Monday, April 15, 2013

Looming Monsters


They’re everywhere: books, deadlines, year-end taxes, poised to make your life miserable. Unless they kill you first.

In writing, there are many monsters you face, holding you back from your goals and killing your dreams. They can have six heads, wings and breathe fire and death. Or they can be small enemies covered in blue: we’ll call them Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr. They’re ever present, ever threatening, to steal my your time and make you doubt yourselves. You got an agent and a book deal and movie rights? Excuse me while I go back to bed.

But wait! Monsters aren’t inherently evil, it’s just how people have treated them. It’s not their fault that we forgot our armor, or that someone came along before us and soundly abused them: infusing their walls with mean, nasty thoughts. And yet with the proper strength we can use the monsters for good.  Get them on our side.

Yes, I prefer to take care of my monsters. Nice words, a pat on the back, never overextending my stay, lest they blow fire on me. (I’m sort of flammable.) Sometimes you approach the monster and find other heroes, sharing the same quest and willing to team up. Those are the ones who will have your back, save your life, help you identify the monster and better prepare yourself.

You see, the first few moments that a hero meets the monster isn’t when the attack begins. Nope. You two (or more, if you open multiple browsers like me) are too busy sizing each other up, getting the low-down, and formulating a plan of attack. The outcome? It depends on how strong you are. Can you wish someone well who just fulfilled your dream? I dare you to. Today. J

Because a true hero will formulate their plan before the monster appears. They prepare, have a goal, and then carry it out. It’s a good thing too, because some monsters are well-prepared. They know right where to hit, making or breaking your day dream.

So what are your "favorite" monsters and how do you tackle them? What’s your strategy for teaming up with others? 

6 comments:

  1. My monsters are usually created by me: fear, laziness, jealousy... The list could go on and on, but it is nice to know that I'm also the one who can slay them.

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    1. Yup. Those are pretty scary monsters. Big appetites. :) Need an extra sword?

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  2. Sometimes the monsters are hidden in sheep's clothing and I couldn't see them for who they are until I was bitten. It was then I needed that sharp sword to wield and the ability, and courage, to step back and swing to protect myself. Yes, courage and knowledge, and having my Second standing near my shoulder, were my best defense against those monsters even when it means my dreams of being traditionally published are set back by yet another year--or more. Right now I do feel like a hero.

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    1. Ahhhhhh, dangerous sheepies. :( You ARE a hero Debra. Your name is dropped all over the place by so many writers. Your critiques and friendship are invaluable!!! Glad you have a Second. Hang onto to him this year. Let me know if I need to kick someone's butt. My knee is fixed, after all. :)

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  3. I have nominated you for the 'Liebster Blog Award'. To see details, go to my blog at "Reincarnated as a Writer"

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  4. Hmmm... I think my monster is the ever looming one of "time is running out" aka "so much to do, so little time" and perhaps a little bit of "the things I want to do are getting pushed aside by the things I need to do"

    Thankfully, none of these are insurmountable... mostly they're just annoying little beasts.

    :) enjoying your blog!
    Swinging by from A-Z! Happy "N" day!

    http://jenelleschmidt.com/blog

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