The HEA Cafe

I had the best of intentions.  I actually wrote my post for the blog a week ago because I’m on vacation this week in the Great Smoky Mountains and I wasn’t sure what type of access I would have to the internet.  Luckily, I have wired internet access since I forgot to upload my post before I left.  Unfortunately I didn’t bring the drive I’d saved my blog on when I packed up the laptop, so I’m winging it. 

 Not a comfortable feeling for me.  If you read Linda’s post on introverts, you’ll understand.  I think I answered true to each and every item on the list.  I’m as introverted as they come.  Why am I taking a chance to write something I haven’t had a time to edit, polish and reread four times before I hit post?

 Because I made a commitment.  Time after time writers say the most important part of writing is the story.  I agree but I think the second most important is keeping your word.  If you volunteer to help at Nationals, serve as an officer for your local chapter or agree to write a monthly post to a group blog, then do it.  Don’t wait to see if something better comes along or slid out with a feeble excuse if it gets too hard.  Why?  Keeping commitments is an important part of becoming a successful writer.  Publishing houses need writers to meet deadlines.  Miss too many and you might just have trouble selling that next book.  If they can’t depend on you, people don’t want to work with you, whether that person is a member of your chapter, your dream agent or a publisher. 

 So, even if you have to come in from the hot tub with the view of the mountains while rain patters on the tin roof to write a blog post off the top of your head, do it.  You’ll feel better about yourself and find that keeping commitments becomes a habit.