Problems

Not a problem-The actual writing. Once I sit down and start, the writing just flows. I enjoy it.

Problem-Time. I thought the having more time to write was my problem or excuse.

The true Problem-Energy. I am finding my real problem is lack of energy. I worked in the yard for awhile today. Okay it was hours. Now I find that I don't have enough energy to write. That is where I really have problems...doing something in the day and then being strong and with it enough to write.

Not sure what the answer is...still struggling to find my stride.

Something Old

Today I was reading in my Chicken Soup for the Writer's Soul that helps me remember to be a writer. I came across an old friend, Lois Duncan, the author of Down a Dark Hall. I found that book in 5th grade having read all 133 Nancy Drew books. I loved Down a Dark Hall! I have read numerous other books by Duncan but Down a Dark Hall remains my favorite. It was dark, (obviously) and mysterious and suspenseful. When my daughter was old enough I shared the author with her and when my granddaughter is old enough, I will share the books with her too. When I began teaching I came across some Duncan books in a reading program I was using and was able to share them with hundreds of students. So here I am thirty six years later and I still remember how I felt when I read Down a Dark Hall. That is the true gift of a writer. Thank you Lois Duncan.

Woe is me.

No writing. I don't know how I can be off of school and still find so much to do. I have to commit to WRITING. I like the writing, but with so many chores to complete, it becomes a chore too. DANG IT!

I am getting excited about RomCon in Denver. It will be so nice to see some published authors. I know they are busy too, and maybe I can steal some ideas from them on how to better organize my life.

Time to get Serious!

Like many things in my life, I started my writing blog and let other things get in the way. I also suffered a SEVERE writer's block for a long time because I got caught up in trying to "be a writer" instead of trying to write. So, I am back to writing.

To catch you up. I have tabled for now my chick lit Janet Evanovich-esque novel, but not given up the idea yet.

I have been acting as President of the Heartland Romance Authors for a couple of years and have learned MUCH. So much, that for awhile I intimidated myself out of writing.

Currently I am writing a young adult thriller that features a teen male protagonist and a teenage serial mercy killer. The underlying storyline focuses on the story of two twin high school boys. One is bi-polar and they are both trying to deal with the suicide of their previously depressed father. It is kind of a looking in the mirror to see yourself in your brother. Think Wally Lamb. It also features a theme similar to my favorite book of all times, Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck. Making a choice with only bad choices.

This book is a way for me to use my experience as a teacher, a stepmother to twins, and a neat book I found last year at Nationals on serial killers.

Now, I am going to do what I need to do. WRITE. WRITE regularly and do NOT self-edit. GET IT WRITTEN AND THEN REVISE OR YOU NEVER MOVE FORWARD!