you’re very talented! If you get on it, it’ll be me waiting for you to sign my novel, “with love, Holli Moncrieff.”
That will be a good day. Evening. A good evening. Launches are always in the evening. XO
Thanks for your comments, everyone!
@ Christine – That’s a great idea. I’ve never thought of doing that. How do you find time to write? Do you try to write everyday?
@ Fat Arse – True, they can be, but hopefully that pain is a motivating one! If we want to avoid painful moments in the future, we have to get off our collective arses!
@ Susie – Ah, I’m glad you liked it. I was worried about it sounding like sour grapes, which it so is NOT. I’m genuinely happy for you, and you deserve every moment of your success.
Having a launch of my own sometimes seems like a dream, especially if I’ve been away from writing for awhile, but it’s still a very nice dream. Thanks for the motivation!
Holli – you can do both! Many successful writers also are successful at other things, as long as they choose to be of course! 🙂
I’ve been writing more poetry again, my first love, and that first launch I did at McNally for my book was so cool. I’ll never forget it even if I had a small group and I self-published.
Write what feels good, my friend who writes has been doing first chapters as an exercise in different themes. They are quick and keep her muscles for writing strong while she works out other things.
I’ve got Three Quarter Down on the back burner, need to haul it out and work on it again. I need someone to read it and kick my arse. And it’s a big easy target 🙂
Keep following your heart and when your books is ready I’ll be there to cheer you on, getting butts in the chairs for your launch and waiting patiently for my signed copy!
Keep kicking @$$ in the ring and on the page girl!
It’s all true and I need a kick in the arse too.
Yes, the dream can be a reality. As for giving energy and heart to two things–just ask any mom/writer. We certainly find time for both so you can too.
Enjoyed hearing about your friend’s success. Behind that podium is a wonderful place to be as you will one day discover for yourself.. 🙂
@ MM – Thanks for sharing your goals and suggestions…I had no idea you’d had your own book launch at McNally!Congrats! So far, I’m still preoccupied with kickboxing, but Im going to try to change that.
@ Kim – Consider yourself kicked. 🙂
@ Laura – That’s one of the reasons I will never have children. I think it would consume me totally, and not leave room for anything else. That seems to be my personality.
I would love to be behind the podium, but I imagine it is a little nerve-wracking, too.