Sunday, June 6, 2010

Obsession and Passion

Hello Everyone,

I’m starting out my blog with good news. This past week my publisher announced that Addiction will become a print book on July 1st. To say I’m excited is an understatement. I haven’t told a soul other than my husband and sister until today when I’m announcing it to the whole world. It’s been difficult keeping this secret and those who know me best know just how hard it’s been. lol

If you’ve missed seeing me around for a few days it’s because I’ve been working on errata/galleys for The Deceived. For those non-writers who may not know the meaning of those two words they are the final edit before the book receives a release date.

Today, my topic is about obsession and passion. I’ve been thinking about this topic a lot ever since another author blogged about it. Because of my thoughts I wanted to discuss these two words a bit more.

The dictionary meanings are below:

Obsession: 1: a persistent disturbing preoccupation with an often unreasonable idea or feeling 2: Something that causes and obsession

For my purpose I’m listing one meaning of passion from the dictionary.

Passion: A strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object or concept.

To me all the really great painters and writers have been obsessed with their work to the exclusion of everything else in their lives. They are totally focused on what they are writing, painting, etc. I believe this is an external obsession.

These same authors and artists have passion and instill it in their various art forms. I think this passion comes from inside them making it internal. It’s necessary to have passion when writing but is it necessary to be obsessed? I personally believe that obsession can cause you to go crazy. What do you think?

Until next Sunday, have a good week.

Sandy

http://www.skaymarshall.com
http://www.eirelander-publishing.com/addiction.htm

37 comments:

Cindy Spencer Pape said...

Congratulations!

Edie Ramer said...

Congratulations! Obsession might not drive you crazy, but it will stop you from enjoying other aspects of life, like family and watching Gibbs on NCIS. lol

Anonymous said...

What fantastic news! Thanks for the email to let me know. If I had to wait for a GIAM digest, I'd be behind the update curve once again. I believe passion is a necessary ingredient to be successful at anything. If you don't have balance in your life, it's easy to slip into the unhealthy zone of obsession. I have to set personal parameters to carve out time for family and relaxation. Otherwise, I'll spend far too much time plotting and writing instead of with loved ones.

Sandy said...

Thank you, Cindy. I'm really excited about this.

Sandy said...

Thanks, Edie.

Nothing stops me from Gibbs on NCIS, Edie. lol
Does that mean I'm obsessed? hehe

Sandy said...

Thank you for your wonderful comment, Isis.

You must have gotten attached to my address book somehow. lol

GIAM is one of the few sites I'm not on digest with but we don't have a lot of chatter there like some places.

Anonymous said...

Sandy, congratulations! Is a little obsession possible? Because I think we have to be a little obsessed to finish things. Me, anyway.

Sandy said...

Thank you, Jill.

Yes, I think a little obsession at times is possible. Smile.

KT BISHOP said...

I am happy for you, no one deserved better. Now I've got to get myself in gear and match your wonderful news.

Donna Marie Rogers said...

Congratulations, Sandy, I can imagine how hard it was for you to keep secret! LOL

Katalina Leon said...

Congratulations Sandy. You might get "Addicted" to going to print! lol
XXOO Kat

Lynn S. said...

Sandy,

What great news. I absolutely loved Addiction and it certainly deserves to be in print. Much more success in your future!

robynl said...

Sandy, congrats and I am so happy for you on the print book. You deserve this and more.

Paris said...

Fabulous news, Sandy;-) congratulations!

April Ash said...

Great news, Sandy! Congrats on your print book!
Marianne/April

Anastasia Rabiyah said...

I'm obsessed with writing. I know it and have accepted it, but it's hard for family and friends to understand.

Congrats Sandy! Great news on your book going to print.

Sandy said...

LOL Yes, it was Donna.

Sandy said...

Thanks, Kat. I certainly hope I get that chance to become addicted to print.

Sandy said...

Lynn,

Thank you so much.

Sandy said...

Thank you, K.T.

I believe in you. You'll do it.

Sandy said...

Thank you, faithful Robyn.

Sandy said...

Thank you, Paris.

Sandy said...

Thank you, Marianne. I'm so excited about it.

Sandy said...

Thanks, Ana.

I know what you mean about family understanding, especially the men members. lol

Brenda Hyde said...

Congratulations! That is very exciting, and I imagine it was VERY hard to hold in that news:)

Anonymous said...

CONGRATULATIONS!

I bet it was hard to hold back that news!

I'd have to say I'm passionate about writing and chocolate - sometimes at the same time too!

:)

EmilyBryan said...

I'm so happy for you, Sandy! Terrific news. There's nothing like holding your book in your hands.

I understand what you're saying about obsession/passion. The line gets blurry for me toward the end of a manuscript when I tip into "book fugue"--everything in me is struggling to tie up the loose threads and find "the end."

Sandy said...

Thank you, Gretchen.

Sandy said...

Thanks, Moonsanity.

Yes, it was very hard to hold in that news. lol

Sandy said...

Thanks, Angie. Yes, it was hard because I was just bursting with the news. Grin.

I'm passionate about writing, nuts and chocolate. lol

Sandy said...

Thank you, Emily.

I get into a hurry towards the end, and thats when I spend so much time trying to finish up. Then I need to take a step back and look for what is needed and has been left out. It's easy to become obsessed when you near the end.

Stacey Joy Netzel said...

Congratulations, Sandy!!! I've definitely got passion, and have to be careful not to slip into obsession. My family, the garden and life helps out with that. LOL

Sandy said...

Thanks, Stacey.

It certainly helps keep you from slipping into obsession when you consider others and have a hobby. Smile.

Christie Craig said...

Sandy,

I'm late to the party because I had out of state company. But I'm thrilled for you!!!!!!!!! Yeah. I personally can't wait to get my copy in my hands.

Now on passions and being obsessed. I picked up photography after I was writing and I loved it.

Sandy said...

Hi Christie,

So glad you made it. Better late than not at all. I'll be eagerly waiting to hear what you have to say after reading my book, CC.

There's nothing like two passions. When I was young I loved photography too. I still might try my hand at it again.

Beverly said...

Congrats! I will be in line to get the print version for sure!

Sandy said...

Thank you, Beverly. How sweet of you.