As many of you regular readers know, my critique partners are also bloggers (and wonderful friends!), so we often sort of wander off into blog stuff while we’re supposed to be doing critiquing stuff. But that’s okay because there’s always something we need to figure out. I’m pretty sure that the folks who thought up blogging sit around and say, “Hey! What can we change today that will really put all the bloggers into a big, ol’ dither?”
So. Debra Mayhew has been making some changes over at her blog and she stopped by yesterday, laptop in hand, for a little hands-on help. Um…we sort of figured out the problem (possibly added a few more problems to work out–oopsies!), but more importantly, we talked about writing, we laughed about writing, we griped about writing. In short, we shored up our sagging spirits for the long haul of this business we’re in.
Because my-oh-my, writing is a long haul. With no short cut to the success signpost. But there are a ton of writers out there who will join you for the ride, shoring you up. I read Kristen Lamb’s blog today about making it past the dip, and felt a teensy bit better about the manuscript dragging me way beyond a dip and all the way into a chasm.
I thought about my blogger critique buddies, too. Of Debra’s dip and how she keeps plugging away. Of Lisa and the new directions she’s fearlessly following.
And there are all of you, bloggers/writers I’ve never met but feel like I know so well. Probably because we’re all on the same journey. There’s nothing for it but to keep at it. And I’m ever so glad I have friends to keep me company.
Cathy C. Hall Writes 
Cathy–I too am grateful for my writing and blogging friends. Right now I am working on a “longish” project and if it doesn’t end up being deemed a steaming pile of poop, I am going to feature a lunch with you three ladies in my project. That means I will have to do some “research,” which could be loads of fun…or weird, depending on how I do it.
Ooo! I hope it means ROAD TRIP!!!!
Hi Cathy,
How true about no shortcuts. My longish project has been simmering on the back burner much too long. I’m hoping to dig it out and turn on the heat later this year.
Oh, the grandkiddos and I passed through your neck of the woods earlier this week on our way to vacation in the Low Country of South Carolina. Love this part of the country but will be glad to leave early tomorrow; I hope before the tropical storm hits.
Through Atlanta, Donna? Shoot–I would’ve met you somewhere for tea and a gabfest! (And I hope you get through before the storms pound you! Safe travels!)
Thanks for the link, Cath. 🙂 I knew you and Deb were stirring up fun & trouble when I saw that she bypassed the techno-glitch and commented on my blog—figured you two had your heads together.
It IS a long haul. And having other writers to connect with makes it so much—I won’t say easier, ‘cuz it ain’t easy—pleasurable. You’re a big part of that pleasure for a lot of people, so on behalf of your friends and fans, thanks! 😀
Aw, Lisa…I’d blush but I think I forgot how! 😉
Yeah, Deb and I practiced at your blog post. She was SO excited to finally leave a comment for you. In fact, she kept going back to look at the shiny little comment she made. I had to take a picture so we could move on (but I wanted her to have a keepsake of the “moment”). 🙂
I don’t know what I’d do without my writing and blogging buddies! I just wished we all lived nearer to each other…although I wonder how much we’d actually get done then… 🙂
Based on my hanging out time with blogging buddies, I’m gonna say “not much” Madeline. ‘Course, it’s only a guess. Results will vary. 😉
So true, so true! Somehow you made figuring out the blog problem a ton of fun. And yes, I was ridiculously proud of finally being able to comment on Lisa’s blog! Thanks for all your help yesterday, and more importantly for lifting and keeping my spirits up when I need it most.
I follow the Mary Poppins School of Work Ethic, Debra. (In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun and snap! The job’s a game!) 🙂
You always inspire me as well, Debra. It was a pleasure! (And no one threw up, so bonus points for the Mayhews!) 🙂