By Cami Walters-Nihipali
I was pulled out of my staycation fighting and then discarded onto the dock flopping around for air and struggling with the idea of returning to the day-to-day of the business. A week later, I realize it wasn’t the returning to work that had me flailing about like a fish out of water, but rather the fear of failing, of not knowing what to do next. Don’t get me wrong. I’ve got my mission, I’ve got my vision, I’ve got the writing planned out, but the business stuff isn’t in my wheelhouse. So lots of days, I feel like I’m sucking air trying to figure it out (thank goodness for my business-minded partner).
On the whole, though, feeling like I don’t have it all together probably isn’t a terrible place to sit even as uncomfortable as it is on my lungs. It keeps me fighting (metaphorically speaking) and trying to find the best ways to put the work out into the world. Looking for opportunity, building new and nurturing existing relationships, doing my best work are all important to pushing me to be the best Mixed Plate Press can be.
Someone commented the other day, “I love getting a Mixed Plate Press book because I know that when I do, it’s going to be amazing.” First of all, that humbled me (because the only Mixed Plate Press books are ones I’ve written and crafted so far). Second it excited me because it filled me with anticipation of possibility. Finally, it made me feel proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish a year into this endeavor.
As I flop about, trying to do my best regardless, I need to embrace the discomfort and the journey. Each step, each experience serve to make me stronger and provide me with insight that will come in handy even if I’m not sure exactly how so yet.
So, my friends, keep flopping about, sucking air and finding a way through. Good old Theo Roosevelt said, “Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty…” On this dock, I’m believing it.
Don’t forget to sign up for this month’s newsletter. Topic is Character Driven Stories and Plot Driven Stories with a Story SOS on the Plot Driven Narrative.
Happy Writing!