Blog, Year Two
Jarrid Cantway's Newsletter
Whelp, readers it’s been two years since this blog’s inception. Can’t say I have a much to show for it, besides experience. I still haven’t achieved professional publication for my fiction writing, and I’ve neglected my blog. My intention was to write weekly blogs or updates, which degraded to quarterly, and then to biannually. Blogging was time-consuming, especially when I had little time to devote to writing to begin with, given my obligations, so I struggled with finding a good balance of story writing vs. blogging and writing related research. The articles helped me to connect to other writers, network, and dig out the footing for the foundation of a launch group to support me on my journey. The research articles I did complete—geared to help writers—also ended up as excellent reference material for myself; a way to help me consolidate my research on craft and resources.
I’ve questioned my motivation and goals several times, given that my career progress has been negligible. Was it worth the effort of eke out writing time, where, in most instances, I was neglecting my relationships or responsibilities as a father and husband to some degree? For writers, excuses and distraction are a central conflict. However, people lack control over many aspects of their lives. Many issues dominated my writing for the past two years, but I accepted that, forgave myself, and am moving forward. I’ve imagined myself giving up on writing several times during the past two years. I know it would positively affect my responsibilities, relationships, and even physical health.
But, I decided, even if don’t get published or finish a novel, I would still write. It’s a need. Not writing affects my emotional health and makes me physically suffer. It’s one of my core purposes wrapped up in my identity. Without that sense of purpose writing gives me, I feel shockingly empty, comparable to the feelings I get when I don’t see my family for an extended amount of time. I will continue writing this blog and following my fiction writing passions. My writing time will drastically increase this fall because my children will attend school full-time for the first time. I hope you look forward to my future stories and articles while supporting me on my journey.
Thank you,
Jarrid Cantway
June 17th, 2024