| Stuart Smalley from Federaltimes.com |
Do you remember "Daily Affirmations With Stuart Smalley" which appeared on Saturday Night Live in the '90's? I'm channeling this inspirational guru to guide us through this month's edition of the Insecure Writer's Support Group.  Many of us are overcome with anxieties at this time of the year. How can we possibly keep up with Alex J. Cavanaugh's CassaFire book tour, and still have time to write about our insecurities for Alex's monthly support group? In addition, how many of us who are still in our childbearing years, will be giving birth to future sons and daughters named Alex? My daily dilemma is will I have enough material to write all of my posts for the A to Z Challenge? Many bloggers' claim that they've already gone halfway through the alphabet, while I'm still stuck on "A." I know that I should've started planning earlier, but I just can't seem to get the ball rolling. Right now Stuart Smalley is whispering in my ear, "You're should-ing all over yourself." I also suffer from Cavanaugh's Commenting Conundrum, in that I can't help feeling if only I reached out to one more blogger. I try to comment often, and occasionally even read some of the blogs, but I know that I could be doing so much more. Stuart is teasing his hair and saying, "It's easier to put on slippers than to carpet the whole world." We can all learn so much from Stuart Smalley. Whether we're suffering from writer's block, or just blocked up in general, we can count on him to enlighten us. It's important to practice our "Daily Affirmations," by looking into the mirror, and reciting along with Stuart, "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it, people like me." Of course, you may want to do this in the privacy of your own home, and it helps to have dim lighting. Turtleneck dickeys and sunglasses are optional. Keep in mind, if your only companion is a mummified loved one, please seek help. |
Ha...its ok, I point out the facts; that I am not competing with The Cassan's right now, nor have a amateur work out to be trashed...And then Lo Behold I am happy again, despite another Ezine rejection in the mail.
ReplyDeleteDoggone it, people do like you!
ReplyDeleteLOL, I loved Stuart Smalley so you had me from the start with this post. I had forgotten about him and the picture cracked me up. I remember one skit where he had Michael Jordan reciting that he was "good enough" to the mirror LOL.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I'm not the only one who is still on A for the April Challenge. I had such good intentions of starting early, but here I am again coming down to the wire. We'll both probably be flying by the seat of our pants when it comes time to post!
Great post! I love your sense of humor!
ReplyDeleteIt's so good to hear I'm not the only one with A-Z struggles.
The worst thing we can do as writers is compare ourselves to other writers. We have to succeed on our own terms, and decide what a succeeding means, as defined by us. If my own goal is to write 500 words a day, I can't let myself feel bad about someone who just finished her huge novel. I reached my goal, right?
ReplyDeleteRek - Sorry about the rejection in the mail, but I do appreciate your positive outlook. As Stuart Smalley would say, "Compare and despair!"
ReplyDeleteTonja - I'm so glad I met you last April! Thanks Tonja!
Julie - That's half the fun of it, but I think we'll do ok if we could at least stay a little bit ahead of the game! I'll have to see if I could track down that Michael Jordan skit! Thanks Julie!
Brianna - It does make it more exciting when we're struggling to stay afloat together! But we'll all get through it like we did last year! Thanks so much Brianna!
Kelly - 500 words a day is very impressive! You're wise not to compare yourself to other writers. Keep reaching for your goal! Julie
I am still commenting on blogs who left comments for Alex on Monday. I haven't even looked at my own post yet for Wednesday. I have a character named Alex that I created before I knew The Amazing Alex. Does that count?
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the A to Z planning! There's still time yet. I also feel like I don't comment enough, but I just can't set aside hours and hours to do so, and I think other bloggers understand that.
ReplyDeleteAllison (Geek Banter)
I haven't started yet either. I have a book due to publisher Monday and I'm in NYC for four days. I'm afraid I'll fall way behind. We'll just have to keep each other going.
ReplyDeleteCarol - It most definitely does count! Next time you should have both Alex's meet Under The Tiki Hut! I'm confident that you'll do a great job tomorrow, or else you could always hang out at the beach!
ReplyDeleteAllison - I don't know how many bloggers have the time and energy to get around the blogosphere so well, but I'm sure that they type a lot faster than I do! Thanks for stopping by Allison!
Ciara - Best of luck with your book! I hope you'll be able to take some time to explore NYC while you're there. I haven't been there in years and would love to go back! Enjoy your trip, and it will be fun to "keep each other going" when you get back! Julie
Ha! I love this post! You have company in the A to Z procrastination. Nah, let me rephrase that. We are just having a bit of trouble getting it ALL done ;-) It isn't that we wouldn't just love to have (or make) the time to sit down and do it. We'll get there. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou're really landing in terms of evoking humor, Julie. This post is hilarious! Stuart Smalley was so irritating, I loved the guy, doggone it.
ReplyDeleteYou will do fine with the A-Z Challenge. I have no doubts. Ideas will flow; you've a very creative mind. By the way, it is March and not April. You can't be behind on something that hasn't started yet. =)
xoRobyn
You had me captured with Stuart. I loved him so much. Al Franken is comic genius. I don't have my stuff together for the A to Z either and I still have yet to figure out how to schedule a post. I schedule, but they never publish. I'm nervous about taht because I'll be moving during the the A to Z.
ReplyDeleteTeresa - That's right we will all get it done in the end! The hardest part is getting started. I'm glad that we're both just taking a calm and cool approach to floating through the alphabet! Thanks Teresa!
