Many writing tomes tell us to write every day.  Cameron's book the Artist's Way suggests morning papers.  Strike while your subconscious  is near the surface.  You can even take advantage of your dreams.  LaMott's dad suggested her brother not worry about the enormity of the paper he had to write on birds.  Just write it bird - by - bird.  We write, because we want to, because we have to, and we do it word - by - word.

I'm going to take some serious time off to write this summer. I have a historical novel that's been percolating long enough.  One of my friends went on a retreat of sorts, stayed in a friend's cabin in the proverbial woods and if I recall correctly got stung by some such stinging bug that made her swell up.  She didn't get the writing done, at least not to the extent she had planned.

I, too, already have plans to have lunch almost every day and an interview may need to be conducted at that time as well.  No worries.  I still have at least 8 hours of the day to write.  Okay, that's probably not realistic, but hey - I'm a dreamer.  As we all are to some extent.  The plan is to write a significant portion each and every day so that the first draft will be completed by August 1.  Should be doable, if I write when I write, and not explore the internet, make phone calls, bake cookies, or sleep.

I'll let you know how I do.  Write on my friends.
BD

Elizabeth Berg held a reading and signing of her new book of short stories, "The Day I Ate Whatever I Wanted" and she was fabulous.  I love her writing and she is just as funny and poignant as the stories she tells. 

The title of this blog came from her inscription to me, since I told her I was an aspiring writer as well.  But it set me to thinking.  While I've been fighting myself and my other "responsibilities" to find time to write - I'm not writing. 

I'm fighting. So, what must be done is - duh - to put my butt in the chair and write.  I'm feeling somewhat overwhelmed right now. I have a novel to edit; a play to kick up a notch - according to the director who judged it for a resent contest; a historical novel to finish; and an article on botox to do by next Friday.

Oh, and I have a day job, and a family, and 2 adorable dogs who all would like to spend some time with me - and visa versa.  Stressed?  Only a little.  BUT, there are 2 agents and a publisher who expressed interest in my novel, play, and historical if I can just get them DONE!!!!

Guess we'll be having sandwiches this weekend. And the house will remain a pit of dust and whatever the dogs (and hubby) track in. Oh, did I tell you a friend of mine is having a garage sale and I have my spare bedroom filled with boxes of stuff? 

Hubby always said I wasn't happy unless my hair was on fire.  It's definitely blazing now.

I'm looking forward to the extra day this weekend.  I WILL write, and see the new Indiana Jones film.  Priorities, right?  I will "do what I must" - no doubt.

Write on fellow writers,

See you in the funny papers.

BD

Writing. I'm very pleased to announce that I've won several more awards, only this time for my non-fiction articles.  It's very satisfying to know that my writing has improved to the extent that others find it award winning.  Hum. Sounds pretentious. 

I think all writers are basically insecure. We love what we do, but we really want others to love how we do it.  We want to be read and encouraged to write more.  We need accolades so we can keep going back to the blank page and not be afraid it will swallow us up.  I don't think I'm the only writer intimidated by the great expanse of white, paper or blank computer screen. 

Many of us write for ourselves first which is as it should be.  But there are truths that are universal to everyone, experiences we all must face and fear to face alone, feelings we must express that others know they feel, too.  We are part of a collective, but we are not all assimilated.  We creative types find ways to forge ahead, break new ground, sail to the stars with paint, words, music, whatever.  But when it all is done we feel compelled to share.  It's not just "look what I did" - it's I did it, and you can do it, too.

Don't be afraid. Write on...
BD