A Touch of Optimism: Remember Why You Write

I'm usually a pretty positive person.

I'm not saying I'm a perky, bubbly, rainbow-unicorn type of person,

I'm more of a "things may be $&^#y but they'll turn out all right in the end" kind of guy.

That being said, I've been in a little bit of a funk lately. I think it happens to most writers at one time or another. I don't know whether it's the Oregon weather (IT RAINS ALL THE DAMN TIME!!!!) or what; I've just been unable to shake the dark clouds of pessimism that rain thoughts like "I'll never get published" and "My story's not very good" and "Am I wasting my time?" into my feeble little mind.

So I was all ready to write a post today about dealing with doubt and how to pick yourself out of a funk BUT...I find that my pessimism has lifted. Want to know what did it?

I went and saw "Wrath of the Titans" in 3D last night.

I know what you're thinking but stay with me. I'm not saying this was a life changing cinematic masterpiece. This movie features questionable acting, a shaking plot, and way too much reliance on special effect. That being said, it was exactly what I had been hoping for. IT WAS FUN! It was an entertaining and enjoyable night at the movies. There was plenty of action with great battle scenes and the characters had just enough depth that you could relate with them and care about them. The thing is, that's pretty much what I want my story to be.

All I've ever wanted from my writing is to create something that I enjoy and that I think others will too. I don't want to change the world. I don't want to define the genre. I want to write stories that I enjoy writing and that an audience will enjoy reading. I want to write fun books. With all of the pressure I've been putting on myself I think I forgot that a little.

So when you get in a funk and the clouds of pessimism are gathering, remember why you write. Remember what you enjoy about writing and why you care so much.

And maybe go see a movie.