They say that most people who "want to be writers" never actually finish a manuscript, much less complete the editing process not once but twice. That the unsuccessful are often that because they don't put in the effort. But where does the effort actually stop? Even if you have a manuscript, it can take up to ten years to be published.
I guess at least I've made a distinction that some people don't. I am a writer...even if the flow for this particular entry is a little dull, I don't doubt that. I have the evidence after all. But I am not an author, which is a little bit different isn't it? And I certainly wouldn't call myself successful, not in direct correlation to this particular career choice. So in the end, am I any better than the half-baked child I was?
Part of attaining anything is putting in the work to get it. Depending on the thing you desire to attain, the sacrifice will be greater or lesser. Though what value you place on the thing has more influence on how much you will sacrifice for it than what value it has in society. At least that's how I feel about it. Thus my trip to Ohio this coming weekend...although I'm beginning to think it may have been not the best thought out plan, it is what's going down. Hopefully I will make some connections, or at least learn something about my chosen craft. I'd better because this business is going to be pretty darn expensive. Either way, I'll surely enjoy seeing Meghan (and maybe she'll forgive me for using her as a free hotel). And getting out of Roanoke for a bit is definitely a plus.
So in the end I think it will be a good trip. And maybe I'll have taken another formative step towards my goals. Because since it's going to take me at least three years to pay off my loans most likely, I might as well work on what I can reach. And, as much as I may chaff at the location, where I live and what I'm doing are both surprisingly well-suited for this activity. We'll see where things go from here.
Oh and by the way, I am about 500 words away from the minimum halfway point for my new book, tentatively titled "Mother of Creation." Am I psyched? Yes.