ReplyDeleteRobyn - Did you put in a good word for me with Father Time? I didn't think so. You always say the sweetest things Robyn! Sometimes I get the feeling that you don't know whether to laugh with me (probably at me) or talk me off the ledge. Just keep doing a little of both, and somethings bound to work! You're the best Robyn!
Melissa - I would consult the A to Z techies before you move. There must be a way to solve this problem. Moving is stressful enough as it is, I'm sure Lee and the co-hosts (who adore you) will cut you some slack. Good luck with your move, and I'll be checking in on you! Julie
Oh, you brought back memories with that SNL sketch! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm like you - I always feel like I should be doing more, and I feel guilty if I can't always get around to everyone. I'm trying to relax and not freak out about it!
That's hilarious. And I love the bit where you say, "I try to comment often, and occasionally even read some of the blogs" I'm starting to worry about how I'm going to comment on all those new A to Z people, never mind posting up 30 times in the month. Have you SEEN how many people have signed up to it?!?
ReplyDeleteTalli - You are so great about keeping in touch with over 1000 followers! I'll never forget how you always made time to check in on me when you were co-hosting A to Z last year! Thank you so much for Build A Man, and I can't wait to read it when things slow down!
ReplyDeleteRosalind - You're the first one to catch that Rosalind, which only proves my point! I'm just kidding, but it will be especially difficult to get around during A to Z. I'm sure it will be a huge turnout, but I know you'll make it fun! All of the gang including Webster's are counting on you! Julie
Now that is some class SNL. I think we all should have a bit of a daily affirmation--power of positive thinking, you know. I will be in awe and admiration of the people who even attempt that A-Z challenge. That's some dedication.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely LOVE that line about wearing slippers instead of trying to carpet the world. Don't worry about the A-Z; you'll be great. I'm a little concerned about trying to keep up with so many blogs, but I reckon I'll just have to convince myself that sleeping and eating are highly overrated.
ReplyDeleteJulie - I agree that daily affirmation can only make us stronger! It's a shame you don't have time to do the challenge, as you would be an A to Z rock star! I'll try to tackle some of your 11 questions next week. Thanks Julie!
ReplyDeleteSusan - It is a classic Stuart Smalley line! We can always strap on a food bag while we're glued to the computer, but sleeping is not an option! We met last year when you were an A to Z groupie, and now we'll both be singing the alphabet together! Julie
I don't have any written. I have a few ideas for certain letters, but that is as far as it goes. I think leaving it til the last minute part of the fun.
ReplyDeleteRuth - I think we're on the same wave length! Thanks for following me and I'll be looking for you in April! Julie
DeleteI like this! I really like this!
ReplyDeleteOh, wait, that was Sally Field.
Still...
Al, They do make a nice couple. Her acceptance speech is right up Stuart's alley. Though
ReplyDeleteStuart might be intimidated by Norma Rae, he'd certainly enjoy the company of Mama Gump!
I must admit that I am not storing up my posts for the A to Z Challenge. I'm going to wing it every day....just like I did last year. I like to just have something pop up in my head to write about. Just random thoughts. That is what my blogging is all about.
ReplyDeleteI saw your blog link on the A to Z Challenge and stopped over. I'm now following!!
Giggle, Laugh, Cry
Kerrie, It is fun to be spontaneous during A to Z, but I'll still feel better if I'm at least a few letters ahead. I remember having last minute computer glitches too, so hopefully I'll be more prepared this year. Thanks for following me, and I can't wait for you to make me "Giggle, Laugh, Cry!" Julie
Deletelol.... i never did the A-Z last year and im reading more about it and getting more nervous too! see how it goes.......
ReplyDeleteSeems as if we're both having the A to Z jitters. Have you seen that Linky list? Terrifying. Now I'm off to look in the mirror and do a bit of that self-affirming stuff.
ReplyDeleteThanks for you comment at the Write Game. You're smart not to tackle Twitter if you have even an inclination toward addiction. It is definitely dangerous. :-)
Jeremy - Just pace yourself and keep your posts short. That way you'll still have time to visit as many blogs as possible. So many people wouldn't be returning again if it wasn't worth it! Thanks for following me and I'll see you at the challenge!
ReplyDeleteLee - The " A to Z Jitters" sounds like a great idea for "J !" I agree that I better play it safe for awhile, as I'm trying to cut down on my Facebook addiction to make more time for TV! Julie
Sometimes it seems like it's never enough, but we have to accept that we can only do what we can do and try to be as good as we can be doing it.
ReplyDeleteNo reason to have the jitters--just have fun.
Lee
A Faraway View
An A to Z Co-host blog
Please vote for your favorite A to Z Video
Lee - Thank you for making it so much fun last year! This year will be even better, because I've gotten to know so many bloggers who are returning again! I'm also excited that I've started to meet some newbies! Lee, Thanks again for all you do! Julie
ReplyDeleteNo mummified people in my life. No skeletons in my closet. Buried in my backyard? Perhaps. But certainly none in my closet.
ReplyDeleteStephen, Whatever goes on in your own backyard is none of my business. Remind me to never get on your bad side! Julie
DeleteI tried that in the mirror. It was going good until, I, uh, me or rather myself gave me the bird. How lowly can the writing world be?
ReplyDeleteFound you on the A to Z list. I am almost an empty nester myself at the dimwitted age of a mere 444 months.
I will be back for another round. Have fun with your challenge!
-Bushman
Glad to have met another (almost) empty nester with a great sense of humor! Thanks for following me and I'll see you at A to Z! Julie
DeleteI love Stuart Smalley!
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