Dear Me

Dear Me,

         Now don’t walk away when I’m talking to you. Come on, sit down, I promise to be gentle with you. Okay, so we’re trying to list some writing goals for the New Year are we? No need to pull a face like that.

         I know you have a few problems right now and also feel you’ve failed to do anything constructive on the writing front in a long time. So I won’t add to your negativity but would like to take a look at what you did do in the last year rather than what you didn’t, for a change. Then we can build on that. Now stop snivelling will you? Here, have a tissue.

         Okay, first go and take a good look at your WDC blog and come back when you’ve checked out all aspects of it. Go on, hurry up, I haven’t got all day.

         So, what have you discovered? Yes, you’ve almost completed five hundred entries and your blog is presently number seven on the list of most viewed. Isn’t that an achievement in itself? But more importantly, just look how many readers and comments you have. These friends mean more to you than any writing award and you know they are your lifeboat on the rocky sea of life. Was it not your writing voice which drew them to you? Be proud and tell me what you promise to do in the blogging world for this year.

         That’s right, good girl; make a fresh start on an even better, second blog as soon as you’ve added the last full stop to your first. Start positively and rest assured your many friends will accompany you on the journey, wherever it may lead.

         Now count up how many blogs you read and write comments on. Not enough fingers and toes? Here, borrow my calculator. Isn’t that a great way to help other writers and encourage them with their work and lives? You know, writing can be a lonely business, but you’ve given and received such a lot through journaling alone. Okay, keep on doing just that and try to encourage some new bloggers too. Check back next December God willing, and see how many more new friends you’ve made. Success in writing is important, but companionship equally so.

         Next I want you to go and take a look at your Portfolio and review statistics. I’ll make us a cup of tea while you’re gone.

         You were a long time; your tea’s nearly cold but never mind. Here, have a biscuit to dunk in it. Oh, blow the diet today. You’re too hard on yourself. Just look how you berate yourself for not writing enough and yet in that portfolio there are several new items you’ve written last year, plus an unofficial Newsletter which is read and praised by a lot of members. And don’t forget how much fun you had and the chapters you added to Nada ’s hilarious interactive. So, tell me your plans for this year.

         You intend to start a group and forum for the Newsletter readers and add some new columnists? That’s great. You plan on writing at least a few new short stories, poems and maybe starting a novel too? That’s good news. You’ve already signed up to Chewie Kittie ’s forum ‘Submit it’ and aim to send one thing out a month for publication? Excellent – here have another biscuit.

         I could tell you were shocked when you saw how many reviews you'd given last year. Three hundred and five may not be anywhere near as many as some who review avidly, but for someone who claims to not review enough, it’s not that bad. Another sixty and it would work out at one a day, so this year let’s make that your aim. You’ve already reviewed seventeen items in January so you’re well on your way. Here’s your new mantra - a review a day keeps the self-guilt away.

         Lastly go and peruse your mailbox. No need to blush; I know how sentimental you are and reluctant to delete all the lovely things people send you. I’ll open a bottle of wine while you’re gone as I think we deserve to celebrate.

         Hey, you’re smiling. Find some good things? I knew you would. Loads of merit badges received and given, gifted sigs, kind and supportive c-notes, awardicons and honourable mentions in contests plus several stories featured in Newsletters. Here’s your wine, let’s drink to that and promise to continue encouraging other writers, enter at least one contest a month over the next year and offer support to those who work so hard on the Newsletters.

         You know, success and publication are the aim of every writer, but the interaction, laughter and ever-evolving friendships only possible on a site as interactive as this one are rare treasures, worth their weight in gold. Another glass? Why not? Here’s to 2007 and a wonderful writing year for all…hic.

Love and Scribbles, Scarlett