Reaching Goals As A Writer - Winner of NaNoWriMo 2009 - Niagara Region

I was so excited when I opened up an email from NaNoWriMo 2009 letting me know that I've won the contest, received a badge and a certificate to print and post on my wall.

I always put any goal that I've reached on my office wall.

Surrounding myself with things that I've accomplished.

This is a good thing for you to do as well.

Be it a contest, a squidoo Giant status, joining a group, winning a prize no matter how big or small, you need to post a reminder up on your wall.

And on those days when you feel blue about writing, or don't feel like you're good enough, you can look and say to yourself, I know I can do it.

Words of encouragement are posted on my walls.

What do you have on yours?

My favorite wall plaque says:
Believe in yourself
No matter what you choose
Keep a winning attitude
And you can never lose.
by Rhonda Kuilberg? (cant read the print on the bottom of the plaque)

Writer's Cramp - Submit That Manuscript to a Publisher - Stress!!!

Now I just need a boost of confidence.  I finished my manuscript for my first novel called The Munroe Mansion - The Beginning.  Now I just have to do a synopsis, a query letter and find some confidence.

I'm terrified that someone's going to tell me that I suck as a writer.  Or I'll hear that i'm not experienced enough and I need to get an education or something like that.

Imagine having writers cramp for months and months, finally typing it all up, spending hundreds of hours on a project then you come to a complete standstill because of fear?

What have I got to lose other than some pride?

I know, I'm supposed to be persistent in what I do, believe in myself, and then take that first step towards my dream of being a published writer.

I've been published on the internet for many years and it didn't cause me any undue stress.

So why am I having so much trouble with this?

A feeling of panic and dread at the outcome of all this?

I feel that I'm a great writer, I just don't know if anyone else will feel the same. :)

I have posted some info about all this on The Idea Girl Says - words of wisdom for those who are more knowledgeable about this kind of thing.