It’s that time again…seeing the old year out and the new one in. Have you made your New Year’s resolutions yet or have you given them up, as I have? I can remember a time when I wouldn’t dream of welcoming in the new year without making a list of resolutions that I was of course, resolved to keep. You know the old standards…lose a few pounds, eat healthier, exercise more, be kinder, have more patience…….and keep a few I did. Unfortunately most went by the wayside, as life got in the way of good intentions.
Several years ago I made the resolution to finally sit down and write that novel I’d scribbled notes about some time ago and stuffed under my bed. That Monday morning after New Year’s day rolled around and I pulled those hand written notes out, dusted them off and sat down determinedly in front of my pc. Ten minutes later I still sat there…staring at that blank page, wondering whatever possesed me to make such a stupid resolution. Having made it though, I felt obligated to at least try. After a day of much deep sighing and a cramped finger from pushing the backspace key continuously… I had, to my surprise, a good five pages of my novel written. I felt proud. I’d done it.
Fast forward to the next morning. I couldn’t wait to get to that lighted screen and get to work. To my utter dismay, what I’d thought was absolutely brilliant the day before, now seemed so much LESS brilliant. I deleted the entire five pages and doggedly began again, the light of battle shinning brightly in my eyes. No way would this defeat me. I pounded out ten pages, the first chapter. I didn’t read these pages over the next day, simply starting where I’d left off and writing two more chapters, and so it went until I had a first draft. This time I knew it wasn’t going to be brilliant when reading it back. I knew there would be slashing and rewriting and editing, but I’d done it. I’d actually written my first book. And oh, what a feeling of euphoria I had. But I don’t make New Year’s resolutions anymore. They’re probably a good thing for some, but for me–I’m too afraid I’ll have to keep them. Instead I offer a prayer for the heath and happiness of all my friends and family.
This coming New Year’s Eve, I will offer that same prayer for all people far and wide. Have a very safe and happy New Year’s Eve and a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.
🙂 Elizabeth
Elizabeth Melton Parsons 
December 29, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Happy New Year to you too, Liza, and may it be a most inspired one 🙂
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December 30, 2008 at 12:49 am
Thank you, Guido…have a safe New Year’s Eve over there in Stornoway and a wonderful New Year. 🙂
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January 3, 2009 at 5:34 am
Yes, am afraid I am much the same when it comes to the old ‘resolution’ plan, stay safe…make NONE! If you have to wait 365 days to figure out what needs changing, why bother?! lol
Hope everyone came away unscathed and in one piece! Fireworks all over and back to work.
Many hugs!
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January 7, 2009 at 9:21 pm
Shucks, I can’t do that. I MUST read, re-read, and edit what I wrote yesterday, 30 minutes ago, five minutes ago. Some days I’m lucky I finish with a paragraph! But, after some time of this, I’ve figured out that’s the way I (underscore I, please) write…*sigh*…and I gotta live with it…LOL..
Interesting post. 🙂
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January 7, 2009 at 10:24 pm
LOL…Mae, I never said that’s how I write. That’s how I managed to finish my first novel. Now I read and edit each morning befor continuing. Isn’t it wonderful how all writers have different writing habits, which contibutes to so many different and interesting works out there. We all love to write, but love to do it in different ways. 🙂
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June 24, 2011 at 11:04 am
You made some clear points there. I did a search on the issue and found most persons will go along with with your website.
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