Sunday, August 9, 2009

Celebrating Milestones

Yesterday I emailed off my finished manuscript of Sleeping With Shadows to my agent.

I’ve spent the past four months of my life slaving over that book--living it, dreaming it, constantly thinking about it, scribbling ideas on receipts, napkins or even my hand when I wasn’t home near my computer. And at ten am yesterday I finished my final read through, had tears in my eyes when I read the Happily Ever After ending (yeah, I’m squishy about the HEA’s, what can I say??) and gave a big happy sigh as I closed the file, and emailed it off to Paige, so she can shop it around.

Then as I closed my laptop I realized I had no writing goal for the day, my brain hadn’t yet become too ensnared in the upcoming next book, and I wanted to celebrate and enjoy my accomplishment! There is nothing like that feeling of exhilaration that goes through you when you reach a milestone—no matter what type. A few weeks ago when I sold the two book deal to Berkley I was also doing the big happy dance. Granted, that one was a little more intense happy dance, but the aftermath of feelings are pretty much the same.

Although I’ll admit, I choose carefully who I ask to help me celebrate my milestones, because there are those who tend to suck the joy out of it for me or downplay it until the celebration seems selfish of me to have, or just an everyday thing not worthy of celebration. Obviously it’s much more fun to spend it with the people who are truly happy for and with me and want to celebrate as much as I do! I think it’s important to have that celebration and take time out to appreciate the accomplishment and all the blood, sweat, tears and effort spent—no matter how big or small the milestone. Wouldn’t it be a terrific world if we celebrated even the small ones? Hmmm...I think I may have to start having mini celebrations for finishing chapters now! Mwaahaaahaaa!

Anyway, I was able to do a mini celebration yesterday and today I’m doing the “not a damn thing” method of relaxing :) Because tomorrow I get to start on Jane Doe Succubus, which is the first book of the two book deal I sold to Berkley. That story has been noodling in the back of my head for a while—ever since I wrote the proposal (which is only a synopsis and one chapter), but it took a back seat while I was ensnared in Sleeping With Shadows. Now it can come out to play and become my new “obsession” for the next few months :) Ahh, the life of a writer.

A milestone that is no less important, but got lost during my deadline frenzy is the release of Trio of Seduction, the third book in my Seduction Series written as Cassie Ryan. Here’s an excerpt if you’d like to take a look – Excerpt. Or if you’d just like to hop on over and buy it, here’s that link too – Buy. :)

So here’s my questions to all of you. How do you celebrate your milestones, writing or otherwise? Is there anyone in your life that tends to suck the joy out of your accomplishments? If so, how do you handle that? Is it important for you to take time off in between projects? And here’s the fun one – what WAS your accomplishment, so we can celebrate with you! :)

Raising cyber Butterscotch Martinis to all, and might even find some real ones sometime today! :)

Tina/Cassie

4 comments:

Christle Gray said...

First of all - CONGRATS on finishing another manuscript! I hope I can someday be as prolific a writer as you!

I usually celebrate milestones with my husband. He's my bestest friend, my biggest cheerleader, and knocks my socks off with just a smile. He always makes me feel like anything is possible!

My Mom used to be one of those people to suck the wind from my sails. She's gotten better, and done quite the turn-around in being more positive than negative. My father has yet to follow her example. *sigh*

As for what my milestone is? Probably my book that came out last year. It was my first completed manuscript, and it made me believe that I could actually make this writing thing work. I just need a little more help with maintaining my focus...

TinaGerow said...

Thanks Christle!

It's great that your husband is that supportive :) And finishing that first manuscript is probably the sweetest of all the writing milestones, next after that the first sale. The others are terrific, but none quite so wonderful as those two :)

There are always going to be people who try to suck the life out of our joy and accomplishments. I've decided life is too short to let them, and they just aren't invited to my celebrations and parties any more. In fact, a lot of the time, I don't even bother to tell them.

Hang in there on the focus. I've been writing since 2003 and there have been HUGE spans of time where my writing was unfocused and scattered. Today is always a new day to try again :) You can do it!

N.J.Walters said...

Congratulations on finishing another manuscript. That's always an awesome feeling.

I celebrate with hubby. He's my biggest fan. We celebrate everything from mailing in a new contract to finishing a manuscript. Sometimes it's as simple as a special homecooked meal. But I think it's important to mark each accomplishment.

TinaGerow said...

Hi NJ :) Homecooked meal? That sounds like nirvana to me! :) Especially if I'm not the one who has to cook it...lol.

Thanks for sharing.