tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post6458538964933607545..comments2024-03-29T03:42:04.742-04:00Comments on Author, Jody Hedlund: Uniqueness of the Writing JourneyJody Hedlundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-51718273428109767172009-07-28T23:29:16.434-04:002009-07-28T23:29:16.434-04:00Thank you for saying it so well. It's true tha...Thank you for saying it so well. It's true that we are all on separate paths, and it bears remembering.Dianahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03155231576304534708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-4005062991535785182009-07-28T21:06:40.934-04:002009-07-28T21:06:40.934-04:00WOW!!! Amazing post!!!! I just have to say...I LOV...WOW!!! Amazing post!!!! I just have to say...I LOVE your new profile pic!!!Tracihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16399764927137200395noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-20658656427118752592009-07-28T20:38:26.363-04:002009-07-28T20:38:26.363-04:00I love this Jody! Being yourself and enjoying &am...I love this Jody! Being yourself and enjoying & focusing on your own journey is priceless. Encouraging others on their journey without feeling the need to compare is even more priceless, if that's even possible! I mostly try to focus on my road... slow and winding at the moment because it's new and unfamiliar. Well I've written off & on for a long time, but not with a specific goal in mind.CMOM Productionshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04595915747223847421noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-28104529482691885162009-07-28T13:00:54.806-04:002009-07-28T13:00:54.806-04:00Jody:
Thanks for setting us free, girl! I appreci...Jody: <br />Thanks for setting us free, girl! I appreciate you.<br /><br />My journey has lasted all my life. I wrote my first book when I was eight-- don't hold your breath for that one to be published!<br />I've published many articles, poems, and columns over the last 28 years, in Christian and secular markets. Currently I am working on two books which I hope to have published. If not, that's okay--- the working on them is growing me up as a writer and a person. <br /><br />You are so sweet to always ask about us!<br />Love, JenJeanette Levelliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12898750484193832082noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-79725244767449259692009-07-28T12:42:44.369-04:002009-07-28T12:42:44.369-04:00An excellent reminder for all of us, Jodi. Thanks....An excellent reminder for all of us, Jodi. Thanks. I forget sometimes that because of my God-created uniqueness I am not like anyone else. I don't write like anyone else. How God uses my writing won't be like how he uses anyone else's writing. So why should I expect my journey to be anything but unique? Comparison-itis is born of envy which doesn't become us as Christians.<br /><br />I'm on my fourth ms in nine years. The first was a family memoir which I don't intend to publish and the other three are novels. As a freelancer I'm grateful there is a market for my non-fiction but I'm under no illusion that my novels will be successful. I just keep writing (and revising) and trying to improve them, holding tight to the belief that God has a plan for my efforts and he'll let me know what it is in his good time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-14523255144857212902009-07-28T11:46:09.772-04:002009-07-28T11:46:09.772-04:00It's so true - every journey is different. And...It's so true - every journey is different. And, I have my own personal motto that goes along with this: "If we were all the same, life would be boring."<br /><br />Love this post. Thanks for sharing it.Kimbra Kaschhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16955657301998255029noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-60051596723699516222009-07-28T11:41:00.970-04:002009-07-28T11:41:00.970-04:00Beautiful post, Jody. Like all of us are unique, o...Beautiful post, Jody. Like all of us are unique, our paths are truly unique as well. I really do enjoy reading about your journey, so thank you for sharing it! I have been writing since I was 10. I have written 3 complete novels in that time. I'm a bit slow, but proud of it. I love what I've accomplished, and I look forward to my own unique journey ahead. Thanks for sharing!Michelle D. Argylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09696465137285587646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-42300931693932187872009-07-27T23:14:19.427-04:002009-07-27T23:14:19.427-04:00It is so easy to compare yourself with others! I ...It is so easy to compare yourself with others! I try to remind myself that I am unique on a daily basis, sometimes my kids remind of that but they say weird! LOL:)<br /><br />I've written some short stories, and have about three versions of a novel. One a historical, one a contemporary, and one more inspirational. My problem is I keep questioning my "voice". I also write a family column in our newspaper. I just really need to settle myself into one area, but am finding that hard to do...my path I suppose:)Karahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03925811510913201292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-42012365807358247402009-07-27T21:52:52.990-04:002009-07-27T21:52:52.990-04:00Hmmm... I have written heaps of articles, one mem...Hmmm... I have written heaps of articles, one memoir and another WIP about 1/3 of the way through. So far only my articles have been published. That is really how I started writing. I sold an article and thought, huh, maybe I can write! The memoir grew out of a really hard time last year and the second book kind of starts where that one leaves off. So far I haven't queried the book. I know it isn't ready. But I am working with an author later this year to develop it further. <br />Great post. It is interesting how very different all our paths are.Tabitha Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08196816108272065974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-69488882226098010392009-07-27T18:17:18.988-04:002009-07-27T18:17:18.988-04:00Hi Jody -
