Comments on Notes to self: Cracking the Code

As one who has sent a "show me the way" email, and...

2009-12-12T03:20:56.258-06:00

As one who has sent a "show me the way" email, and been on the receiving end of a VERY helpful and inspirational response from you, Kyran, I can just say thank you. I owe you an owl.

Kyran, Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts...

2009-12-09T22:52:37.237-06:00

Kyran, Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this whole breaking the code thing. For that matter, thanks for putting a name on it. I've been wrestling with it and not really knowing what kind of animal I was wrestling with! But you've nailed it.

I have had limited success with my writing - published in a dozen or so low-circulation periodicals, a chapter in a compilation book, some speaking gigs - but not at all the level I'm aiming for. To carry on your analogy, it seems like I've made it through some initial gate only to encounter a crazy labyrinth I must now find my way through in order to find yet another door with a code I don't even have. It frustrates me and causes me to quit almost daily.

Fortunately I get up and rehire myself daily as well. And yes, I write.

But you're encouragement to write and write and write is what I've needed. To the point, as you say, of embarrassment and disgrace, if need be. And so, like a recovering alcoholic, I can proudly report I've been on the wagon for 3 weeks solid of writing every single day. My blog is certainly still obscure, but I'm putting words on it every day all the same.

I too have made the mistake of thinking it is all about access. In fact, that's what I thought it was all about until I read your blog post tonight. Thanks for clearing that up. I guess I have to stop whining now and just...write.

Truly, thanks.
Kay

I am so grateful to a friend for suggesting i read...

2009-12-03T21:34:09.449-06:00

I am so grateful to a friend for suggesting i read your blog and e-meet you! i have been buzzing around your blog and your links and comments like a hound dog fixed on a new scent. you are an inspiration! every few days or so i find myself praying for inspiration, from somewhere anywhere, i always seem to need new proof that such passion and purpose exists and that im not a complete tool for yearning for it and feeling it in myself. (i suffer greatly from the plague of self doubt, and the itchy-redness of procrastination!)
thank you for writing. for not stopping (like i do right now!) when things seem pointless. you have really turned my eyes up-side-right again! (for however brief a moment it may be!)

for your words, i am soulfully grateful!

This is a beautiful post! Brings up all kinds of s...

2009-11-11T00:10:53.900-06:00

This is a beautiful post! Brings up all kinds of stirring emotions for me. I wrote something similar about contra dance calling in response to someone frustrated at not finding that secret door.

It's the *doing* and the *asking* and the *persevering*, working on getting better without beating yourself up over your flaws. I'm now trying to do the same thing with writing, but for now I'm content to just write without ambitions.

Wow. Your words are like a salve that promises to ...

2009-11-04T14:02:21.413-06:00

Wow. Your words are like a salve that promises to heal all my ills. Thank you for expressing everything I needed to hear this day. In light of that, I will write. I will risk. And I will persevere.

Perfect words, perfect timing. My thing is not wor...

2009-10-26T10:23:53.176-05:00

Perfect words, perfect timing. My thing is not words and writing, but cameras and photography. The inspiration works the same, whatever the creative medium. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for this. Very generous. I love how you're ...

2009-10-25T20:23:50.389-05:00

Thanks for this. Very generous. I love how you're willing to share. I'm not sure how many people would be willing to tell others how to "get there."

I've been kicking around the idea of my own book--memoir or novel, still trying to figure that out--for sometime. Finding the time to write is an impediment, but my main concern is writing about family or the small town I grew up in. Would they ever let me come home again??? I'd love to know how you come to terms with that?

I found your blog through Blog Her and related to ...

2009-10-24T01:34:05.222-05:00

I found your blog through Blog Her and related to all of it. Especially the bit about doing market analysis in the memoir section - Ha!!

I don't know you, but look forward to getting to know you via your blogs. What you've written is exactly what I needed to read.

Congratulations on finishing your novel. Very few bloggers are engaging writers and I am always happy when I meet one.

Sometimes said as a plea, sometimes whispered as a...

2009-10-22T14:34:49.816-05:00

Sometimes said as a plea, sometimes whispered as a prayer, sometimes enthusiastically, and to my shame I've even hurled it as an accusation once or twice.

But come what may I'm proud of you.

Your husband reads and follows your work, and encourages you so the world can see.

What a beautiful love. :)

This post is invaluable, Kyran. Thanks for sharing...

2009-10-21T11:58:00.866-05:00

This post is invaluable, Kyran. Thanks for sharing your experience.

I've recently hit that sweet spot of perseverance AND contentment in regards to my writing future - I know what I want and where I want to go, AND I'm content with where I am at on the way.

A great book I read a couple years ago really helped ground me in the area of my expectations - Writing From the Inside Out, by Dennis Palumbo. Somebody here might find that useful.

In addition to write, risk, and persevere, from my own experience I would add expect surprises.

