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By Tami Brothers
I signed up for the class thinking it would help me in my job. Little did I know that it would have a profound effect on every aspect of my life.
I’m talking about a two week long, very intensive leadership class I took at the end of October. When I say intensive, I’m not kidding. I moved into the dorms on Sunday night and didn’t return home for twelve days. I left my family to fend for themselves. I left my blog sisters to hold down the blogging fort. I left my work load in the hands of my fellow coworkers.
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I had no Internet connection. I ate my meals in a cafeteria at set times throughout the day. I studied and read each night to prepare for the lectures to come the following day. I even found myself participating in team building exercises designed to challenge both a person’s body and mind. There were thirty-eight of us, thirteen on my individual team. We started out as strangers, moved into the friends’ category and eventually realized that each of us had a different strength we brought to the group.
My verdict? My experience in this class was more empowering than anything I had covered in college. When I drove home on day twelve, I was ready to take on the world. When I arrived back at work on Monday, I found out just how necessary my new contacts (my fellow classmates) were going to be. Even though we were spread out all over the country (from California, to Hawaii, to Washington DC, to the Florida Keys), I could see instances where knowing these people would not only help me perform my job better, but would end up benefiting my customers just as much.
This was a business class, but by far no different than a writing workshop. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve come.jpg "a-Tami-Presentation-211x300")
away from Georgia Romance Writers of America’s Moonlight and Magnolias Writing Conference pumped and ready to take on the writing world. Unfortunately, the writing world is FILLED with rejection, enough to make most sane people quit long before they even finish writing their first book.
It dawned on me that first week back at work just how much the writing conferences and monthly writing meetings I’ve attended have kept me motivated in my writing endeavors. This two week business class not only prepared me to do different aspects of my day job better, but I came back with more excitement than I’ve felt for my other career (the dreaded DAY JOB) than since I was hired. THIS (totally awesome, take on the world and WIN) feeling is what I get from the writing conferences and meetings.
The last three years of my life have been crazy busy work wise, family wise and health wise. I’ve had very little time to actually put into my writing. Regardless of what those people (you know, the nay-sayers who think I’m wasting my time) who don’t have something like this for themselves think; writing is a part of who I am. I know that more now than I did three years ago when none of this (everyday life in general) was interfering with the time I put into my writing.
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Although I could share tons of tidbits that I learned during that class, I will leave you with this one thought. Just as the writing conferences, the monthly RWA chapter meetings, the weekly chats with my critique partners, the daily blog surfing, the books on the writing craft and so many other things I do to grow my writing has helped keep me sane in this scary world of publication, life offers all of us opportunities to connect with every aspect of our lives. For my job, I used this two week leadership class (and others). For my faith, I attend church. For my family, I plan little outings and fun trips that help us reconnect in our busy lives. For my health, I watch what I eat and exercise (and read wonderful Healthy Writing blogs like this one). For me, well, I’m working on that (g).
Regardless of where you are in your lives or what you are doing, there is something out there that will help get and keep you motivated in your endeavors. You just have to be willing and opened-minded enough to find it.
I’d love to hear what each of you use to keep yourselves motivated, whether it is with your writing, work, faith, or life in general.
Leave a comment on my post today and you’ll automatically be entered into a drawing for a free $10 
Starbucks gift card. I’ll draw a winner tomorrow and post their name here in the comments. For another chance to get your name entered into this awesome drawing (if I do say so myself), hop on over to my author blog and leave a comment under My 10 Cool Things about Thanksgiving post.
Have a great Thanksgiving week!
by Tami Brothers
26 comments
Holy moly, Tami. It sounds like you enlisted! I’ve never been through anything as physically rigorous as that training sounds, but I do relate to your feelings about writing conferences and meetings. I am always pumped when I leave. And you’re right. I would have given up a long time ago without them. “Take on the world and WIN.” I like the sound of that. Thanks for the inspiration.
LOL, Linsey! You have no idea how close to the truth that is…grin…
I can honestly say it was a hoot. You don’t realize how much you rely on others until you go through something like this. The whole two weeks was planned so that you couldn’t pass the course without connecting with your “team.”
I can’t stress enough how enriching and motivating being a part of an organization is that actually “gets you.” The people at these writing conferences and monthly meetings KNOW how it feels and can relate to what you are going through when you put your stories out there. I drive 100+ miles one way to attend our monthly GRW meetings for that very reason!!!
Thanks for commenting, Linsey!
Tami
Hi Tami,
Your class sounded great. The State of California sent me on numerous team building, management, leadership conferences…a couple of which lasted several days to a week and had a lot of hands on type exercises. Fun and very eye-opening.
Also when I taught CPR, First Aid and Aids Education for the Red Cross, they sent me to a week-long training to become an Instructor Trainer. (yes, I taught people how to teach a CPR class) We lived for a week in the Sacramento State College dorms. Yuck! The room wasn’t as large as the bathroom I have now and it had two twin bed & two dressers. Great experience, but, quite honestly, I’m glad it’s history…but the training is still with me to this day.
