The writing life includes many lonely days of uncertainty. Staring at the screen, unsure of the worth of our words. Therefore, we especially need to learn how to celebrate, to cherish the small and great successes in our writing lives.
Last month I posted about two writing contests and Mellissa asked, "When do you know if you are ready to submit your work?" Sometimes you just know you need to take the next step. The Spokane Youth Symphony sponsored a contest last summer, looking for unpublished children's stories to be performed along with their music. At the last minute, I did something I haven't done in years. I submitted a new project I am co-writing to the contest. We won. The brave and talented conductor loved our manuscript and wanted to bring it alive through music. Last month eight local girls performed sections of our story while the youth symphony played songs from around the world.
But earlier in the week the dress rehearsal had been a disaster. The conductor was not pleased. I went home, wondering, why did I ever think this was a good idea?
The girls practiced all week. That November Sunday afternoon they and the youth orchestra rocked the house, earning a standing ovation. The photo shows us on stage for the curtain call. Never has a literary event surprised and delighted me so. I had doubted, but the performers and musicians had brought our story to life, and improved it through the collaboration and rehearsal process.
Our story is now being considered by an editor and I have great hopes that it will be a book some day. But no matter what, I have that afternoon of joy to remember on those dark times in my writing life.
What writing experience do you have to celebrate this year? Have you finished a draft of a manuscript? A semester at Hamline? A great rejection letter? Pop open the champagne - now.
What a wonderful moment to celebrate, Claire! How astounding to see your story through music! And how awesome that 1000 others enjoyed it with you! Thank you for the reminder to pause and celebrate the moments that are easy to forget. We all need to hear this and, of course, believe it. What am I thankful for? A new life, this community--full of writers and friends, and the freedom to write whatever I want. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteI sold two books this year, STAINED GLASS SUMMER (December 30, 2011), and WEAVING MAGIC (April 2012), but the moment I celebrated the most was when I was asked to contribute to a Time Capsule Project in my city. I got to add a copy of the anthology where my first short story was published as well as an anthology of poetry written by youth in a juvenile detention where I facilitate a writing workshop.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Claire! for taking the chance.
ReplyDeleteAnd congratulations, too, for winning!
Mindy, I love your celebration moment. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAnd Mellisa, I can't wait to celebrate your reading and graduation soon at the Hamline residency. it starts in two weeks - yahoo.
Brava, Mindy! What a year! The Time Capsule Project is intriguing and a way to preserve your work with the youth with whom you work. Perhaps down the road, they, you, or any other member of your community will remember that no matter the past, present, or future that they are part of this greater community, too--their work, cemented in history--another reason for y'all to take joy together. Also, would you mind sharing your experience as facilitator at the Center? Hope, rehabilitation--perhaps even redemption, and self-discovery through writing is, indeed, a brave pursuit for all. :0)
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ReplyDeleteThank you SO much, Claire! I'm stoked and humbled by the upcoming reading and graduation. Two years have passed and now two weeks remain! Sheesh! Cheers! :0)
ReplyDeleteClaire, your story is a reminder to take risks...and also to trust in the process of moving forward. The dress rehearsal a week out sounds like right on schedule for everything to be a mess and everyone to doubt the whole project. That adds urgency to that final week so that everything peaks right on time!
ReplyDeleteDear Cheryl, how right you are. But the doubt, oh, the doubt. Maybe it makes the joy ever greater.
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