Author Journey (December 27, 2021)
What are you trying to achieve? That was a question put forward in one of my writing groups and it’s stuck with me since then. It’s really made me think about what I want to do and how I’m going to get there.
December 27, 2021
#Blogging
Fortunately, there are no correct answers to this question. Every response is equally valid, however, they are specific to the individual. Luckily, I’ve had quite a bit of time to think about my response which I will get to shortly. Before that, I think I should say happy holidays, merry Christmas, and happy Festivus. Whatever you’re doing at this time of the year, I hope you’re having fun. Personally, I’m exhausted. I’m actually writing this post on December 25 after a full day of mayhem with the family. I was up most of last night building the kids present and installing it in the basement. It was an indoor climbing frame. Anyhow, after today, waking up early after having four hours of sleep, I find myself as the only person left awake.
Seasonal Anime
- Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
- Takt Op. Destiny
- The World’s Finest Assassin Gets Reincarnated in Another World as an Aristocrat
I’m going to start by talking about Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation because this series has been fantastic. The character development has been some of the best I’ve witnessed. If you’ve not seen this then you really need to get on board. It truly is on a level reserved for greatness. Of course, it’s over now until the next season so I have to find a way to occupy myself until then. Luckily, the new season is just around the corner.
Bizarrely, all three of my seasonal shows finished at the same time. Usually, one will run for thirteen weeks and interfere with my schedule, but not this time. Another show that I have loved is The World’s Finest Assassin Gets Reincarnated in Another World as an Aristocrat. Ever since Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai, I quickly learned to never judge a series by its incredibly long title. This was another example of that. Ironically, it was the show with the shortest title that I will be the least sorry to see leave. Who am I kidding, I am delighted that Takt Op. Destiny is finally over.
Historic Anime
This week, I wrapped up the second season of Heaven’s Lost Property where I enjoyed a lot of it, although it wasn’t as good as the second season thanks to the lack of plot resolution. Jujutsu Kaisen stepped into my favourite arc of the first season, which was so good, I may rewatch these three episodes again. Maybe when I’ve finished writing this post! And then, there’s Hundred which has now reached the midpoint of the season and things have taken an interesting turn.
#AmWriting
So, back to that question – what are you trying to achieve? When it popped up in my notifications, I thought it was just another goal type question, but then as others answered, I realised that it was much larger than that. Sure, it could be looked on as a goal, or rather the goal. It’s the final point that everything else has been working toward. You could say it’s the purpose of your being!
That might be taking things a little far, but then it depends on your response. With regards to blogging, if your goal is to write some posts, chat with others online, or just keep a journal. Then that might be it. There’s no need to examine it further and that is perfectly fine. As I said, there are no wrong answers here. For me, blogging is a part of a much larger goal. I’m trying to build a platform to talk about anime, improve my writing toolbox, and work towards creating a career as a writer.
However, it’s not just being a writer. Yes, I want to be able to pay the bills by selling books, but it doesn’t stop there. I guess the crowning glory would be to see one of my stories turned into anime. I say I guess, but there’s no guessing here. I think that in order to work towards something like this you need to admit it. You need to say it out loud so that someone else hears you. Until you realise exactly what you want to achieve, how can you work towards it?
#Planning
As well as my usual collection of writing podcasts that I listen to, I’ve added some entrepreneurial and motivational podcasts to my player. I’ve always considered myself to be pretty good at self-motivating and putting in the graft – I am writing a post on December 25 after all, so why would I need to look at improving these aspects. Well, nobody knows everything, me included so I’ve been looking for further things to soak up. I need more information.
So far, I have been enjoying them and they have given me some things to think about. For example, on one podcast – Mindset Mentor, the host spoke about something that turned his life around. His manager asked him who would get the credit if a company did well. His response, the CEO. So, who would take the blame if it did poorly? Again, the CEO. So, in your life, if it hasn’t gone the way you want, who’s fault is it?
Ultimately, the point he was making was that it’s your life. Only you can take responsibility for making it what you would consider a success. Now, I’m not entirely sure I completely agree as there will be cases where people haven’t had a chance to succeed, however, I understand the point. Basically, you need to do what you can. Hard work and graft will not get you everything, but it’s a lot more likely than doing nothing and blaming others.
The bottom line here is that if I don’t write and publish my books, there is absolutely no chance that they will ever be turned into an anime. Zero chance! If I get my butt back in the chair and write, publish, repeat, I have a better chance. The more I do it the better my odds. It’s always going to be a challenge, but unless I can say I did everything I could, then I can’t blame anyone else.
At this stage, I am pumped for the New Year. I don’t care what happens with the schools (although I do hope they stay open), the lockdowns, with any of it. I am going to write. I’m going to give it my all and I am going to succeed. It will take time, however, I am as stubborn as they come and will not back down. It’s time to stand up and start moving forward. One step at a time.
What are you trying to achieve? Remember, there are no wrong answers. Thanks for reading and stay safe.