Thanks for the reminder.
Sandy
I look at the people I know who have finally crossed to the “other side” after years of rejection. If they can get there, I can, too. I read blogs that inspire me to keep pushing on. And I reward myself for trying to get published. Most of all I rely on my fellow writers, wherever they are on this journey toward publication or if they are published, to motivate me and get me through the tougher days.
The community of writers is vital to my daily motivation to sit in front of the computer and keep writing despite the barriers in my way.
Fabulous post!
One word: Wow! I am so proud of you, Tami. This sounds like a fantastic two weeks. I would enjoy something like that – something – but LESS. This was something that you will always remember. So glad it helped. I bet you jump in there and lead the way; at work, home and finishing that book!
Great post, Tami! Like you, I lead a very multi-faceted life; every aspect is important, but it is impossible to give equal focus to everything all the time. Sometimes the effort is exhausting, and of course the first thing to go would be the writing, because it doesn’t generate income (yet!) So it was critical for me to maintain a support system there, and I am forever grateful to RWA/GRW, the PFHT bloggers, and my newfound critique partners. But I agree that it is equally important to make and maintain connections, both personal and professional, in all areas of life. Other people help me find motivation and inspiration and make it all worthwhile. With your grit and determination, you are bound to succeed in everything you do. Keep on keepin’ on!
Hi Tami!
As always, I was sooo happy to see you Saturday at the GRW meeting. Your smiling face and hugs always make me feel so good!
Your class sounded tough, but definitely worth while. I’m glad you seemed to get so much out of it. I’m glad you felt empowered by it. And most importantly, it sounds like you learned a butt load from it
I don’t think a class like that one is for me…I’m too quirky and air headed for structure like that. You’re so organized, so driven, a perfect role model. I’m more of a doofy follower.
But I’d love to learn something new like you did. Be altered emotionally by an experience. To me, a volunteer gig on an archaeological dig would be stellar. I hope to lend my hand one day in Montana, scraping the dirt with little shovels in anticipation of a dinosaur bone. Or I’d pay big bucks to travel to England and excavate a monolithic burial ground.
Hopefully one day I’ll get as much out of my “class” as you did out of yours!
Great post Tami, and loved the pics…even the one with your closed peepers
Have a lovely morning, and give yourself a hug, you deserve it.
Love,
Tamara
I loved your post and pictures. It does sound a lot like basic training (although I’ve never done that). I might prefer a two-week cooking course or something like that. Nothing strenuous.
It is disappointing to keep getting rejected but I have seen writers in our chapter who have finally succeeded after trying and never giving up, so it’s possible.
I guess the best advice would be to keep a positive attitude and never give up.
Marilyn
Hey Sandy! I know what you mean about the rooms. Ours had two sets of bunk beds in them. I was nervous when I first walked in. THANKFULLY, we didn’t have to share rooms AND we had our own bathrooms. I had heard horror stories that contradicted that, so I was pleasantly surprised.
I remember you talking about attending a motivational workshop in Atlanta recently. How did that go?
Hi Christine!
I love your inspiration. I totally understand about watching others who have been there before me. One of my very favorite authors is Trish Milburn. I’ve followed her blogs and listened to her speak for years. She was someone who had written and received all kinds of contest wins, etc before she was finally published after 10 or 12 years. Now her publishing credits are spreading like a wildfire. She is published in both romance and YA and I couldn’t be happier for her. Watching her career helps me to remember that others have been in my shoes before I got here and that they DID make it.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting AND just wanted to give a shout out that I LOVE your blog! I read it in Google Reader so I don’t get to comment very often. But I AM reading it…
Tami
Thank you, Maxine!!! I LOVE having you as one of my cheerleaders. I know you can relate to this post. You have done so many wonderful things in your life. I can’t wait to try even a portion of those things.
Keep on writing, girl!
Tami
Hey Pam!
I hear you on having to keep the stuff going that is NOT writing related (although not sure what that could be….grin…). It’s tough when you have a dream that is just out of your reach, but you still have to live and survive each day. To do that, we can’t let go of the things that keep us in the manner with which we have grown accustom to….
Seriously, I can totally relate. After having to step back from writing these past two years in order to get the paying career back up and thriving after the economy shot me a little surprise (that’s the nicest way I can say this), it has been super tough staying motivated. The GRW meetings give me the boost I need to keep my head and heart from getting too discouraged.
Thanks for the vote of confidence. I think that you, too, have what it takes and I can’t wait to see you make it. Keep on writing and keep on blogging. I love reading your posts and ‘seeing’ what you’ve been up to.
