Earlier this week, I received a letter -- and check -- saying that one of my little bits of writing had been accepted. I was happy to see the check, even if it wasn't that much and didn't last the day, but I was more yee-hah happy that someone other than a friend told me that I have some writing ability above and beyond what it takes to pass English 101.
The reaction from friends has been interesting. People are happy for me, from simple congratulations to "About f-----g time." They're happy that I was successful in this endeavor, although it goes beyond just making some coins off my written words. It's the effort, the courage to take the step, the trying rather than just wondering if one is good enough. The step beyond self-doubt. We all have it, and I felt in some of the folks who gave me the atta-girl that I actually gave them hope that it's possible to make that step and succeed. Admittedly, someone else's success inspired me to try again (third time was the charm), so it seems only fair that I pass on that hope to others.
Thing about pursuing this, though, is that once you take the step, you have to keep walking. There's still that self-doubt that this purchased written piece was a fluke and it's never going to happen again. But, I'm told that's the way it is and that feeling never really goes away, so shut up and keep at it. I suppose I'll have to. I really liked the rush that came with getting that tangible and spendable evidence that I can occasionally write goodly.
