Mama Diaries

Tuesday, August 31, 2021

IWSG and Lost in the Secret Room

 


This month's Insecure Writer's Support Group question is, "How do you define success as a writer?"  I think there are different levels of success. The first level is that you actually complete a manuscript. If you are a writer, you know that's a challenge unto itself. Then I would say getting your work published is the next level. For me, it wasn't just publishing it myself. It was finding an agent/traditional publisher who actually thought my work was decent enough to accept. It gave me a sense of validation. The next level would be selling copies of your work. That means people are actually interested in what you write and that you've done a decent amount of marketing to get the word out. Finally, if you hit a best-seller list and make a lot of money, I'd consider that the ultimate success. Not many of us get to that level, but we should all take pride if we reach the first level. As one of my author friends likes to say, "If writing was easy, everyone would be doing it."


Now for the story. It's another Klaus one. The overgrown German Shepherd puppy had been let out of his crate. Usually, I keep a pretty good eye on him, because he's nothing but trouble. But I had gotten sidetracked answering work emails. By the time I looked up, Klaus was nowhere to be found. I called his name. No response. I went upstairs to look for him. No dog. I began to worry. Did he somehow get outside?

Going back downstairs, I noticed the basement door was open. Surely, he had gone down there. I went into the basement and called his name. No Klaus. No sounds indicating another living creature was there. I went into the storage room. I went in the theater. I went into the other storage room. Nothing. 

Then I looked on the ground in the first storage room I had checked. A dog toy! Evidence the wayward creature had been there. Puzzled, I wondered where in the world an 85 pound, frisky German Shepherd could possibly be hiding. And so quietly!

My son, Bubba, solved the mystery. He came down into the storage area and crawled into a small space that led to a little door under the basement steps. He opened that door and guess who popped out? Klaus! With his tongue hanging out and a big doggy smile. He had gone into the secret cubby space and somehow closed the door behind him. Why he didn't bark to tell us he was trapped is a mystery. Apparently, he enjoys a good game of hide-and-seek!




   

30 comments:

  1. I like how you break down success in different stages. And that's a funny story about Klaus. So funny that he was so quiet while you were down there calling his name and looking for him.

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    1. I don't understand why he didn't make a sound. I think he was actually playing hide and seek!

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  2. I like the way you broke down the different layers of success.
    Secret door? You live in a fun house. Hopefully Klaus doesn't discover anymore of them.

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    1. My kids both were super excited when they found that secret room!

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  3. How did he get all the way in there? At least it doesn't sound like he's the worse for wear.

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    1. He wandered back there, and apparently, the door to the space was open.

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  4. Hi, Sherry!

    Good to see you, dear friend! I agree with your answer about the different levels of success as a writer. No matter what vocation you choose, loving what you are doing is one way to measure success. Making progress and ultimately completing a project is another. Earning the admiration of others and reaping financial rewards is the ultimate measure of success.

    I'm so relieved that your Klaus story had a happy and whimsical ending. You and your family have suffered the loss of too many pets lately. If Klaus vanishes again, you now know the first place to look.

    Happy September to you, dear friend Sherry!

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    1. I would hope that eventually Klaus would've started whining and barking to tell us where he was.

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  5. What a silly puppy you’ve got. He definitely keeps things interesting.

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  6. I feel like asking Klaus if it was fun hearing all the worried calls. DD did this once to her grandma, to the point it caused tears. She was three then, probably the same spiritual age as Klaus. ;)

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    1. I think he was secretly amused. He's such a little bundle of trouble!

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  7. He probably went under there to cry after Bootsie.

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    1. I would say Schultz would have done that. But I don't think Klaus cared too much about Bootsy. He preferred to terrorize him.

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  8. Oh yes, if writing were easy, everyone would be doing it. I have never even finished a manuscript, honestly. Would love to at some point.

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    1. Hopefully you'll check off that box some day. It's a good feeling.

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  9. Excellent post Sherry, loved the dog story.
    Have a wonderful September.
    Take care.
    Yvonne.

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  10. Oh my! The Doggy antics are fun to read!

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    1. He'll keep the stories alive here for a while. ;)

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  11. I LOVE the Klaus story! Interesting that he didn't bark when he was in a tiny space in the dark, possibly thirsty. My son's dogs don't bark either.

    I'm looking for that validation in publishing, too, Sherry. All best to you!

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    1. Klaus barks plenty. Maybe he fell asleep in that cozy, dark place.

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  12. You're so right. Having someone who thinks your work is worth their time and money to publish is a huge success. Funny story about Klaus. He's quite the boy.

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  13. "How do you define success as a writer?" Well, there's a question.
    So good to capture up on the latest adventures of Klaus, it sounds as if you have another big character on your hands.

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    1. He most certainly is a character! A challenging one!

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  15. Happy IWSG Day, Sherry! I hope all is well with you and that you are enjoying a happy holiday season with your loved ones!

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