Highs and Lows of Writing

Well, I tried to post this earlier, but my on-going love-hate relationship with my computer, resulted in it not happening. I think I may be headed for an electronic divorce.

At any rate, I wanted to talk a bit today about the highs and lows of writing. Every writer knows them, and unfortunately (or fortunately) some folks experience more of one or the other. How do you all cope with them?

I've found my critique group not those closest to me, to be the most valuable resource that I've had for navigating both highs and lows. When there's things to celebrate, man we really celebrate! When we have lows, we band together to pull each other up by the boostraps and kick our butts in gear to keep on that proverbial wagon.

This week I had some frustrations. My critique partners allowed me to vent, both on the phone and in our email. They helped me navigate a rough spot in a work in progress. And they aided my momentary self-pity by frankly, just letting me indulge. Sometimes when things get low, that's the best way to handle it. Have the cry, get it out, then move on.

Conversely, my week ended on a high point. I discovered I finaled in a contest, (results are still unofficial so I can't say much), and my critique partners were there to raise that proverbial glass in toast.

In all, they are my rock. I'm not sure what I'd do without those phenomenal ladies.

So, I'm curious -- what do you all do to celebrate your successes? How do you navigate your frustrations?