Insecure Writers want to know: How Do You Celebrate When You Achieve a Writing Goal or Finish a Story?

            Celebrating at each juncture in our writing journey is important for self-esteem. I do this in degrees like when I celebrate my children’s accomplishments.  

If I’ve had a great writing session; you know, not too much staring at the computer screen, I go out for a walk by myself. Ahh…peace and quiet! This only works when the kids aren’t home. And the weather doesn’t matter. I’ve hiked in the snow and rain. You just dress appropriately.

If I finish revising a story to the best of my ability and send it for critique, I brew a fresh pot of tea and pick up a book I’ve been planning to read. Again, this only works when my husband and the kids aren’t home. Otherwise, I can’t hear the words I’m reading. You need to have kids to understand this.

If I submit a story to a publisher—once I start breathing again—I become the nice Mom the children knew before I started writing and submitting stories. There is a difference between the stressed Writer Mom and the “So, how was your day?” Mom. We prepare favorite foods together and play board games, remember them? We like Clue and Scotland Yard best. They’re mystery games. We plan our next camping adventure as a family and I truly listen and participate in the discussion.   

If a publisher accepts one of my stories, once I get up off the floor, I celebrate with the whole family. That’s right! It’s pizza all around. Well, I don’t want to spend all the money I make selling my stories on dinner for 7 at a restaurant. We usually watch a movie, too. And yes, I analyze the plot, seeing how the writer created the plausibility of the story. And, unfortunately, I discuss it with the family. One of the twins told me I was more fun to watch movies with before I started writing so many stories. She’s probably right!

Wow! Did you notice how each celebration benefits me physically somehow? I just noticed it. I exercise. I rest my eyes from the computer screen. I learn about story from other writers while analyzing their books or movies. I spend quality time with the family, giving my mind a rest, focusing on fun games and cooking.

Hmm… when I consider my degrees of celebration for the children’s accomplishments, I find benefits as well. It just proves that celebrating accomplishments is good for you. So…how do you celebrate writing goals?

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This post was written for the Insecure Writer’s SupportGroup. We post on the first Wednesday of every month.  To join us, or learn more about the group, click HERE.