“The road to hell is paved
with works-in-progress.”
—Philip Roth
—Philip Roth
Beware of advice—even this.”
—Carl Sandburg
—Carl Sandburg
Despite the daunting increase in my workload, I decided to do one last A TO Z challenge.
Because of that increased workload,
I could not visit my other friends doing it, and so my visitors were very few.
I understand.
To receive visits,
you must visit yourself.
The blank page is a cruel adversary ...
especially when no one
is urging you to fill it.
I finished because it was a goal I set for myself, and I kept on to amuse myself with what I was writing.
Then, something occurred to me:
When you write something, you never know who it is going to affect,
or
how it could help someone who’s struggling and feeling alone,
or how in a
low moment in their life, desperately searching on Google for answers,
they will come upon your words when they need them most.
And despite
what our culture
would have us believe:
that metrics and stats
matter
above all else,
that the number of clicks
tells the whole story.
Somehow, in some cosmic calculation,
impacting one human being has got to be
worth more than all the Unique Page Views and Shares and Likes in the
world.
WHAT KEPT YOU GOING
THIS A TO Z?
WHAT KEEPS YOU GOING
WITH YOUR WRITING?
Congrats on finishing the A-Z. I've done it a few times and it's not easy.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Teresa. I sometimes find myself channeling Don Quixote!:-)
Delete"When you write something, you never know who it is going to affect, or how it could help someone who’s struggling and feeling alone," Well said.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on finishing the A-Z. I started on my A-Z roadtrip yesterday to visit blogs I've missed.
Ronel visiting on Insecure Writer's Support Group day: Autumn Decisions
It is good to meet a new friend, Ronel!
DeleteI love the A to Z challenge, but there was no way I could participate this year. Too many littles running around.
ReplyDeleteYou know what keeps me going with my writing? The fan mail, facebook tags, tweets etc where people let me know how my books affect them. I agree, there's nothing better than knowing you've reached someone.
I've never received fan mail, though I have fanned myself while writing! :-) Good for you to receive such great feedback!
DeleteCongrats on completing the A-Z. I'm just getting back to blogging so I skipped out this year. I do agree that personal connections are so important. Numbers are pretty meaningless really.
ReplyDeleteExcept those numbers in our bank accounts! :-) Best of success with getting back to blogging!
DeleteI sat on the A to Z sidelines this year. Two books coming out in May just wouldn't allow me the time. Sorry your work load is such that you can't visit, but I do understand. Here's to Carl Sandburg's wisdom, those abandoned manuscripts, a manageable workload in your future, and--what the hell--life in general.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with those 2 books coming out. If I can help with getting the word out on them, just contact me. :-)
DeleteImpacting one person is something we should all strive to do.
ReplyDeleteCompleting a personal goal is so rewarding. Good for you!
I haven't participated in A to Z in 3 years, but I am considering doing it next year.
Looking forward to your participation next year. :-)
DeleteThat is very true. And if we brighten one person's day, it's all worth it.
ReplyDeleteAnd who knows what good that will result in, right?
DeleteLove the quotes and giggles.
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
Giving laughter is one of the best gifts. :-)
DeleteNever participated in A to Z but sounds good. Always good to have a purpose with what you're doing.
ReplyDeletePurpose is our rudder in life, right? :-)
DeleteLove the Philip Roth quote.
ReplyDeleteI hope I do affect people, or at least someone, to the good with what I write. It would give my writing more purpose!
We never know - perhaps never will know -- so I guess it pays to write as if our words will help someone somehow, right?
Delete