RUNNING AND GOING NOWHERE

So many ideas are floating around on my computer. All beginnings, some with middles, but no endings in sight. I feel like I'm running on a treadmill and going nowhere.

I'm enjoying playing with them...these ideas, these stories of mine. But, I want one of them to find the finish line. 

Every morning I open up my files. Read what I have written and hope that the next line writes itself. Alas, it isn't happening. Am I in a panic? No. From my experiences, the story will develop in its own sweet time. And when it does - a sigh of relief.

Relax and enjoy the journey. The finish line is ahead, just keep plugging along.

A joyous Easter to you all.

A FILE, A THOUGHT, A BRAND NEW DAY

A weekend away, a file folder full of half finished manuscripts, and the quietest place on earth. My retreat brought peace, serenity, but no finished stories. That's okay, because I received so much more -- answers to questions that plagued my mind for a long, long time. Questions that interfered with the creative process.

With clear thoughts and a brand new day I have discovered ideas, and new stories brewing. Now, to pick the one that will perk the interest of an editor. It's fun to start all over -- like searching for that new dress to wear to a party. I don't quite know exactly what I am looking for, but when I see it...WOW, it's perfect.

SPAGHETTI ON THE WALL

My mom would throw spaghetti on the wall to see if it was done. If it stuck, it was ready to eat. Or, was if it didn't stick to the wall it was ready to eat? Hmm, can't remember.

Anyway, that's my new theory for submitting. Write and throw manuscripts on the great publishing walls of the world -- and hope something sticks. All my work is out there. Unlike spaghetti on the wall which produces instant knowledge of acceptance (or doneness), the world of publishing takes patience.

Thank goodness I have been blessed with this attribute of patience. It keeps me from worry...and pacing...and fretting.

One of the ways I use this waiting time is to begin another project. Right now I'm not sure what that is. Fortunately I am going to a retreat this weekend. I will have a lot of time to think and write. I am taking some of my partially finished works and will see where they take me. It is my wish to have something new to toss at the wall of publishing. Time and patience will tell.

WITCHES OR KNIGHTS OR TROLLS--SO MANY CHOICES

Ah, change. It feels good to put one book to bed and begin another.

But, where to go?

To the time of Salem and witches or a kingdom far away and joust with knights or perhaps, sit under a bridge with trolls...

Maybe I'll do all three...after all...so many companions to play with...oh, the fun we can have! 

I MADE IT ACROSS THE FINISH LINE

Well, well, well...I made it! I finished my novel. A miracle. What next?

I let it sit for a while. Simmer and then I jump into the editing/revision portion.  

My 85 year old neighbor wants to read it. Maybe I should put it into her hands first. She's not afraid to read gritty stuff and definitely not afraid to tell me it's crap...if that is what she thinks. I love the fiesty ones...and there are plenty of them around where I live.

Now, on to witches and trolls and bullies...

WILL IT EVER END?

Slosh...

     Slosh...

          Slosh...

I feel like I'm running a marathon wearing combat boots and slushing through muck--the finish line is in sight...but I just can't get there.

I'm almost done with my YA novel. At least I think I am.  But, it seems the more I write the further away from the ending I get...The finish line is waiting for me...I see it...I can scroll down and find it and read it and type the words "the end." It's those darn blank spaces inbetween...

Clickety, clack...

     Clickety, clack...

          Clickety, clack...

That's the sound of my keyboard filling in those spaces. Just when I think I have completely covered a page with words...more blank spaces appear.  

I know, I know...it's the journey, not the destination. But, I'm ready for another journey. A trip with witches or trolls or bullies.   

Are we almost there?

Slosh...

     Slosh...

          Slosh...

BROTHERS, WISHES AND OTHER RELATIVES

My brother is the coolest guy EVER. Tall, handsome, smart and a top notch writer. Yes, I know I'm prejudice, but--hey, it's true. 

He is presently in the middle of his second YA novel. His first one already has an agent interested. How cool is that?

I wish I had an agent interested in my novel.

He makes these trailers...kind of like a movie trailer...that advertise his books. They are creative and interesting and oh, so well done.

I wish I knew how to make a trailer.

We have a bet. The first one to get a book published, gets to pick the place of their choice--anywhere in the world... and the other (looks like it is going to be me) has to buy a bottle of wine and meet the winner in their chosen location.

I wish my book would be published first.

But...I secretly hope my brother wins. He doesn't like to travel too far from home and I want to meet in Paris.