January turned out to be a real bust when it came to writing. I had started the Smokelong Fitness Group in earnest but quickly lost my will to write. I submitted two pieces to my group for feedback, but I’m not sure if either is worth working on further. I even went through a period where I questioned the purpose of writing (my writing, that is).

I see lots of writers sharing their publications on Twitter and other social media, and I’m happy for them. But what does it mean? What does a long list of publications in journals–mostly online venues–mean for a writer? Sure, it’s a validating experience. It’s reassuring and rewarding to know that other people like one’s writing and want to publish it.

But is that the ultimate goal? Or is there even a goal? Do writers submit for the sake of submitting, to grow their portfolio so they can say, “Look at all the places I’ve been published.”? I don’t begrudge anyone who wants to be published. I still want to be published. But, I’m feeling a little wary about jumping on the submission bandwagon.

I have a blog (this thing here), and I occasionally write on Medium, but from what I’ve observed, it’s not enough to publish one’s writing on one’s own blog or another platform. If I have a story or a poem or an essay that I’ve worked hard on and want to share, I must first submit it to a journal, then suffer countless rejections just so, eventually, I can celebrate the one or two or five publications I finally get.

I know I’ll submit my writing like most writers do. But getting published is not why I write. At least, it’s not why I started writing.

Meanwhile …

I’ve been knitting. I just finished a wool scarf that will soon be on its way to someone in a much colder clime. The pattern was quite a challenge, but it turned out to be relatively simple once I got into a routine AND made sure I would not be distracted while knitting. The worst part was having to count the stitches after every row to be sure that I hadn’t dropped or added a stitch. Egad. But it was so worth it.

Fox Paws Scarf designed by Xandy Peters

Close-up of pattern

The colors in the photos are off a bit. They are: navy, plum, lavender, charcoal gray, and light gray. Even though I initially struggled with the pattern, I’m game to make another Fox Paws scarf.

And that is the difference between knitting and writing. I really don’t need outside validation of my knitting because the act itself is so enjoyable for me. Knitting makes me feel grounded. It also seems more readily appreciated than writing, I suppose because it’s visual and has texture. With my writing, I’m always looking for outside validation, someone to tell me that they really enjoyed my [fill in the blank]. Rarely do I read my own writing and feel as satisfied as I do with my knitting. At least, these days.

Meanwhile …

Recently we went to the Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve near Whigham, Georgia, about 35 miles from our home. I learned about the Preserve through another nature center. This Saturday (February 4), they opened for the season. As it was a cool, sunny day, I suggested to my husband that we take a drive up and look about.

Here are a few of the photos I took while there. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day.

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According to the Preserve:

[Trout lilies] are usually found in the Appalachian mountains.  The theory is that they migrated from the mountains probably tens of thousands of years ago.  When the last ice age receded they were left in some spots in southwest Georgia and north Florida, east of the Chattahoochee, Flint, and Apalachicola Rivers.  Apparently the Wolf Creek spot is just right for them – a north facing slope of just the right angle, a hardwood forest with dappled sunlight in the winter, soils of just the right type and depth before underlying clay.  Whatever the reasons, they prospered at the site, and Grady County is blessed with a beautiful marvel for all lovers of nature!  It is definitely a photographer’s paradise!

I recommend visiting the website of Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve (click here for the link). They have lots of wonderful photos and information on their wildflowers.

So, what are your thoughts about writing and submitting? Do you feel you need to submit your writing to journals? Do you feel less of a writer if your list of publications is a lot shorter than other writers? Am I fussing about nothing?