A Journey Of A Thousand Steps...

For my first WW post, I'd like to share a brief list of my own.

1) How many years I've been writing: 18...seriously, about 4
2) How many contests I've entered:  4
3) How many I've won: 1
4) How many books I've written (completed an entire draft): 4
5) How many books I've contracted: 1
6) How many books I've had rejected: 1, though it wasn't a traditional submission
7) How many times I've contemplated quitting writing and taking up igloo building? 489895

But most importantly...

8) How many times I've actually quit? Never.

I've contemplated it, of course. What writer hasn't? It's no fun being rejected and reviewed and dissected. Or worse, ignored. But it's part and parcel of a writer's life, and if you are one, you eventually realize that the downs are so worth the ups. And if they're not? Well, igloo building is always a viable choice, especially if you're a New Yorker like Tara and me, LOL

I should also list another number.

9) How many critique partners I've had: 3

All 3 are very different, with unique skills and personalities and writing styles. I know some people tell horror stories, but I've gotten so lucky with mine. And really, having people who "get it" to ride the wave with you - or drown in the surf, depending on the day - is what makes all the difference.

Tara was my first CP. When I wrote to her that first time, I almost talked myself out of it. I didn't really need anyone to read over my work. I was fine. Then I got back her first crit where she commented, "Well, I have to say it's not perfect yet..." and we were off.  ;)

I'm still not a perfect writer yet, and that burns my ass. Every time I think I've learned what I need to, I see that I'm not even close to getting where I want to go. Big ambitions mean a big learning curve. And as Tara always says, I'm harder on myself than anyone else could ever be.

But I haven't fallen off the mountain yet, so I guess that's a victory in itself. And I hope to update that list with some good news soon...