18 Comments
User's avatar
Linda Berlin's avatar

Nice job…It is a long process. I am on the same schedule as you. I think when writing a novel, it’s like training for a marathon about ten times over…I get close, bonk, and start again. For me, it’s moving the story to a new place in an organic way… I get the frustration, but I also think when a book truly resonates it’s been refined over and over again. All the best to you in your journey. My intentions never shift in the new year, they just stay the course, but that’s how I roll. Everyone is different.

Expand full comment
Marta Lane's avatar

I imagine it takes a lot of discipline to become a commercial airline pilot and I'm sure that transfers to writing a novel. So much dedication and staying the course. I love your marathon analogy, and totally agree about the story resonating as we refine. The first f-draft is nothing like the last draft and this next draft will be even better. Thank you for reminding me of that!

Expand full comment
Linda Berlin's avatar

We just have to be patient…but I get the frustration. I feel it too!

Expand full comment
JR Hampton's avatar

Also LOVE Jason Mamoa (okay and Dwayne The Rock). ~ J. :)

Expand full comment
Marta Lane's avatar

Those two are easy to love, aren't they? So fun and sexy.

Expand full comment
JR Hampton's avatar

This is exactly what I needed to read today. It's so good, I'm printing it to take out and look at during the years. Our goals seem to be cruising (or slogging) along the same path!!! ~ J.

Expand full comment
Marta Lane's avatar

Wow. You printing this is an honor. Thank you for letting me know. I'm so happy that this piece inspired you. Here's to the slogging cruise! We'll celebrate each other's book launches one day.

Expand full comment
Renee Schafer Horton's avatar

I needed all this, friend!

Expand full comment
Marta Lane's avatar

I'm so glad it resonated with you! You've got this!

Expand full comment
Jo Huber's avatar

Yes! I fully agree with everything I've read here, Marta. Your words are so uplifting. I truly hope that many people will stop by and read this post. Aligning our personal values with our professional ones also helps us remain true to ourselves, as well as be authentic towards others. And may we remember our hearts! I love how you made a point of addressing self-care in order to avoid burnout, which is something that happens to us writers, artists and solopreneurs so often today. I look forward to seeing where your journey takes you this year and wish you the very best of success with your novel.

Expand full comment
Marta Lane's avatar

Thank you so much, Jo. What a kind reply! And I'm so glad you found my words uplifting. I wish the very best for you and Love & Decibels. May your tricks and musings help many many artists whose creative mojo disappeared. It’s such a common thing for creators this year and far beyond.

Expand full comment
Jo Huber's avatar

Thank you kindly, Marta. Your words mean more than you know.

Expand full comment
Marta Lane's avatar

💙🩵💙🩵

Expand full comment
Megan Walrod's avatar

Omg I loved reading this! So much great fun inspiring wisdom! And so true about the fun and enjoying the process and loved that song quote…and JM reference. So good!

Expand full comment
Marta Lane's avatar

Thank you. I appreciate your YES! on this one. Right now, enjoying the process is my only payment, as you know since your novel is published THIS YEAR!!

Expand full comment
Megan Walrod's avatar

I love that THIS YEAR is all in caps… so describes how I’m feeling after waiting over a year to get to this point!!

Expand full comment
Daniel Lane's avatar

Seriously, every person out there working on a book needs to read this post! So insightful and inspirational!

Expand full comment
Marta Lane's avatar

I love you!

Expand full comment