Celebrating at each juncture in our writing journey is important for self-esteem. I do this in degrees like when I celebrate my children’s accomplishments.
If I’ve had a great writing session; you know, not too much staring at the computer screen, I go out for a walk by myself. Ahh…peace and quiet! This only works when the kids aren’t home. And the weather doesn’t matter. I’ve hiked in the snow and rain. You just dress appropriately.
If I finish revising a story to the best of my ability and send it for critique, I brew a fresh pot of tea and pick up a book I’ve been planning to read. Again, this only works when my husband and the kids aren’t home. Otherwise, I can’t hear the words I’m reading. You need to have kids to understand this.
If I submit a story to a publisher—once I start breathing again—I become the nice Mom the children knew before I started writing and submitting stories. There is a difference between the stressed Writer Mom and the “So, how was your day?” Mom. We prepare favorite foods together and play board games, remember them? We like Clue and Scotland Yard best. They’re mystery games. We plan our next camping adventure as a family and I truly listen and participate in the discussion.
If a publisher accepts one of my stories, once I get up off the floor, I celebrate with the whole family. That’s right! It’s pizza all around. Well, I don’t want to spend all the money I make selling my stories on dinner for 7 at a restaurant. We usually watch a movie, too. And yes, I analyze the plot, seeing how the writer created the plausibility of the story. And, unfortunately, I discuss it with the family. One of the twins told me I was more fun to watch movies with before I started writing so many stories. She’s probably right!
Wow! Did you notice how each celebration benefits me physically somehow? I just noticed it. I exercise. I rest my eyes from the computer screen. I learn about story from other writers while analyzing their books or movies. I spend quality time with the family, giving my mind a rest, focusing on fun games and cooking.
Hmm… when I consider my degrees of celebration for the children’s accomplishments, I find benefits as well. It just proves that celebrating accomplishments is good for you. So…how do you celebrate writing goals?
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Celebrate by just getting away from the computer screen!
I bet your family likes it best when you hit those big goals.
Hi Victoria Marie – just getting away from the screen = essential in our life. I'm glad you have some time to walk out as such … but obviously great fun when at home … cheers Hilary
I definitely agree that stepping away and getting some fresh air helps you think. I do that too. Board games were always a fun thing to do when we were kids too. I hope to have similar family nights with my kids when they are older.
Time away from the screen sounds wonderful. Great post.
How wonderful that you celebrate with both your own time and family time. I walk or run by myself – that is the ultimate "me time," clearing my mind and body. And you are so right – just dress for the weather. I love being out in the rain – so soothing.
Nice way to celebrate. Happy IWSG Day.
Possibly only a parent would understand why a hike alone, even in the snow, is a reward. That alone time is so refreshing! Sounds like such a good idea.
Possibly only a parent would understand why a hike alone, even in the snow, is a reward. That alone time is so refreshing! Sounds like such a good idea.
Exercise as a component of reward is good, but I also need it to keep going. My running and yoga do wonders for my writing. Adding your family to the mix, though, that is a heart-lifting way to celebrate.
Wow, you are so organized about your celebrations! I like how you have something different for each goal achieved. My kids are grown and gone, so I luckily have time for the walks and the reading and giving myself breaks when needed. Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving the link! http://www.lisabuiecollard.com
I love how you have all these celebrations figured out! Different rewards for different actions. I can totally see how these celebrations benefit you and your family. I should do this more often as well.
I only "officially" celebrate when a big accomplishment happens, which is far and few between these years. Hopefully whenever I publish my memoir. 🙂
Or, maybe I celebrate too much, since I go for at least one walk with my husband and the dogs we take care of, every day. It takes a big chunk out of my writing time, but it is good to be outside and get my mind cleared for a bit. That being said, I'm looking forward to our upcoming house sit in Santa Fe, NM, without animals, so I can truly focus on the work at hand.
Your celebrations make far more sense than mine = more screen time…gaming. Never had kids but after a day with step-great-grand-kids, I'm hearing nothing except my head throbbing.
Great ways to celebrate and give yourself a break. Your family sounds fun. And, I do get it, I have four boys. They're big kids, now. My babies are graduating from high school this year.
Mary at Play off the Page
Great ways to celebrate your victories. I can't wait to hear about your next pizza party!
I like your celebrations! Time away from the computer is always meaningful!
Absolutely, Alex. I work much too hard staring at this blasted computer screen. But I am truly blessed. My family does cheer for me when I get those far and few between "big goals." We all excitedly look forward to seeing the story in print with the artwork provided by the magazine.
It is always a pleasure seeing you here at Adventures in Writing, Alex. Enjoy your weekend!
Isn't it though! I must admit, I like quiet walks, but I also treasure meaningful time spent with my family. I'd be lost without them.
It is always a pleasure seeing you here at Adventures in Writing, Hilary. Enjoy your weekend!
