Archives for February 2011

I would like to say I’m that kind of person who is organized, on time, and knows what she wants.  I’m two out of the three…at least I think I am.  Every single Monday, I seem to want to start a “system,” one that I will try out for the whole week, and see how it fits in with my schedule.  I’m really going to stick to it this week, I tell myself.  By Wednesday my “system” isn’t a system at all, but more of a sporadic day, which is followed by Thursday and Friday of more unorganized days.

Today, just like I always do on Monday’s, I decided to not worry about making a “system” for myself, but to just go in my office and get the work done, knowing what I’ve come to do, and what I have to get done.

So, here’s to my “non-system,” and in hope I can have my book done my birthday on the 18th!

Over the weekend, I have had the pleasure of reading several wonderful and heartfelt blogs, some that I’m sure will stick with me for quite a long time.

Most of them, are unpublished author’s, who just might be too afraid to finish their book, and aren’t confident.  These people seem to be highly skilled, talented and have the drive, but don’t use it, instead they also seem to procrastinate.  I can’t say that I haven’t procrastinated during my journey of completing this book, which (cross your fingers) will be finished by March 18th, because I have, but I have never been afraid of what will happen, or how my life will be different once I finish it.  When I made the decision to be an author, procrastinating because of fear was not a choice.  Yes, I know that life does get in the way with work, kids, a husband/wife…the list could go on, but don’t let them stop you from becoming who YOU were meant to be!

I want to encourage all of you to finish what you start, and tell the fear in your head to go away.  Believe in yourself, and know that you can do it!

Now, go…go write and spread your wings, and remember don’t procrastinate!

Tonight, as I was reading blogs, I came across one that really hit home.  It gave me a whole new way of thinking, and I’d like to share it with you.

His motto isn’t “write what you know,” instead, “know what you write.”  Click HERE to read this man’s blog.

Have you ever written while consuming an alcoholic drink?  I’ve found that it often times, can be a great assistant to creating a story, for a few reasons.

• I  seem to be more relaxed, and not as worried about grammar (I know, don’t edit, just write, but sometimes I can’t help it).  My storyline seems to take a front seat to everything else, and I seem more focused on what is really important, the writing.
• With two or three glasses of wine, my characters are more creative, and sometimes their “personality” begins to shine, however I try my best to keep them in character, but hey, doesn’t everybody need to shine sometime?
• I’ve looked up some of the great writers, and here is the list I found: Top 10 Drunk American Writers.
• It can be like therapy.  I have many times, created a “me type” of character, allowing my emotions and feelings to come out, through them.  In this article, Psychology Today, reveals that “We Drink and Write for Some of the Same Reasons,” as it’s titled.

Now, I’m not advocating that you get drunk, but I’ve seen that when I write at night, and have had some wine, my writing is better (minus the grammar mistakes),  and my thoughts are more focused.  Now, this might just be me, but it can make it feel like I’m in a fantasy world, which at some point, every writer needs.  They need to not worry about so much, and just WRITE!

I ask you, does drinking while writing help you?

Yesterday, I read a blog that really made me wonder about who I am, and what I do.  Am I a writer, or not?  I took some time last night, and thought really hard about it, and the answer is YES!

Here is the link to a very inspiring, honest and heartfelt blog, about the journey of a writer: So am I an Author yet?

Happy Writing!

There are an abundant amount different kinds of bookstores across the country.  You have the well-known chains like Barnes & Noble, Borders, Half Price Books, and then you have your local tiny independent bookstores that have been around forever, (some even too small to be mentioned, but doesn’t make them not as popular among faithful their clients).

This is how I think they compare, they don’t!  Each bookstore has their own “thing/things” that makes them different.  One is not better than the other, it’s just different.  It can also be various things too — like a cafe in the store, a gift section, couches and comfortable chairs, a certain employee, or even the way the store is designed.  I go to two bookstores within the same chain, miles away from each other, and I like them both equally, though they are very very different.

When I walk into a bookstore and as a book lover, I’m amazed at the beauty of seeing real books on the shelves, much more so than the popular electronic book gadgets, (the Nook and Kindle, for example). I have nothing against these gadgets, but doesn’t everyone love the smell of flipping through a book?  If books become obsolete, which I’m sure they eventually will, what will happen to the large chain stores, book tours and autographs?

As far as the sweet small town bookstores (some which aren’t in small town, it’s more of the type of store), they seem to be disappearing, which I think is sad.  They are no longer the same, thanks to their larger competition.  (For an idea of an independent small book store, watch the movie You’ve Got Mail, with Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks).

In the end, a bookstore is a bookstore, and they are all trying to do the same thing — sell the book that the author has put his or her heart into.

23 DAYS.  That’s how much longer I have to write until my book is finished.  This was my husband’s idea, to have it finished by my birthday on the 18th of March.  At first, I was a little skeptical, but I think it’s a great 30th birthday present to give to myself, knowing that I CAN and WILL have done this!  How cool is it going to be to say, “I finished writing my 1st book (of many), on my 30th birthday?”

Wish me luck on this adventure…now, I’m off to write!

Have a great day everyone, especially you, my supportive hubby!