Tami
Hey Tamara!!! I loved seeing you, too. I’ve got the postcard for your book pinned to my bulletin board waiting for the December 6th release date. I LOVE how fun your heroine looks. She reminds me of you. I know you keep saying you are a recluse and not sociable, but I totally don’t see that in you…grin…
I am sooooo with you on that archeological dig! Let me know when you go and I’ll volunteer to tag along and carry your backpack. That does sound like a LOT of fun. Wonder if we can write off the trip as research for our writing? Hmmmm. Something to consider…
Thanks so much for being a terrific friend. Can’t wait to see you at the December GRW party and celebrate that new release!!!
Tami
Hey Marilyn! Terrific advice. Keep a positive attitude and never give up. I will definitely try to do that.
The training wasn’t too bad, but it wasn’t for the faint of heart either. I brought home a suitcase full of books and papers that I’ve already thumbed through once since I’ve been home. Great stuff on not only being a good leader, but being a good follower too. Very enlightening.
One of the fun (physical) things that we did was to use some of the skills we had learned throughout our time there and (as a team) get through several obstacles. One of the obstacles I got to do was make my way over a wall (twice) without touching the ground for four feet in front of the wall and four feet on the other side. We couldn’t touch the wall itself either (except for one little patch on top). That was my proudest moment since I was the first of the girls over. Of course, I messed up and my foot landed within that four feet when I jumped down on the other side and I had to do it all again. But that is what was so cool about the whole thing. Not only did I do it once, but I did it twice AND we ALL did it in the timeframe allowed.
I went for a business class and came back with THAT as a reminder that I can do just about anything if I set my mind to it.
Thanks for commenting today, Marilyn!
Tami
So THAT’s what you were doing.
I’m glad you came away refreshed and raring to go. Hope it helps you in your writing endeavors too.
Conferences always leave me recharged, but it’s the monthly meetings that keep me plugged in to my writing path.
I LOVE that picture, too!
Hum…it is all about honor. Honoring the calling to write, to improve, to bear the rejection all because you know your story will mean something to someone. Not everything to everyone (even JK Rowling isn’t that).
I have to agree that the writing conferences help motivate me. I try to make it to every monthly meeting, but the universe sometimes conspires against me (I mean, really, who get’s strep throat TWICE in one year, right before the meetings?!)
When I can’t get to the meetings, talking about my story or someone else’s also charges me and I can’t wait to get moving again.
*gets. Sheesh, I can’t spell tonight.
Hey Carol! Yep, that’s what I was doing. I was surprised at just how much time it took away from everything, both leading up to and afterwards. I’m still playing catch-up after being gone for most of October (with the vacation we took before the class). Thanks for stopping by.
Hi Debbie! It was good seeing you this weekend. I agree about the meetings. They are a terrific reminder about why we are doing what we are doing and a great way to stay up on what is happening with the industry. Thanks for stopping today.
Hey Anna! It was great seeing you Saturday. I hope you’ve been able to relax a little since M&M. I’ve heard nothing but awesome comments on the conference. You and Sally rock!
“Not everything to everyone (even JK Rowling isn’t that).” Terrific advice and a really neat way to look at it. Thank you! I needed that more than you know. And thank you for stopping by today.
Tami
LOL Noelle! I agree about the conferences. I was bummed I couldn’t make it to M&M this year. I heard some wonderful comments about the speakers and I honestly felt the loss when hearing the excitement in people’s voices when they talked about the experience. It’s not necessarily the classes or even the editor/agent appointments that get people jazzed (although those are pretty terrific). It’s the networking and associating with people “just like you.” Or at least that’s what I feel when I come away from one.
Strep throat twice! You poor girl. I feel for ya. But you are more than welcome to keep it to yourself…grin… I’m bummed I didn’t get to visit with you more than just a passing hey this weekend. Those meetings go entirely too fast and there are so many people to say hi to that I always feel terrible for missing someone. We’ll chat next time, I promise!
Tami
Hi, Tami,
I was so glad to see you on Saturday! I had wondered where you’d disappeared to but it sounds like a great training program. I’m not one for lots of strenuous workouts, but I admit I could use some motivation in that area of my life right now.
My best training was an anti-racism training I took with a national board I was associated with. It changed my life forever.
Well, gotta go. Housework and then sleep is calling!
Have a great Thanksgiving!
Anna
Thanks for stopping Anna! It was good seeing you, too. You guys are the ones who motivate me and seeing each of you every month is what keeps me going when those times come where I just want to hang up the keyboard…grin… That class sounds good. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Good luck with the sleep and housework and good luck with your classroom. You worked hard for that position!
Tami
LOL. After the wonderful Randomizer program picked my comment number 3 times (maybe it’s telling me I need me some Starbucks!!!!), the winner from this blog post and the comments from my Tami Brothers’ blog is lucky number 1!!!! Yay Linsey!!!!
Shoot me an e-mail and your mailing address, girl, and I’ll send you the $10 Starbucks gift card!!!!
Thank you all so much for stopping by and commenting yesterday! Happy, happy Thanksgiving week to all of you!!!
Tami