I'm a fresh air fiend, Michelle. I think it's good for everyone. And yes, I think it helps to clear the mind, too.
Board games are such fun. I still like playing them. And I think this is very beneficial for children. I believe it's quality family time spent away from television, social media, computers, phones and the outside world. This is why we love to go camping as a family.
Thanks so much for your note here at Adventures in Writing. Enjoy your weekend!
Hello and welcome to Adventures in Writing, Loretta! Everyone should take breaks from the computer screen. *Are you listening to yourself, Vic?*
Thanks for visiting Adventures in Writing. Please stop by again! Enjoy your weekend.
Absolutely, Lee. This is because "Me time" and "Family time" are both just as important to me. I love being outdoors. This is why my family goes camping. I recount our adventures at http://campingwithfivekids.blogspot.com.
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Thanks, Juneta! I've been away and am just finding time to answer comments and visit blogs.
It is always a pleasure seeing you here at Adventures in Writing, Juneta. Enjoy your weekend!
Definitely so. Thanks for your note here at Adventures in Writing.
Ahh, peace and quiet. You understand. Thanks for the comment on Adventures in Writing. Enjoy the weekend!
Thank you, Kim. My family is very important to me. I do aerobics in the morning before I begin my day. And yes, it can be tough with kids. I feel that exercising the body as well as the mind can enhance our creativity for sure.
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Wow! An empty nest. I wonder if I'll ever have that. With five kids I need to be organized. Now if I can just transfer some of that organization to story writing all the time.
Thanks for your note on Adventures in Writing. And thanks for your link. Enjoy your weekend!
I truly believe it's important to give your mind a rest. *Are you listening to yourself here, Vic?*
You really have an interesting life, Liesbet. And I can't wait to start reading about it. Thanks so much for your comment on Adventures in Writing. Enjoy your weekend!
Really, Roland. I completely understand. Isn't it great that they go back home? I can't wait for that part.
Yes, because I spend so much time in front of the screen writing, I'm not much on computer games. More power to you.
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Wow! Four boys! Of course, if I think about it, my twins, the youngest, followed their brother all around and did whatever he did, so it's like having 3 boys. Congratulations to be at the point of having the "babies" graduating from high school.
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Gosh, I can't wait either, Erika. Here's hoping! Thanks so much for your comment on Adventures in Writing. Enjoy your weekend!
Yes it is, Morgan. I need to remember that daily. I'm usually pushing too hard.
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Celebrating successes is such fun! Sounds like you thoroughly enjoy yours. 🙂 Seeing your name on a story or article (or book!) doesn't get old, does it? Have a wonderful week!
I've discussed plotting techniques with my husband on both television and books. His eyes glaze over and he gets a blank look. Yeah, they don't care! LOL. Have a great week!
I like how you celebrate. So cozy and nice. I like to do those things, too.
Seeing my name in print NEVER gets old, Karen. It makes all the hard work of creating story worthwhile.
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No they don't, Gwen. That's why I like to watch a movie or read a book and then discuss it with a writer. Unfortunately, this happens all too rarely.
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Thank you for your kind words, Chrys. Yes, I think they are meaningful ways to celebrate.
It is always a pleasure seeing you here at Adventures in Writing, Chrys. Enjoy your week!
Hi Victoria. What a lovely post. I can relate to you on so many levels. I have two little children myself and it is hard to write and edit with all the daily commotion. I get up really early when no one is awake to do so. I love your celebrations. I love how you engage in the children’s thoughts too. I haven’t tried Clue yet but I think I will now. Thank you for the tip. Happy writing 🙂
Thanks for your kind words, Erika. When my children were real young, I always got up before anyone else to work, too. It truly is difficult to concentrate with all the disruptions. I hate to tell you this, but as the children get older, they still interrupt me. I think it's because there's 5 of them. Clue is a great game because it keeps children engaged, logging facts and drawing conclusions about "whodunit." And boy, do my children like to be the first one who discovers "whodunit."
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Hi Victoria, lovely post. Its so hard to write and edit with all diversions in life.
Isn't it though? That's why writers need to find some place quiet, away from at least the human diversions in life. I usually run to the library. If you think about it, writers are a very committed group. Many of us make our own deadlines and commitments in order to create our stories.
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Maybe I should start rewarding myself with exercise. First, I'd have to start viewing exercise as rewarding though. 😉 Great post, Victoria! Sorry it took me so long to visit. I was in the middle of packing for my 17-hour return trip to Canada, ugh. 🙂
Wow! 17 hours just to get home. Well I hope you are well-rested now.
Exercise is a reward for me because more often than not, it takes me outside for fresh air. It allows my mind to soar, to think about the sky or flowers or trees, or even raindrops or snow. It gives my eyes and brain a rest. Thanks so much for your kind words, Raimey. It's always a pleasure seeing you here at Adventures in Writing. Enjoy your spring holiday!