[T]he essential impulse in working is … to allow what haunts you to have a voice.” – Colm Toibin
I knew the moment I came across this quote today in a piece on The New Yorker Page-Turner blog that it was the thing I would focus on doing in my writing this coming year. I wrote The Wednesday Sisters with little prospect of publication, focused on what I wanted to write and read. In the wake of its success, I sometimes find myself worrying about what readers want to read, but that isn’t the way to great stories. I’ve just finished The Wednesday Daughters, and am sorting out what I to write next, so I’ll be doing some exploring of the things that haunt me. – Meg
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I had a plan that helped me be successful at my second NaNo shot, and I have a plan to expand a novella to YA novel length in early 2013. So, my post is about polishing and refining these two projects in 2013. http://tryitandyoumay.blogspot.com/2012/12/my-novel.html
Thanks for this boost Meg!
Elizabeth Pagel-Hogan recently posted..Merry Christmas from Our Family
Elizabeth, when I click on the link, I get a message that it doesn’t exist. Love to read it!
Great idea! Thanks for a proverbial ‘kick in the pants’ to get us going in the upcoming New Year.
Pat recently posted..2013 Writing Resolutions
I couldn’t get there either Elizabeth.
Pat recently posted..2013 Writing Resolutions
This year I am writing what I love, foodie fiction, and hoping that others will love it, too. I have so many ideas that my head is spinning. Now to make sure I sit down and write, write, write!
Happy Holidays! Here’s to a successful, wonderful new year.
Janel Gradowski recently posted..2013 Writing Resolutions
I loved The Wednesday Sisters and am eagerly anticipating the publication of The Wednesday Daughters. Very glad that you followed your heart when writing!
Edith recently posted..Dreams and schemes at Christmas time
Thanks, Meg, for this lovely reminder of why we write and what continues to propel us beyond publication (if we’re so lucky to find ourselves there!).
You have inspired me to explore my relationship with resolutions here: http://coldmountaincollective.com/2012/12/27/resolutions-of-the-written-word-lessons-in-sustainability/
Happy new year!
Meg-
First, I would to thank you for organizing this Writing Resolution 2013 blog hop ? what fun it has already been!
It will be interesting, I am sure, for you to discover what haunts you. One particular topic quickly springs to mind for myself. If I was to write about it…it would have to be in the future, like four books from now, which is fine as I have four more waiting to come forth before that haunting one.
Please visit my blog and Writing Resolution 2013 post when you get a moment:
http://www.stephaniereneedossantos.com/writing-resolutions-2013/
Many Regards & Happy New Year,
Stephanie Renée dos Santos
http://www.stephaniereneedossantos.com
Meg-
This blog 1st Books: Stories of How Writers Get Started is excellent, helpful, and inspiring.
Thanks!
Stephanie
Stephanie Renee dos Santos recently posted..Writing Resolutions 2013
Meg, Your Writing Resolution Blog Hop is a special treat for the end of the year. This “game” got me to actually make a resolution – post 52 Ways to Stop Pedophiles during 2013 on http://vagilantes.com/.
I love that you plan to explore what is haunting you. The haunts are so valuable, even when they don’t let you sleep. Looking forward to your next story. Thank you for your leadership.
Julie Golden recently posted..Resolved: 52 Ways to Stop Pedophiles
Meg,
Thanks for organizing the New Year’s Resolution Blog Hop. My post is titled “Five Writing Truths That Should Be Obvious but Aren’t”… and my resolution this year is to keep them in mind. http://nevemaslakovic.blogspot.com/
Hope 2013 brings you lots of good things, both writerly and non-writerly
Neve Maslakovic recently posted..Five Writing Truths That Should Be Obvious but Aren’t… And a Happy New Year!
That’s such a great quote. I’m hoping to do some of that myself, although I’m not sure that thrashing through my second round of novel revisions is really going to haunt me!
Annabelle recently posted..Writing Resolutions for 2013
First and foremost, Meg thanks for doing this blog hop!!!
Second, although I haven’t read your work, you as a writer, are a great inspiration to me. So, if I haven’t expressed this before, I’m expressing it here.
Third, that quote is SPOT ON! Writers must write from their souls up.
And, of course, I wish you and yours, and that soul of yours, the very best in the New Year!
Much Love… Rhonda
RYCJ recently posted..A Toast to the Writing Resolution Blog Hop Ball
Hi Meg, I read your Wednesday Sisters, but was too busy with my own stuff to keep up with your writing of the Wednesday Daughters. I’m sure it’s as good or better then the first. I’ll have to check it out. You truly are an inspiration with all you do. I know you’ll pull out something wonderful from those haunting ideas.
Love the gentle nudge of focus and commitment. May we all give voice to that which haunts us. Happy 2013!
So glad you all are enjoying this as much as I am. Really lovely to see what everyone has in mind for the new year.
Sorry there were so many problems connecting to my site. I’ve noticed some comments…so maybe it has worked itself out, but if not here’s a link that may work. http://tryitandyoumay.blogspot.com/2012/12/my-novel.html
Elizabeth Pagel-Hogan recently posted..How Fast is Time
Meg,
I love the idea of this blog hop, and your resolution to write what haunts you. This is something I have been doing from the beginning of my writing life.
I have found great solace, clarity, healing, and growth around this type of writing, and hope that it will be similar, for you.
Shan Jeniah Burton recently posted..ROW80 2013: Round 1 Goals – Building with Trust
What a beautiful quote! Thank you for doing the blog hop, Meg, what a wonderful way for us to get to know each other better. I don’t always have the time to go through She Writes to visit all the amazing writers’ websites, so this is the perfect excuse to do so. Thanks for all that you do with the community as well.
Jane, I love your blog, but could not seem to leave a comment without joining some new site that requires I set a password, etc. So sorry I didn’t leave a comment!