Sunday, February 11, 2007

The Struggle To Start



I don't know the reasoning behind this, but I have trouble starting on my own writing projects. I can write the story okay, but when it comes to illustrating a few samples for the manuscript and sending it off to publishers, I get so terribly stuck. Maybe it's those little flashes of past rejection letters that run through my mind, followed by destructive negative thinking. After which, I've already failed before I've even begun. Or maybe I'm so critical of my work, wanting it to be perfect, that nothing is ever good enough to send out. That's not very productive or smart, is it? But that's how it's been for me. I've got to stop worrying and dreaming and take that first step. Dreaming is good, but on it's own it's useless. If I don't follow up with action, I might as well pack it in. So today I took the very difficult step of illustrating a sample page from a picture book series proposal that I've been holding on to for far too long. It's time to fold it into a little paper airplane, close my eyes, hold my breath, and toss it out the window.

3 comments:

angelic pursuits said...

Good for you, Paige! I always figure that nothing will happen if I keep it on my hard drive (or portfolio). By the way, I've loved your last few postings. You've done quite a lot for having tendonitis!

Paige Keiser said...

Very good point Angelic!! Exactly! The tendonitis has been good to me as of late after a few days of rest and icing. Thank God - I was really worried there for a while! I really appreciate your comment on my recent posts as I've been trying something new. Never know how people or like, or how I will like it for that matter :0)

Elizabeth said...

Paige, keep up the good work and keep being brave, 'cos your work is excellent.
There is nothing to fear but fear itself they say, but isn't that bad enough? When I get 'the wobbles' I turn to Julia Cameron's book 'The Artist's Way'; it helps me get past the doubt (and the past rejections) and keeps me painting.
Add that together with the kind, encouraging comments from nice people like yourself :-)
Keep flying those aeroplanes and see where they land, Success is yours already!
Lizzi