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Welcome to My Official Web Page!

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Getting Kicked Off the Plateau



Just a reminder: Don't forget to sign up for this weekend's HAIKU BLOGFEST!

A while back, Paul Greci posted about Submission Belly, a strange phenomenon whereby authors gain 3-5 pounds while their work is on submission to an agent, editor, or even for a contest. I've been trying to shed my Submission Belly since January, but to no avail.

A few weeks ago, I started a cycling class with a cheer leader/drill sergeant hybrid of an instructor (who I think does speed before the class). She's a maniac- I spend the entire hour panting and drenched in sweat while she plays techno and yells at us.

It's worth it- I've finally lost those last sneaky pounds. All it took was someone kicking my butt off my comfy plateau and making me work. HARD.

I think the same thing might be happening with my writing. I got a swift kick in the rear a couple weeks ago from someone who knows what they're talking about. It hurt, but I think it's going to push me up the rest of this mountain. I once knew a guy who hiked almost all 20,320 feet of Mt. McKinley, but had to turn around just before he reached the top- he could see the pinnacle, but never made it.

I can't let that be me.

What about you? Has anyone kicked you off your plateau? Where on the mountain are you today?
Image from Denali Alaska Guiding