Monday, June 13, 2011

Drifting Along

Isn't this a peaceful scene? I can almost hear the water lapping against the rowboat. There's one drawback to the picture. The boat isn't going anywhere.

Sometimes I get all dreamy about my writing, but I've left my oars in the boathouse. Oh, it's not deliberate. Other things capture my attention. They're all good, but my writing boat isn't moving toward its goal.

It doesn't take much to stop writing. No cataclysmic decision need occur. Distractions, neglect, and busy-ness rob us of our momentum.

If we want to go somewhere with publication, it takes effort and attention. Are you drifting or are you fully engaged in moving toward your destination?

20 comments:

Terri Tiffany said...

I loved what you said about your article being too sad! LOL And it was on grief:)
I am drifting right now but only for awhile-- just formulating a plan.

Nancy said...

I must be drifting. I'm sure I'll "get to shore" and find a focus soon.

Karen Lange said...

I get stuck in the boathouse sometimes, or find myself paddling around in circles. :)

Speaking of buckling down and getting stuff done, I did a post today about deadlines. Great minds surely do think alike!

Blessings,
Karen

Melanie N. Brasher said...

Well, I'm reading books on editing right now and then I hope to tear my ms apart. In the meantime, I'm still writing articles and blog posts to keep my writing brain active. :)

Kathleen said...

It's certain: I'm drifting! Then again, it's by design. Summer's here, and our boat is now getting some use. What a blast!

Blessings,
Kathleen

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Terri -

There's a difference between recharging and drifting. The former is deliberate, while the latter results from neglect or distraction. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Nancy -

Sometimes it takes a little while to discover your niche. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Karen -

LOL! I'll try to get over there tomorrow. It's already late here.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Melanie -

Sounds like a plan. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Sassy -

Summer draws me outdoors into the garden, for walks, and country rides. It's hard to stay cooped up in the house. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Rhonda Schrock said...

I'm rowing! It feels like the menial, normal stuff, but I can't fit anything huge and - well, "abnormal (??)" in right now, if you know what I mean. Hopefully, week after week after week of steady rowing will get me where I want to go.

DenaNetherton said...

Sometimes we need to keep the goal right there, in front of our eyes, like the greyhound chasing after the "bunny."
But sometimes, distractions are good.Sometimes God calls me away for a time, for ministry, for family business, for refreshment, for focus wholly on Him.When I come back to my writing, I return with fresh insights, more objectivity, renewed energy.

Chatty Crone said...

I've been drifting for quite awhile I'm afraid.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Rhonda -

Good for you! I'm sure the deadline for your column helps keep the writing oars in the water. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Dena -

I've had those occasions in my life as well. As long as we're diligent and the slowdown doesn't become permanent, a break can yield much fruit.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Chatty -

You're focused on your blog. Maybe a little fine-tuning and submitting to periodicals would open new opportunities.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Carol J. Garvin said...

I like your comment to Terri, that there's "a difference between recharging and drifting." I've been drifting when it comes to submitting to periodicals, and recharging for more work on novels, while spending time gleaning support from my blogging friends. :)

Kristen said...

I'm moving, it's just slower than I'd sometimes wish. The Girl can be a mighty tiny distraction (as she jumps into my lap!) The trick is to make sure I seize those quiet moments when I have the chance!
Have a fantastic day, Susan!
Kristen

Jan Cline said...

Actually, Im moving faster than I thought was possible right now. I thought I was drifting before but now I see that it was a resting period to prepare for God's perfect order. I only hope I can bring honor to his plan.
Blessings
Jan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jan -

Yes, sometimes those "down" periods are preparation for a wild ride! I'm wondering if that's the case for me. :)

Blessings,
Susan