A little less conversation... A little more action

I have made a decision.
I am taking a blog break. Not from  this blog. Although, I am pretty sure only one person might even possibly notice if I did that. (Thank you, Jody, for being my single follower!) Is anyone else out there?????????

*crickets*

Anyway, I am taking a week long break from the seven other blogs I read daily. These are author's and agent's blogs. Blogs I didn't know existed until a year ago when I decided to start researching the publishing process. They have been a wealth of information and I deeply enjoy them, but while I am discussing writing everyday, I am not writing everyday.

For the 34 years before I read these blogs, I wrote. I didn't care if I was writing for the current market or if anyone else was ever going to read it. I just wrote. I miss that. I miss the absent of pressure for my writing. I want remember what it was like to write only for me.

Maybe I will come up with a brilliant new plot line, maybe not. But I hope to at least remember my voice and why, even though the world may never read my work....
I am a writer. 

Blocked

So, I am not doing so great.
First of all, I am 35 today. THIRTY-FIVE! 3-5. UGH. How did that happen? I was 24 just yesterday!

Second, I am not writing. I tried. I have over 15,000 words of a new manuscript and I just stopped. Stopped before I even got to the "good" part, which had inspired me in the first place. I feel like I am trying too hard.

My brain has become a cider block. I used to have three or four story lines a day running through my head. It was like having satellite channels in my mind. For the past couple of weeks, there has been nothing but static. Plenty of lights and noise to occupy my thoughts (Work, the house, my husband, the kids, my mother, school supplies, vet appointments,blah, blah blah,) But I feel like I am forcing any amount of words onto the paper and I don't like any of them.

I wonder if it is because I did decide to get serious about publication. Instead of just writing, like I always have, I am reading agent blogs, writer, blogs, email loops. I am overwhelmed by information about how to write instead of thinking of what to write. 

I am considering taking a week long break from all the blog reading and letting my brain decompress.

Coming out

I have decided to come out... No, I am not gay. I am coming out as myself. I have been hiding behind a screen name on my blogging, commenting and generally anything writing related. So, I am coming out. My name is Dawn. Not Emily (Though, I do think Emily is beautiful name). I used a screen name because I thought it would be easier if Emily failed at writing, but Dawn didn't.

I am tired of hiding behind it. I am a writer... ME.. DAWN.


I have written nothing in the two weeks since my summer started. I think part of my block has been the refusal to accept this is the direction I want to go. I want to be known as a writer!

So, there it is... For the two people in the world who might possibly being reading this. My name is Dawn. In real life and online... Nice to meet you.

Finally Summer

It is finally summer. I am free from (most) obligations. I certainly I have more time to write. Here are the goals I have set for myself before Aug. 12th when I return to the real world.

1. Finish editing "Book 2" and give the poor thing a title!
2. Take an online writing course
3. Launch StoryTwister
4. Finish editing "Book 1"

and the BIG ONE

Send at least ONE query just to prove I can!

Crossroads

I am at an intersection. Just me at a four way stop. In the next few weeks, I will either have to hit the blinker and make the turn or barrel through on the path I have set.

An opportunity to become re-involved in a professional organization I truly value and believe to be vitally important has arisen for me. It is a strong time commitment.  But could lead to more professional opportunities, networking, presentations, etc.

Hours after the opportunity was presented. My husband made his own proposal. If we can eliminate our credit card debt, which is a possibility  within a year ( if we truly focus) or two ( if we aren't as stringent), I can quit and make a serious attempt at pursuing publication.

So, here I am... hands on the wheel... tank full of fuel... an no direction to go.

907 words

That is what I wrote yesterday. Almost the prescribed 1000 words a day, but not quite. I am trying to go with the NaNoWriMo philosophy. It is just a first draft. Just get it on the paper. Then worry about revising.... I am trying. It is a start.

So, I am not writing...

well, I am writing right now... But, in general, I am not writing. I have an idea. I always I have an idea. But I can't seem to make myself put it on paper. I think I am having a writer identity crisis. Mystery is my first love. I like to dabble in romance ~ Don't we all :) ~ and I have idea for a paranormal... So, who am I ?


I have turned into one of those writers who reads all the blogs, follows all the agents, but doesn't actually PRODUCE anything... and that is unacceptable.