What’s Up Wednesday Christmas Edition

I’m calling this the Christmas edition since it’s probably the last WUW I’ll be participating in this side of Christmas. Unless something happens worthy of a WUW post next week. But I’m not anticipating that, so let’s stick with the plan and see what happens. What’s Up Wednesday is a blog meme devised by sisters Jaime Morrow and Erin Funk as a way for writer friends to keep in touch. Want to be a part of the fun? Visit their blogs to find out how, and visit other participants on their Linky Lists.

What I’m Reading

I’m currently reading RUNNER by Patrick Lee. It’s a thriller featuring ex-Special Forces Sam Dryden who, while out for a night-time run, comes across a twelve-year old girl who is also running–for her life. He rescues her from her pursuers, but it appears there’s a whole organization hunting her down. Dryden takes her under his wing and risks his own life protecting her while they find out more about the people chasing after her, and about the special ability she acquired while she was being held by them…

This is a fast-paced novel, and the story gets more and more interesting the deeper you go. I’m enjoying it. Definitely R-rated for occasional profanity and sexual situations, though Lee tries not to be salacious in his descriptions, giving just enough information for you to get the idea what’s happening.

What I’m Writing

Aside from the flash fiction (see the previous four Fridays), not much. And that’s okay. This break is helpful.

I have to include a writing goal now? Hmmm… I had an idea for another short story I’ve been kicking around. Maybe I’ll set myself the goal of actually making some notes on it, develop the idea a bit more on paper. See if it could work. Not too ambitious, I know, but I’m supposed to be taking a break.

What Works for Me

Being my own writer. What do I mean by that? I think those of us who write and are seeking publication often look to published writers, and those working in publishing, for guidance on how to be a writer. And what we hear are things like, “You need to write at least 1,000 words a day,” or “If you’re not writing daily you’re not a writer,” or “If you can do something else, do it, because the writer’s life isn’t for wusses.” And there’s some truth to all of these. But we can get hung up thinking that if we don’t live up to this standard in some way, we’re failing.

The thing is there are as many different types of writer as there are writers. And some of those comments mean more to some people than others. If you’re young, and looking to writing as your sole means of making a living, then you probably need to listen to the voices in the previous paragraph. Those who are older, and perhaps have families and good jobs, however, will want different things out of their writing career. It may be a secondary income source, or something they would like to see happen but are fine if they remain unpublished. That doesn’t mean they’re not as dedicated to their writing, or they won’t be as prolific. It just means they go at their own pace, and have a different perspective on the whole life-work-writing balance. I’m definitely in that latter category. I have a good job and a large family. I don’t need to be published to earn a living, though the secondary income would be helpful. I enjoy writing, and get a deep sense of satisfaction when I write a good story. It’s certainly something I’d enjoy spending more time doing–even perhaps doing full-time. I plan to write another novel, and more after that. And hopefully an agent will take an interest, and I’ll become a published author. But my life is already rich and full and enjoyable, so it’s not something I need in that sense.

What Else Is New

Christmas! My favorite time of year. I love the whole atmosphere of Christmas–the music, the decorations, the shorter days, the colder weather, that sense of reflection, nostalgia, and appreciation for life, friends, and family. And, of course, the food! And while Christmas itself isn’t new, every year is a new Christmas. My oldest daughter turned 21 on Monday, so it’s the first year she’ll be able to enjoy an adult beverage if she so chooses. It’ll be my sister-in-law’s first Christmas at their new house, and we’ll be there to celebrate with them. It’s also Sam the Cat’s first Christmas with us–possibly his first Christmas period.

Speaking of Sam, here he is with his preciousssss:

Have a wonderful Christmas, everyone!