Last night I returned to my writer’s group (I’ve been a little absent recently), and after sharing the news that my sister and I might be leaving LA, I was pulled aside by a few of the friends I’ve made there so they could get more details.  One in particular, and sort of an unlikely source, only because although we support each other’s work we haven’t really talked beyond the confines of the group, offered me some of the best advice.  Advice I, myself, have offered here.

He offered encouragement, inspiration, and a voice of reason, a few things I needed to hear.  If we’re not surrounded by people who understand what it is we do as writers or any creative endeavor, I think we forget sometimes, well I have, at how good (and how necessary) it is to hear encouraging “don’t give up” type pep talks.  We all need those from time to time, and it’s been a long time since I’ve heard one.  This is absolutely not a slight towards my sister who is always in my corner, but as she’s too close to the situation we’re currently dealing with, the outside voice was indeed a welcome one.

He suggested that I make every effort in the little time I have left here to make my mark and in turn maybe not have to leave, and therefore achieving the whole purpose of why I came out here in the first place.  He gave me a challenge – to finish my rewrite in 48 hrs.  After all the stress I’ve had over this rewrite, trying to finish the third act in such a short time gives me heart palpitations.  But…I have to stop making excuses.  I need to rise to the challenge.  I do need to take advantage of the time I have given to me.  I need to break out of my routine and try something else in order to achieve my goals.  He’s a published author with some connections, and he made me no promises, except the offer of a helping hand.  And who knows?!  Unfortunately, a few drinks on an empty stomach have lost me the whole day today in the “I’m too old for this” sort of way.

In writing this, I received a phone call from an old friend who I talk to only a few times a year.  She ended up being my cheerleader and offering me more encouragement.  Huh…maybe the universe is trying to tell me something…

So on that note, maybe I should go work on that rewrite.

I wish you all the best in your writing endeavors and hope you have some one in your corner cheering you on!  If you ever need an encouraging word or a listening ear, you know where to find me. 😉