I recently read an article in a writers blog I follow about choosing words to guide the writing journey in the new year. Yes, I am aware we are now in the fourth month of the year. But 2026 has not been an easy one so far and it has shaken my belief in myself. But rather than complicate this post by writing about it I will simply choose my word.
Endeavour. No matter what happens I will endeavour to keep trying, to keep doing, to keep going and to keep believing in myself. And I will also thank WITS upfront for providing me with a means to stay buoyant and talk about wine-making.
The best product
Writing, wine making and believing in the self are hard taskmasters. To create a viable end product we can take pride in, requires support of others. Whether it is fellow employees, family, or friends’ matters little. To produce something, we can take that kind of pride in, we need to feel supported or the result is vinegar. Not to say, vinegar doesn’t have a place in our lives, but the grapes are pressed to make wine, a novel or non-fiction piece is created to be read, and we humans need belief in the self to keep our world and the world afloat. Belief in the self is fed by those around us.
Support like endeavour is a very good word and surprisingly both words apply to the process of writing, winemaking and believing in the self with equal fervour. These three things require dedication to the honing of the craft, often as much physically as mentally.
Also shared is a common enemy– competition, and it is fiercely frightening. Not only must flavour and aroma be perfect but so must bottling and the right label and public awareness. In writing you need to consider revising manuscripts, edits, covers and public awareness. With self-belief I have no words for the ego is fragile, more so when connected to our own creation. Vinegar is hovering every second.
There is nothing wrong with vinegar
Remember that word endeavour? For me it is a promise I make to keep trying – I will endeavour to keep going but vinegar and I are oldfriends. I am Italian and I grew up to the stomping of grapes in the cleverly designed concrete contraption housed in our garage. Living in Sydney and not the south of Italy, options for my father and uncles were limited. Did that stop them? Ha! They took the endeavour word further with the use of a homemade still. Yes, just like in the movies. They then added imported flavourings. Were the results perfect? Well, vinegar often made an appearance but fortunately so did reasonable wine and with that addition of flavourings so did fancy drinks more commonly known as liqueurs.
Wine making, writing and self-belief
How is this tying together you are wondering right now? Wine creation meant a family gathering filled with laughter, a ridiculous amount of food and the belief that many hands make light work. The contraptions and subsequent production of wine improved with the passing years. The fun was and continued to be in existence because many hands do make light work. The legality? Hey, most of the participants are long gone from this earth. I was a child. I only knew we all had fun stomping on grapes, sharing food and helping with the work to be done.
Where does writing come in? Try edits, of numerous kinds requiring editors and decisions for covers and finding beta readers and the costly advertising. Getting the book out there, well, don’t get me started. All I can say is that before you know it believing in yourself and your chosen endeavour becomes very shaky.
Family, friends, and strangers out there
Finished products are scary. Are they ever finished? Does it taste right, does it read right and did I do it right are like a recurring allergy – finding the right medication is hard. You need help from professionals. You also need chicken soup and hot drinks to maintain energy for grape stomping and the occasional hugs, or the questions will eat you alive. Does it taste right, does it read right and did I do it right.
Professional help will improve the writing but the buoyancy gained from family and friends will keep you believing in yourself and your capabilities.
Endeavour and support
Priceless words to reflect with and on – endeavour and support. The perfect glass of wine does happen but not in isolation and not without often harsh critique to keep us hard at work. Writing or believing in yourself no matter the circumstances or the profession is much the same. If we do not endeavour and keep endeavouring, and if we are not supported the road is long and painful, even blocked.
So, to those reading I say, keep going and whether I know you or not, know I am thinking of you and know you can do this. We may have different dreams, but all humans dream and that is all that matters. Know also I will support you when I can and believe me I will. It may only be in small ways but I will.
Until next time, be kind to others but don’t forget to include yourself as well,
Barb
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