As I was laying out a plan of attack for getting discovered (submitting articles, stalking, etc), an opportunity came out of left field as a result of my networking - I was asked to write for a new blog called www.babysaur.com. This could really be the break for me that Good Housekeeping was for you.

It's surprising because it's not at all what I would have pursued, but it turns out to be a perfect fit for me on the way to meeting my goals.

Who knew?

Anyhow, you are the third friend I've walked with on the way from struggling writer to published writer (assuming the interwebs makes us friends!). I am teary with pride and excitement on your behalf - it's been fun to watch it all unfold.

This is a fabulous post and inspires me to write s...

2009-10-20T11:46:22.701-05:00

This is a fabulous post and inspires me to write something similar. I'm an artist and your words resonate and the same fears and challenges exist for any creative person.

I hear the same words in people starting out as artists. Many people think it comes easily but it comes with tears and hardship and bloody hard work.

Thanks for reminding me of that and congratulations for sticking with it and not bailing.

It's truly generous of you to share these thoughts...

2009-10-20T09:00:38.436-05:00

It's truly generous of you to share these thoughts and your process with us. I feel simultaneously encouraged and discouraged after reading this. Your description of searching for the "secret door" is so familiar and painfully true. The truth and the secret, as you said, is simple to write. I'm trying. Thank you so much for this. I'm anxiously awaiting your book.

Thanks, just what I needed to read. I've been pro...

2009-10-19T18:42:59.941-05:00

Thanks, just what I needed to read.

I've been procrastinating for years, occasionally feel inspired then wonder why I'm bothering...

When in doubt just keep writing...

Your words are inspirational. I have much respect ...

2009-10-19T18:29:26.051-05:00

Your words are inspirational. I have much respect for you following your dream.

I'm glad you took the time to write this one, Kyra...

2009-10-19T18:11:11.089-05:00

I'm glad you took the time to write this one, Kyran. You've given a lot of us hope. My book is finished; I just can't get anyone to publish it. I've only tried 3 times, but it's so discouraging to put yourself out there and not be given the time of day for your efforts. I need to decide if the heartache is worth it to me or not.

Thanks for writing this, Kyran. I don't comment ve...

2009-10-19T18:04:35.322-05:00

Thanks for writing this, Kyran. I don't comment very often, but I really appreciate your point of view, and no doubt you will soon be enjoying the fruits of your many labors.

Until then, here's to persistence, and the ability to write your dreams into existence.

Kyran, I can't wait to read what you are working ...

2009-10-19T18:01:07.418-05:00

Kyran,
I can't wait to read what you are working on! Your words are beautiful and I want more :)
blessings,
deborah
PS.and your hubbys comment brought me to tears

This is a great post... I'm keeping and printing ...

2009-10-19T17:53:56.114-05:00

This is a great post...

I'm keeping and printing it for times when writing for myself isn't enough. My mom tells me not give it away on my blog, but there's a power in it for me that I can't explain.

Even if no one reads it except my husband, (also my biggest fan) the very act of putting my words together in the stories I've longed to tell is almost as good as well, you know...all the rest of it.

From someone who's held down the sensible job, who...

2009-10-19T17:29:27.384-05:00

From someone who's held down the sensible job, who has held it so well it became a really-good-secure-supportive-too-good-to-leave job, it's wonderful to read posts like yours.
They make me whistful. But they let me see another path. And, as I'm about to jump off my career path for at least 6 months, they help me dream.

thanks.

It's been a great joy to follow your steps to this...

2009-10-19T17:17:34.261-05:00

It's been a great joy to follow your steps to this moment over the last two years!

me too!

2009-10-19T17:13:04.645-05:00

me too!

Sugar, I've uttered the words "I'm your biggest f...

2009-10-19T15:58:01.221-05:00

Sugar,

I've uttered the words "I'm your biggest fan" more times than I care to count.

Sometimes said as a plea, sometimes whispered as a prayer, sometimes enthusiastically, and to my shame I've even hurled it as an accusation once or twice.

But come what may I'm proud of you.

Your biggest fan.

p

You'd look pretty hot in cheer shorts. Just sayin'...

2009-10-19T15:52:15.540-05:00

You'd look pretty hot in cheer shorts. Just sayin'...

:)

xoxo

Ah, finally, a post of length. I'd been having wit...

2009-10-19T15:44:52.586-05:00

Ah, finally, a post of length. I'd been having withdrawals. I know you've been busy *writing* and all, but it's nice to hear your beautiful voice.

When you're on Oprah, can I please bring my big makeup kit and my hot rollers and pretend to be your stylist?

What a wonderful post! I'm right in the midst of m...

2009-10-19T15:36:44.120-05:00

What a wonderful post! I'm right in the midst of my own lovely, lonely, endless 'write, risk, persevere' cycle and as hard as it is some days I can honestly say that I wouldn't be doing anything else for the world. I'm so glad I found you here, thanks to Karen (Momma Zen).