What Writers Often Feel After They Push the Publish Button

Imagine you're a writer and you've just pushed the publish button on your latest story. What would you do then? Do you break out in a sweat, wring your hands, circle your chair, pace the floor, drop to your knees, or just sit calmly and wait for the inevitable?

I usually jump up and bake cookies, do some laundry, or rearrange some dust — anything to take my mind off the fact I’ve just dropped my precious baby down that crazy rabbit hole — again.

Writers deal with word-induced fear every day. Let’s examine a few of the reasons why.

Lack of confidence — No matter how much we write, how often we publish, or how well each story does, we sweat with renewed anxiety each time we send another story out into the world for others to read?
Comments and feedback — Writers have fragile egos. It’s part of our creative genetics. The world we live in is not known for tactfulness, kindness, or acceptance of strangers. And what can be stranger than a writer who’s just published a new story?

“I don’t care if a reader hates one of my stories, just as long as he finishes the book.” ~Roald Dahl

The publish button — We can never be sure of what lies below the surface of the publishing waters. It could be the ecstasy of success that blesses a tiny few or the VOID. (The void is the nothingness that happens after you publish which leaves you wondering if your article was jettisoned into another dimension.)

Like Alice and her proverbial rabbit hole, lots of adventures can only be experienced once you take the leap. So a word of encouragement to all who are currently writers or want-to-be writers. Stay positive and take the plunge!

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How I Design a Slow Stitch Fiber Art Project

Step one is to sketch a rough draft of the design you want to create for slow stitching. Step two is to cut and place fabric and fibers where you want them in your design. Step 3 is to start layering up individual areas of the design until you achieve the look you want. The next step is to remove each piece as you want to sew it onto your background fabric, leaving the designed piece intact until you're ready to sew them. If the piece is very intricate, take a photo before starting to sew just in case you need to refer to it later. This is the method I use when designing my slow-stitch pieces. It's easy and works beautifully. This method leaves plenty of room for adding or modifying the design as you go along. Consider it a draft that you can embellish or improve as you work.

WELCOME to Mixing it Up with Lynda

Do you like to chat about everything? Do you like to create something from nothing? Do you like listening to others? Do you love life? Do you get excited over new things, people, and places? If those things apply to you, then you are definitely my soulmate. Let's chat, exchange ideas, and inspire. Sometimes, just keeping on keeping on in these troubled times can be an overwhelming prospect. But it's always easier with a companion. Note on Photo: Like the photo above, life can be beautiful even when it's created by mixing up lots and lots of raggy bits and pieces. I created this piece of wall art from bits of fabric that most people would throw away. So don't be quick to discard what might seem like useless bits of your life. Try sticking them together and see what you come up with...

DIY Slow Stitching Fiber Art Kits

Grab a needle and have some fun slow stitching. A great way to de-stress and create something whimsical at the same time. Available at Icky Chic Designs. Video walkthrough ink is available in the product description.

Adventures in Life and Thought

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