Today is the first day of The Writer Blog Prompt Project that I, on a stupid whim, decided to start. Why do I do these things? (procrastination, that’s why!)

But we’re here now, so might as well jump in.

In Case You Missed It

I decided to start this project which will run for 26 weeks (yes, one week per letter of the alphabet… I am already super regretting that decision!)

Every week, I will write a blog post covering a specific writerly(ish) topic focused on a single(ish) word beginning with a different letter from the alphabet. At the end of the article, you’ll get next week’s topic.

Feel free to join in the project, either every week or just pop in and out as you feel. If you do join, tag me in so I know and I’ll add links to your article at the end of mine. Let’s share the love!

A for Achievement

What a terrible topic word to start with.

I’m literally sat here, staring at the word *I* chose wondering what ever possessed me to think this was a good topic. I could have chosen ARC or Agent, but no, Achievement. Urgh!

But, what’s done is done.

When you’re in school there is something about striving for achievement. When I was in primary school (ages 4 through 11), I remember you got gold and silver stars on your work if it was exceptionally good. So, we would all work harder to get those shiny little stickers. We coveted them like they were actual gold!

In High school, it turned into red text scribbled at the top of our papers, A+ or A or in our school, the yellow slips of excellence!

Now, these were simple things – doing well in an assignment, hitting all the answers in a test.

Maybe I think back to those little achievements because I was never the kid that won awards or trophies.

There was also never a great push behind me for something more. When I was looking at possible careers, I wanted to be a vet – I was told by more than one person – maybe I should do something “easier”.

Let’s just say I was never considered to be good at doing something that challenged me and those around me were quick to remind me of that.

Now, as an adult – far from school age (very far) – achievements are different but still the same in a sense.

I’m not striving for grand achievements such as completing marathons or scaling mountains.

I’m just back to enjoying those simple achievements.

Like actually completing a blog post when I said I would. (surprising) 🙂

Running a Podcast for over 5 years, without missing a single week. (exhausting)

Completing my manuscript and even letting it out to be read by betas and editors. (unheard of!)

I recorded a guest episode of the podcast recently (it’ll be coming out in March) and I made a point saying I am probably being one of the few writers who isn’t aiming for anything big. (Not that I ever think it would happen! lol)

Whether that’s a Bestseller list or suddenly becoming famous. I know a lot of writers would love to hit those, they work intently to try and get those achievements.

For me, the idea of reaching those kinds of achievements, is terrifying! The fact people read what I write on this blog, listen to our podcast and have even asked about when my book will be out to buy… just boggles my mind.

Why do people want to read my work? Listen to my nonsense?

I can’t get past the memory of that little girl who didn’t do great things. And on the very, VERY rare occasion I actually managed something slightly impressive, I always felt uncomfortable under the spotlight.

It’s why I write rather than act or play an instrument in a band. Too many people stare at you in those two options.

My idea of achievement in my writing life, would be having just a dedicated core set of fans who like my work and get excited to see more. I don’t want to go viral, I don’t want to make it big (honestly, I wouldn’t know how to cope with that).

I just want a few people to fall in love with my worlds and my characters, to care when they struggle, to cheer for them when they overcome, to gasp and leave “OMG what did you do!?” comments for me when they read certain parts of the story (*grin* sorry about that, betas).

We all see Achievements differently. Whether we strive for them, ache desperately for them or even avoid them. 🙂

My idea of achievements are small and I’m okay with that.

~ ~ ~

Thanks to anyone who took the time to read this article.

Next week’s topic is Book Trailer

~ ~ ~

Below are articles from other participants of The Writer Blog Prompt Project

The Story Review Blog

Thanks for reading

Want to find me on Insta? Join my Newsletter? Follow the Podcast?

Then visit my LinkTree to find everything

~ ~ ~

Source: Images from Canva

© Ari Meghlen. All Rights to the works and publications on this blog are owned and copyrighted by Ari Meghlen or their respective owners in the case of guest posters, podcast hosts etc. The Owner of this site reserves all permissions for access and use of all documents on this site. NO AI TRAINING: Without in any way limiting the author’s [and publisher’s] exclusive rights under copyright, any use of this publication to “train” generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to generate text is expressly prohibited. The author reserves all rights to license uses of this work for generative AI training and the development of machine learning language models.