Tooth Decay

You all know how much I love fiction, right?

I’ve proclaimed my love from every nook and cranny of the internet that will let me in.

Burnside Writers Collective (see my fiction HERE)

Catapult (HERE)

My archives.

But right now, fiction is kicking my tuchus and mocking me. Silly fiction.

Still, I love it.

I’m currently anticipating the release of my first novel (Paint Chips). So, while I wait, I’m writing a collection of short stories and a second novel.

There are moments in which I wonder if I am attempting to much in this novel. If I’m shooting for something above my ability.

But today, after my critique group, I sat in my good friend’s car. I shared my anxieties.

“You’re going to push through those feelings, right?” my friend asked.

“Yup. I can’t give up,” I answered.

Thank goodness for friends.

As I struggled to write today, I thought of this quote from Flannery O’Connor. I just needed to share it with you all today. I think it applies to much more than writing.

“Writing a novel is a terrible experience, during which the hair often falls out and the teeth decay. I’m always irritated by people who imply that writing fiction is an escape from reality. It is a plunge into reality and it’s very shocking to the system.”

And oh so worth it.

So, share with me. What in your life is a struggle? What is difficult, but you push through it anyway? How do you push through? Why?