Saturday, April 21, 2012

ARE WRITERS BI-POLAR

 Are writers bi-polar?

I jump from one project to another like a flea on a dog.

One minute I'm dredging up my past to write a fictional account of my life with a drug addict, then I change to finish editing my story about a homeless girl, then I click on an unfinished picture book manuscript about a troll...type, type, type...click, click, click...

What's up with that?

Oh, and I pulled out all my files and lined them up on the dining room table trying to decide where to send each manuscript... if I haven't heard from a publisher in six months, I take it as a rejection.

So, I search on-line and in guides for publishing companies that accept unsolicited manuscripts...

My mind compartmentalizes so much...I try to do one thing at a time...to completion, but somehow I

      continue

           to

               jump

                   from

                       project

                              to...


Wednesday, April 11, 2012

TO WRITE OR NOT TO WRITE -- THAT IS THE DILEMMA

I'm going deep, emotional and exploring places in my heart that should probably be left alone.

I have an idea for a gritty adult book, encouraged by my daughter (and writing partner), to write about our struggle with a drug addicted family member.

I took this idea to my critique group yesterday. They listened to the first draft of one chapter -- it was painful to read, painful to hear...

One of the members of my group is a psychologist. She questioned me as to the reason I want to write this. She told me to think long and hard before going back into the past and dredge up these tragic times.

This is my plan -- I have saved all my relatives letters from rehab/jail/prison. I will write a reflection/memory on one of these...my daughter will write her reflection/memory on the same letter and then the chapter will end with the letter from the addict.

Why am I doing this? My main objective is to help others see that one can find serenity in the midst of a sad situation. To travel through this experience and come out the other end whole.

Will it be painful looking back -- you bet! Do I want to view the past -- not really. But if any good can come of it ... I need to write.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

WHAT DO LITTLE BOYS LIKE

I'm writing a story of a little boy who dreams of flying (he has wings), exploring the sea (as a fish), where else can I take him? I like writing in threes...but can't figure out a third place.

Monday, April 2, 2012

KEEP THE FOCUS ON THE WORDS

It's Easter week in my community. Since I live in sunny southwest Florida that means kids of all shapes, sizes and ages are descending on our beaches. And, beautiful beaches we have.

It's wonderful, but writing time is limited to a few hours in the morning when one can focus on the words. I'm on to a new project. I find myself totally focused and the words are flowing. How cool is that.

It's another one of those dreaded picture books -- But, I find it fun, sort of a mind exercise for me. A lesson in word choice, being succinct.

I really need to get back to editing and revising my novels, but I am enjoying playing with words. It's dominoes for the writer -- a game I want to win.