Comments on: You Can’t Win If You Don’t Play

By: Colleen

Colleen — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 21:16:58 +0000

This is just what I needed right now. Thanks. Staying in the game is a challenge right now as there are lots of other things that need doing in life. And, it's hard to make it clear to others that I'm spending my time wisely when the little voice in my head is saying: "You're not getting the laundry done. You don't know what you're going to make for dinner yet, do you?" Success is being able to write at all. That's my definition for the moment. Cheers, Colleen Colleen’s last blog post..Down Time: Between WWOOFers

By: Courage « Becky Levine

Courage « Becky Levine — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 19:01:46 +0000

[...] with all the unknowns of this writing thing. In particular, Mary-Francis Makichen’s blog post “You Can’t Win if You Don’t Play” really caught [...]

By: mfmakichen

mfmakichen — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 19:49:25 +0000

Edie,
I hear you about feeling satisfied when you write fiction. I also want to thank you. You’ve been an inspiration to me on staying in the game.

Jon,
Awww, you made my day. Thank you!

JT,
Thank you. You are such a generous writer and person I just feel lucky to have found you!

By: JT Ellison

JT Ellison — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 19:37:47 +0000

I’m so glad that you’ve had the chord struck – you’re much too talented not to stay in the arena. As the ancient Romans used to say, some days you’re the Christians, some days you’re the lions. (Yes, that was a terrible attempt at Gladiator humor.)

But it’s true. You have to stay in the game regardless of the blows, because there will ALWAYS be blows. That, unfortunately, is life.

By: Jon Buscall

Jon Buscall — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:10:53 +0000

@mfmakichen Thanks! I think it's a very common story. Good writing to you too! And I love this blog, too. Very best wishes! Jon Buscall’s last blog post..Writing Effective Email

By: Edie

Edie — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:02:20 +0000

Writing satisfies something inside me. With all its frustrations, it’s what feels right for me. I have tried other forms of writing — poems, non-fiction, greeting cards, cartoons. Though I enjoy doing them, nothing gives me as much satisfaction as writing fiction.

By: mfmakichen

mfmakichen — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 06:22:45 +0000

Jon,
Thanks for sharing your story. I know so many writers who are in a similar position.

I love to write but I’m not one of those people who “goes crazy” if they don’t write. However, I do get a huge sense of satisfaction from writing that I don’t get from anything else. Plus, there’s that really cool zone you get into when you get lost in your writing that I love. Still, it’s all about discipline and habit for me or it doesn’t happen. That was a long way of saying I’m in full agreement with you–it’s all about sitting down and doing it!

Sending good writing vibes back to you.

By: Jon Buscall

Jon Buscall — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 06:06:23 +0000

It's a tough one, this. Ten years ago I got proclaimed as debut of the week in a major British newspaper. Then a Hollywood producer talked to me about making a film based on the novel and I began to believe that I was "almost" there. Fast forward ten years and I've not published another novel since! My publisher got bought up and my second novel went with them. Then trying to build a proper career got in the way and, woosh, here we are today. I've written more poetry, journalism and non-fiction in the last ten years than I ever would have thought possible. But having tasted some bits of success and plenty of frustrations too I would have to say that success in the writing game is about sitting down at my laptop, writing for an hour or two and carrying on. I've learned that the best thing about writing is the writing itself; the way I feel and the things I discover during those moments. Here's to everyone's success! Good writing people. Jon Buscall’s last blog post..Writing Effective Email

By: mfmakichen

mfmakichen — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 05:35:34 +0000

Hey Becky, L.J, Allie & Shawna,
You women rock! I can feel the good vibes, determination and enthusiasm coming through your comments. Yes we can! We are in the game and just staying on the field is half the battle. Thanks for your comments and the support.

By: Shawna

Shawna — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 04:42:02 +0000

Mary-Frances, I loved this post. Thank you. My eight year old asked me yesterday why I write. I thought about it for a minute then replied, "because I can't not write." For me that sums it up. The next time I'm down and the goal seems so far away, I'll remember your quote. I am in the game and that's something. Thank you again. Shawna’s last blog post..Weekend Gardener.