Your point about each of our journeys b...Hi Jody -<br /><br />Your point about each of our journeys being unique is well taken. While there are some basics every writer follows, that's where the similarities end.<br /><br />I've finished one manuscript, and have two others started. <br /><br />Blessings,<br />Susan :)Susan J. Reinhardthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07461276857852409546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-65505296787401144052009-07-27T17:13:57.529-04:002009-07-27T17:13:57.529-04:00Great post and a wonderful reminder not to compare...Great post and a wonderful reminder not to compare to others. I'm still a babe when it comes to writing. Started in 2007 with Nano and haven't stopped since. Discovered a new joy in writing at the late age of 48. I have two wips and completely rewriting the first one right now. I'm not even thinking about the publishing end at this point. Trying to enjoy the process mainly. Read a great quote today: <br /><br />"if you write for long enough and often enough, it becomes in the end as natural a function as breathing or eating. - Fay Weldon"<br /><br />I'm getting there.Robin Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07765229264945106765noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-82077523843777759542009-07-27T15:52:05.686-04:002009-07-27T15:52:05.686-04:00I like too that we are all on our own path. Mine i...I like too that we are all on our own path. Mine is an up and down one but forward hopefully. I have three completed books and one halfway done that I doubt I will ever finish--but who knows.<br /> I didn't know my journey would go this way but am glad it did and am glad I am meeting you on the road too!Terri Tiffanyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07771622379178654235noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-19177407766820547712009-07-27T15:24:34.474-04:002009-07-27T15:24:34.474-04:00The number one thing a writer must have going for ...The number one thing a writer must have going for her is patience. Patience factors in on every level of the process, from inception to completion, to publication and beyond. Sigh.Elizabeth Bradleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03150221675618198674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-79313995391727141992009-07-27T14:49:40.743-04:002009-07-27T14:49:40.743-04:00It's funny, we must be thinking alike today be...It's funny, we must be thinking alike today because I wrote next week's posts this morning on this very topic. There isn't a predictable path for any of us. Each of us is surprised by our writing journey. <br /><br />Thanks for sharing yours with us. It's inspiring knowing others are persevering and making it.Jill Kemererhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07865493609868329393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-75357670666500472072009-07-27T14:25:31.459-04:002009-07-27T14:25:31.459-04:00This was so encouraging to read!!! Thanks so much ...This was so encouraging to read!!! Thanks so much for the reminder!<br /><br />Sometimes it can be so overwhelming, especially imagining the years, work, and hope reflected in the journey to publication. It's so easy to look at someone else and compare. But other people's journeys can help us out. As we learn from each other, as we walk together, it makes the celebration ahead of us that much greater. <br /><br />I've been writing since grade school; I think my first story was in third grade. I've written five novels (three which will never see the light of day) and dream so fiercely about the other two. <br /><br />It's nice to meet you, Jody! I really enjoy your blog and look forward to following it!Kristen Torres-Torohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15903038121623389560noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-55954268773143817952009-07-27T13:42:40.632-04:002009-07-27T13:42:40.632-04:00Jody, I've interviewed over seventy romance wr...Jody, I've interviewed over seventy romance writers and debut authors about their journeys, and each story is unique. God is into variety, and He has a different plan for each of us.<br /><br />I've completed five manuscripts, set another aside at 50K because the story wasn't working and am in the midst of a second major rewrite of one of my original stories. I've finaled in several contests and learned so much from the generous judges. I've attended five conferences where I learned even more. I don't know what lies ahead, but I'm enjoying my journey.Keli Gwynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13236868298400593688noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-23481388384672252572009-07-27T12:52:10.105-04:002009-07-27T12:52:10.105-04:00My writing road has been long and bumpy. I've...My writing road has been long and bumpy. I've written since I could take pen and paper. Because I love children's literature, I have written five children's novels. I even have a sequel burried in there someplace. The unique thing about me is that I love to do a lot of types of writing. I truly want my Christian writing to be read. Well, If I am a Christian, it's all Christian writing.