Dec 072011
 

I’m convinced that luck comes in waves. In the past couple of weeks, I’ve noticed that a few people around me are going through rough and tough times, while others are at their optimum. Case in point, one family member was recently laid off, while another was offered a promotion and raise. His wife was also offered a job with a competitive salary. Earlier this year their situations were reversed. What the heck is going on? Is this some kind of reversal of fortune? Is it their turn to get showered with good luck from the universe? Does good and bad luck come in waves? I’m starting to think yes.

This good luck occurred within the last couple of weeks, which brings me to this – the moments before the New Year always count. Whatever you want to do this year, whatever dreams you have can still be reached. Don’t give up just because you may be in the midst of a bad luck wave. Keep pushing along because good luck is heading your way.

Confession: I’ve been putting off the completion of my novel because I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and it scares me. Sounds strange, I know, but exposing my inner most thoughts is a frightening thing for me, hell, for any writer. It’s a vulnerability I didn’t expect to have and one I didn’t prepared for, but I’m pushing forward. There’s not much sense in keeping my manuscript hidden on a file folder on my desktop. My plan is to finish my novel by the end of this year and edit it early next year to get this pony in the publishing show.

I want to leave this year on a high note. Don’t you? If so, then take this as your sign to sprint to the finish line and get whatever you need to get done – done.

I’m wishing all you writers and artists out there good luck on your current project! You can do it.

“Let me know – do I still got time to grow? Things ain’t always set in stone. Let me know, let me know. Seems like street lights, glowing, happen to be just like moments, passing in front of me, so I hopped in the cab and I paid my fare. See, I know my destination, but I’m just not there.”

-“Street Lights” by Kanye West

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Oct 042011
 

I’ve recently re-written my chapter synopsis and changed the storyline for my middle grade novel. This means I am in the middle of a major overhaul. I am cutting, pasting, re-writing, and adding in new bits of information. Trust me when I say, it’s for the best.

My MG novel is in pieces and it’s making me anxious. I’m second guessing and editing when I should be writing. I feel like I’m walking the line between sanity and insanity, between being normal one minute and then sputtering some bizarre thought out loud, when such thoughts should remain unsaid, between wanting to sleep and worrying.

Who knew that such an undertaking could lead to madness? Okay, maybe I knew. I was warned. I knew the signs, but the descent into madness is a slow one, easily missed if you aren’t paying attention and I wasn’t paying attention. So here I am.

I’ve completed my chapter synopsis, character analysis, and my two-sentence pitch. I started writing my proposal. I’m gathering lit agent information. I write and read every day.

I’m not worried about getting it all done. I know myself. I know I’ll get it done. I always do. I just need to relax.

Now, how do I do that?

I normally…

1. Sit in silence.
2. Breathe deep.
3. Drink a hot cup of coffee.
4. Eat candy, cheese, or nuts.
5. Read.
6. Shop.
7. Vent.
8. Go to the movies.
9. Sing songs to my son.

And if all else fails,

10. I make myself a drink.

Share with me how you did it. What are some ways you all relaxed through the novel writing process?

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