What Can Writers Learn From Olympians?

by Kimberly A. Cook         (Twitter@ WarriorTales)

The Olympics Games are over so we mere mortals can get back to the yard work, laundry and writing. Besides learning what a physically fit woman’s abs are supposed to look like, there are lessons we can all take away from the games.

Preparation and effort are paramount. While Michael Phelps is happy to not hit the cold pool water at 6 a.m. every morning now, knowing he is going to work on his golf game might give Tiger Woods pause. No matter how popular any author is, there are always other authors in the wings. Keep writing.

It’s the journey, not the medals, for writers. We learn a lot about ourselves by writing. Not only what we choose to write about, but how we use description, details and emotions to touch our readers. We also find out where we are on our own hero’s journey and what challenges we are trying to solve through our craft; if we pay attention.

Sometimes it is not our time. While the Olympics makes time keeping and scoring an Olympic sport in itself, a book’s life and acceptance is not graded the same way. Neither is an author’s life work or career. Each of us decide what our goals and “gold medals” will be, not some committee. Thank heaven. Works for us and we don’t have to wear matching swimsuits.

Time is finite. We all only have so much time on this planet to get our work done. We carbon-based life forms don’t last forever. Write because it is what you want and need to do, not because someone else thinks you “should” do it. Figure out how to carve writing time into your schedule and keep at it.

Celebrate. When you achieve a goal have a party. Even if that party is you dancing with the cat or celebrating with a walk around the block and a cupcake. No need for fireworks, but cheering is allowed.

The next summer Olympics are in Rio de Janeiro starting Aug. 5, 2016. What writing goals will you have accomplished?