I couldn’t leave us with despondency for too long. If you’re like me, those crummy feelings don’t last long. Soon, I’m back to thinking up new writing ideas and writing on works-in-progress. What are some signs of a happy writer?
Writing Tip for Today: While some may think they’d only be happy if they got a huge advance or won a Pulitzer prize, I suspect most writers feel pretty good in situations such as these:

• Slap-happy Creator Stage. I love the phase of writing when I’m onto a new character whose world is unfolding before my eyes, or when I write a new nonfiction essay. It may need a lot of work, in fact, it will need a ton of work, but in the creation or draft stage, I love the way I can put down all these ideas.
• Eagle-eye Revision Stage. Sometimes, a crit of my work stings, or I don’t agree with the feedback. I sulk, pout and feel sorry for myself for that 24 hours. When I’m done being defiant, though, I love the part where I can see clearly what needs to happen in a manuscript. I love having the eagle-eye of clarity, knowing that the work is going to be stronger.
• The Beautiful Baby Stage. I also get really happy when I’m satisfied (for the moment at least) that I’ve done all I can to a chapter, story, scene or novel.  I’m the proud parent of a most beautiful baby, and I’m happy not only to have finished something, but also confident that I’ve given my best and then some. Others may not agree, the work might languish in a drawer or it may still need a ton of work. But for now, I smile at my beautiful baby and head right back to the Slap-happy Creator Stage.