Let confetti fly! Pop those crackers! Pour that bubbly! Welcome 2022!
Oh, sure. It would be customary for me to make mushy wishes on your behalf, my little cinnamon scones. Instead, I intend to be more daring–times three!
I DARE YOU to finish the manuscript (or at least the chapter?) that left you quivering in a quandarous quagmire in 2021. (Preemo alliteration, eh?)
I DOUBLE FROG DARE YOU to return to the drawing, dummy or color palette that refused to please you in 2021. Let someone else take a look. Come at it in a fresh way. Be brave and start again, if need be. Bend it to your will!
And NOW, for the coup de grace!
I TRIPLE FROG DARE YOU to move that niggling idea (you know the one–because you can still hear its incessant yammering, can’t you) and nudge it from an annoyance to something tangible–some research, a sketch, a character interview, an outline, a synopsis, a diagram, a doodle, a crappy first draft–ANYTHING that moves it from a freeloading concept plopped on the couch of your cranium to a visible “thing” squinting and squirming in the light of day. Then, go ahead and amuse your muse!
(And in case you’re wondering: I am taking myself up on my own dare. Confession: I have a novel revision I’ve been “skillfully” avoiding for TWO years by working on other projects. I pacify myself by perpetuating the limp excuse that at least I’m productive. Sure. That’s true. But have I accomplished anything from my heart (the scary, vulnerable novel writing)? Have I faced my fear of the overwhelmingnessity of this particular revision? Noop. I know avoidance is futile. Creativity-leaching. And ultimately, well, dumb. I don’t want to be dumb. 2022 is my year to face the, uh, Frog!)
What say you, my little peppermint chocolate macrons? Will you join me?
Frog on a Dime looks forward to bringing you new guest interviews, inspiration and words of encouragement. Whatever this New Year brings, take heart. We will trudge and triumph through it together.
Ever forward!
Hope
Smiles from the threshold of the year to come,
Whispering ‘it will be happier. ~ Alfred Lord Tennyson
For last year’s words belong to last year’s language
And next year’s words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning. ~ T.S. Eliot
We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day. ~ Edith Lovejoy Pierce
Welcome to Frog on a Dime 
Count me in! I’m going to fix the “middle muddle” of my MG novel. Keep us posted on your success!
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Bravo, Brave Rachel! I’ll check in with everyone later in the year to see how much progress “we” are making.
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I accept! I will fix the middle muddle of my middle grade novel! I will!! Good to know all who comment will be in the trenches together. Press onward.
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Oh, you Brave Lady! Middles are tough, but I know you’re tougher and more determined. And won’t you feel GREAT once you’ve un-muddled your MG novel? Can’t wait to celebrate your success. I’ll be here if you need encouragement. 🙂
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Thank you for the challenge, the push, the nudge— actually the encouragement. I’ll just have to quit overediting and put myself out there! All the best of wishes to you in taking the next leap!
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Oh, Kathleen, I’m so glad we’re in this together. Jump into your project and have fun watching it grow. You really can do it (and you knew that already, didn’t you?) All my best wishes to you!
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What a wonderful way to start this new year, my little amphibious friend. I feel inspired!
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“Dare” I say how glad I am to know you’re ready to hop into another manuscript? Can’t wait to read another one of your creations! Cheers!
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Thanks, Vicky, your post is just what I needed to read tonight. I’m also going to read it over again tomorrow morning so I’ll be “jacked up(see “say yes to the dress”) again to start a brand new year.
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Hello! I’m so glad my dare hit the spot for you! I plan to check in with everyone later this year for a progress report. (And yes, that means I’d better get a move on too!) Happy 2022 to you!
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Good luck with the novel. (I know you’ve graduated to more of a picture book creator.) I too accept your challenge. I’ll finish up my YA horror-fest and move on to this MG Christmas story that Ruth suggested, Talk about switching gears!
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Wow, Charlie! You are versatile. I’m glad I won’t be alone facing my own dare. More power to you, my Friend! We’ll have something FINISHED by this time next year!
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Challenge accepted! Happy New Year Vicky!
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That’s wonderful, Lauri! Happy and healthy 2022 to you!
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