Monday, November 23, 2009

Are You Coasting?

Ah, there's nothing like going for a drive and coasting down a hill. Save a little gas, give my foot a rest, enjoy the scenery - very nice. Coasting does have one drawback though. If I don't hit the gas pedal before the upgrade, the car will lose momentum and stop.

Right now, I'm working on blog posts. It's fun, great discipline, and I love the interaction with others. I'm coasting along, having a grand old time. While the ride is thrilling, am I remembering my other projects and giving them the gas of effort and attention?

How about you? Are you losing momentum? Maybe it's time to put the "pedal to the metal" with your writing.

28 comments:

Carla Gade said...

You've got that right! I think it's going to be a little slow going for the next few months to get really serious, but I do have a contest I'm trying to enter in the spring. Thanks for the little push!

Jessica Nelson said...

Hmm, good post. I think I am losing a little momentum with my writing. Trying to work on that.

Donna M. Kohlstrom said...

Thanks for the reminder that I need to stop coasting these last few days and step on the gas!

Jody Hedlund said...

I love your analogies, Susan! Since I just finished my rewrites, I feel like I just climbed a mountain and now I'm ready to coast down for a little bit!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Carla -

I'm also working on a contest entry. After that, I'll be editing my first manuscript and possibly working on my third.

It's time I get serious.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jess -

It's so easy to let things slide, but so hard to re-establish good patterns. Hit that gas pedal, my friend!

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Donna -

At least when you're coasting you know there's some built-in momentum. Giving the writing car some gas will get you back on track in no time. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jody -

Having recently completed my second manuscript, I can empathize. I'm doing a bit of coasting myself.

A contest entry and some blogging projects are occupying my writing time at the moment. Next week, I'll need to step on that gas pedal.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Jeanette Levellie said...

Yes, I am coasting on purpose, since I just recovered from a major burn out, complete with blown out tires, empty gas tank and shattered windshield. I'm still working, but slower now, trying to listen to the Lord more and my emotions less. It's helping.

So are you helping me.

Love, Jen

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jen -

Oh my, you didn't have a burnout; you crashed! There's a difference between hitting the gas pedal to keep forward motion and peeling out at 90 m.p.h.

Coasting has its place in the grand scheme of things.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Kristen Torres-Toro said...

I think I'm gaining momentum. Right now I'm adjusting to new life changes and trying to figure it all out.

Have a great day!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Kristen -

That's great! There are always times when we have to switch gears.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Karen Lange said...

I feel like I'm gaining momentum for some misc. projects. This is a great feeling. I'm blessed to be a writer:) Thanks for always making us think, Susan. Happy Thanksgiving!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Karen -

I find great satisfaction in producing good quality work. From painful experience, I know how difficult it is to climb that writing mountain from a dead stop.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Blessings,
Susan :)

Lillian Robinson said...

You wrote this just for me, didn't you? OK, I get the message. Thanks... I need that!

Eileen Astels Watson said...

Susan, what a great post!!! It's that whole balancing act concept, isn't it. But we do need the coasts now and then, too, just keep it in moderation.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Eileen -

There's nothing wrong with coasting a bit as long as you know when to hit the gas pedal. We all need a breather now and then.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Lily -

LOL! Most of the time, it's directed at me. All my blogger buddies get the overflow.

Blessings,
Susan

Terri Tiffany said...

I think I've got myself in a nice pattern with my writing--moving along at a nice speed and being sure I am happy with it as I go:)
Did you hear about the job?
Have a great Thanksgiving!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Terri -

It's always nice when you get in a groove. My focus right now is a contest entry, which is a new experience.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Unknown said...

It's so nice to coast sometimes. Right now I'm not coasting, but I'm also not in high-stress mode either. I know this peaceful place will only last a little while, but I'm enjoying it for now.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Sharon -

You bring up an excellent point.

In a regular 9-5 job, there are busy times and slow times. Why wouldn't there be a similar pattern in our writing?

Blessings,
Susan :)

Brenda Kay Ledford said...

Susan,
Great advise. I guess I have been coasting along and need to put the pedal to the metal and get with it writing. Thanks for the encouraging words. I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Bess said...

I just "coasted" in a discovered your blog! Wonderful! I'm new to the writing blogger so I hope you'll stop by!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Brenda -

Thanks for stopping in and commenting. I'm glad the post gave you a little "push" in the right direction. :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Shmologna -

Welcome to my blog, and thanks for commenting. I post here on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Watch for Part II of my interview with Kristen Heitzmann tomorrow. I'm doing a book drawing.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Sharon said...

Simply well put!
-Author, Sharon Oliver
http://www.sharonoliver.net

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Sharon -

Welcome to my blog, and thanks for commenting. I blog here Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

I hope you'll visit again.

Blessings,
Susan :)