BEST FOOT FORWARD with Clare London
This week was my 30th wedding anniversary. Leaving aside the fact I obviously married at 12, judging by my ever-youthful looks *cough*, it's put me in a thoughtful and retrospective mood.
Not all people mark anniversaries with celebration - and some may actually find them occasions for grief or regret. But I personally think it's good to take stock every now and then, to evaluate where I am today, where I've been, and where on earth I think I want to go! Life is a continuing stream to me rather than a muddy pool I was once stuck in up to my ankles, or a dangerous waterfall I'm heading towards if I don't watch out carefully enough.
Poetic, eh? Must be all the champagne I'm drinking! :)
As an author, it's also a poignant time. This summer is the 5th anniversary of my first published novel. So much has happened in such a short time! I now have 6 novels out, plus a large clutch of novellas and shorts. I'm affiliated to 8 publishers, I'm in a self-publishing co-op, I'm on the organising team for the annual UK Meet for GLBTQ authors and fans, I've travelled overseas to meet fellow authors. I've even won a few modest awards for my fiction *blush*.
TEN years ago, I couldn't even have imagined this would happen.
When I look back, I remember my original - and sole - ambition was to have a book on Amazon. My book, my name as author, there on the biggest internet bookshop around! I don't think anything will ever beat the feeling of seeing it happen LOL.
I think it's easy to forget what *has* been achieved, in the light of current struggles. Many of us battle with rejections, writer's block, choice of career direction, family juggling, publisher relationship troubles, challenging editing schedules, up-n-down reviewers' feedback.... etc etc.
I'm not a great fan of looking back, and certainly not with any regret. Sometimes I'll wonder if I published the right thing at the right time, with the right people. Often I'll wish I wrote more, whether I'm held back by lack of time, ideas or talent. But I think all we can ever do is make the best decision at the time.
How good are you all? to sit through my mental musings! :) I have to say, the online correspondence has been one of the best things I've discovered in this time, and the very genuine friendships that have sprung up.
So next time you feel demotivated or disappointed in yourself - look back on your successes. There WILL be many! I only have to meet one person who says, with wide eyes, "You've got a book on Amazon?" to feel better :).
And 30 years with hubby? Yes, it's a fabulous achievement, I still love him to bits, and we've seen and shared plenty of drama over the years. Can't wait to experience the NEXT 30 years together!
But I still wink at him and say - you get less time for murder LOL.
Clare London
Writing ... Man to Man