<br />Not to make comparisons, but I think your new blog look is gorgeous.Nancyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15163662759281341381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-73153526887242180132009-07-27T12:30:34.166-04:002009-07-27T12:30:34.166-04:00Thanks for the reminder. I am really bad about co...Thanks for the reminder. I am really bad about comparing myself to others. My journey has only just begun. Thanks for sharing yours. It has been very insightful!Susan R. Millshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09578747592345750650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-33973868479666203962009-07-27T12:29:21.030-04:002009-07-27T12:29:21.030-04:00Comparison-itis doesn't end with The Call. It&...Comparison-itis doesn't end with The Call. It's at those times when I'm tempted to compare my journey with those of other writers, that I remember the words of Angela Hunt at the ACFW Conference last year. "We're all muddling in the middle." There will always be someone ahead of you on the road and someone behind you. <br /><br />So, I'm happy to be muddling in the middle with all of my writing friends. :)Erica Vetschhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08772984806574666959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-27796666273195478682009-07-27T12:24:46.573-04:002009-07-27T12:24:46.573-04:00Jody, This is a really important reminder. Thank y...Jody, This is a really important reminder. Thank you so much for it. I admit that I compare myself all the time. I feel rushed whenever I find out a n author is younger than me. I feel like I need to push myself harder whenever I find out that an author got an agent before me. But, you're so right. It's our own journey, and since none of us are trying to write the exact same book, we can't assume that we should be on the same road.Davin Malasarnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09385823575081492949noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-67742868152297779802009-07-27T12:01:37.379-04:002009-07-27T12:01:37.379-04:00I have definitely done my share of comparing on th...I have definitely done my share of comparing on this journey. It seems like it's been a long one sometimes and at others, I realize how quickly it's passed.<br /><br />I started my first novel when I was 12, finished it and wrote two more before having a very bad agent experience. When I became a Christian about four years ago, I started writing inspirational fiction (very different from what I'd ever written before). After many rejections, I was contacted by a small press and now have two books under contract. I just finished my 11th book over the weekend and I think I love writing more every day. I can't imagine not doing it.<br /><br />Thanks so much for the interesting topic today, Jody :)Cindy R. Wilsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13488732331021750408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-1656440454109823282009-07-27T11:41:33.306-04:002009-07-27T11:41:33.306-04:00What a great post.
I think I've been on this ...What a great post.<br /><br />I think I've been on this writing journey since the 6th grade. I've written three novels and have lots and lots of unfinished novels (mostly from my jr. high, high schol, and college years). It's been a great journey and I'm looking forward to the rest of it!Melissa Amateishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16086267508858187716noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-13635775817137192972009-07-27T11:26:57.256-04:002009-07-27T11:26:57.256-04:00I think reading different writing blogs really pro...I think reading different writing blogs really proves your point - every author has a different story and a different journey.<br /><br />My journey so far includes two finished novels and one feature length screenplay.Kate Karyus Quinnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15581176126578915929noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-33101326640264597032009-07-27T10:57:14.514-04:002009-07-27T10:57:14.514-04:00Okay, I'll admit it, if my novel gets publishe...Okay, I'll admit it, if my novel gets published, I'll be one of those annoying "got the first novel she wrote published" authors. But unlike Stephenie Meyer, it won't be quite so fast.<br /><br />My finished MS started out as a 2005 <a href="http://nanowrimo.org" rel="nofollow">NaNoWriMo</a> novel. I wrote 30K words in November 2005, and finished my last round of edits in April 2009, so that's a little under 3.5 years to write the thing (I took WAY too many breaks in the middle, and will never again leave a half-completed MS untended for so long).<br /><br />I've had that one story in my head for so long that it's hard to break free of those characters to write something new, but I'm working on it!CKHBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17741681893677604323noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-63322399251517107592009-07-27T10:51:51.236-04:002009-07-27T10:51:51.236-04:00Great post, Jody, as always! I think of myself as ...Great post, Jody, as always! I think of myself as a walker on this writing journey. I am not sprinting, but taking my time to enjoy the view while I slowly make my way down the road. I've just started this journey and have heard so many stories like yours, I expect mine to be similar, with lots of manuscripts written before a chance at publication. I'm not in a hurry...just enjoying it all!Sherrinda Ketchersidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07581676437345249386noreply@blogger.com